New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Paws of War Eastern NC dog training permit
The city wants clear rules on where dog training and boarding businesses can operate. The amendment would define indoor and outdoor dog training, replace the kennel definition with boarding, and allow indoor boarding as a special use in C-5, C-4, and C-6 commercial districts.
Epiphany School special-use permit (TK facility)
A private school wants to run a transitional kindergarten facility on a small residentially-zoned lot at 2211 Henderson Avenue. The special use permit decision affects what can operate in that R-6 neighborhood and how nearby residents are protected by conditions.
Rezoning of 1100 Pinetree Drive
Nearly 4 acres on Pinetree Drive could shift from residential to commercial zoning to make room for what appears to be a wellness-related business. Neighbors may see changes in traffic and nearby character if it moves forward.
Updates to Historic District Design Principles and Standards
The commission is reviewing updates to the design principles and standards that spell out what owners can do to homes in New Bern's historic districts. Any changes could shape future renovation and construction approvals district-wide.
Certificates of Appropriateness for Three Historic Properties
The commission was scheduled to hold public hearings on three certificate-of-appropriateness requests, including an extensive amendment to an approved rear addition at 218 Pollock St. These decisions determine what exterior changes owners may make to contributing and non-contributing buildings in the historic district.
Election Updates
Early voting for the Statewide General Election is happening now through October 31. Heads up that there are new traffic patterns at the Board of Elections office, so plan accordingly and don't forget your photo ID!
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The board was scheduled for an introductory discussion on ADUs — small secondary homes on existing residential lots. This could eventually affect whether homeowners can add rental units or in-law suites, but no rules were proposed or decided at this meeting.
Data Centers
The board was scheduled for an introductory discussion on data centers — large facilities that house computer servers. The topic matters for how the city might regulate or accommodate such development, but nothing was scheduled for a vote.
Properties Sold After Upset Bid Process
An upset bid came in on the Mechanic Street property at the request of Agape Adams. The commission was to accept or reject the bid resolution — no outcome is known.
Adding 722 Third Ave to Sellable Lots List
Marvin Berry asked the commission to put the vacant lot next door at 722 Third Avenue on its sellable lots list. That would open it up for purchase by private buyers. No decision is confirmed.
Disposition of Redevelopment Parcels (First Avenue, Mechanic Street, Bloomfield Street, Sampson Street)
The commission was scheduled to consider bids for two city-owned lots in the redevelopment area — one requested by Torrance Chapman and one by Ed McGovern. Purchasing conditions attached to salable lots have been a sticking point, with buyers wanting faster turnaround to build homes.
Clarifying and Revising Purchasing Conditions for Salable Lots
The Property Sales workgroup was set to discuss changes to the conditions the city attaches when selling redevelopment lots. These conditions affect how quickly buyers like Mr. Chapman can build.
Yellow Creek Enterprise Property Requests and Upset Bids
The board was scheduled to consider selling five city-owned lots: 1407 Lincoln Street, 1503 Garden Street, 703 W B Street, 1103 Biddle Street and 1131 H Street, plus a deed with Habitat for Humanity for 2208 Hartford Avenue.
Feral Cat Management
Ward 2 residents say a neighbor feeding stray cats has created a nuisance. Aldermen found existing ordinance limits and staffing shortfalls, but agreed to meet with a TNR volunteer and explore enforcement options.
FY27 Water and Sewer Improvements Project
A contract with Avolis Land Works, LLC was scheduled for the FY27 water and sewer improvements project — infrastructure work that keeps taps and flushes running reliably.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Grant
The board was scheduled to authorize HUD-1044 and a grant agreement for the FY2025/26 Choice Neighborhoods Grant, approve the 2026 CDBG Citizen Participation Plan, and amend the CDBG fund — federal housing and community development dollars for the city.
City Strategic Plan
The board reviewed the strategic plan that guides city priorities and spending. Residents' services — from parks to public safety — flow from these priorities.
Schedule of Fees and Charges Amendment
An ordinance amending the city's schedule of fees and charges was scheduled — could change what residents pay for various city services.
Revenue Bond Financing
Aldermen considered revenue bonds as a way to fund public improvements. If pursued, this would be a financing decision affecting future city budgets.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
Electric Rate Ordinance Amendment
Several items touch the electric system: engineering agreements for substation transformer projects, a declaration to reimburse the city for capital improvements, fund amendments, and a step toward a public hearing on changing electric rates.
C-3 Commercial Rezoning of Two Agricultural Parcels
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and possibly adopt a rezoning of Tax Parcel IDs 8-210-044 and 8-210-23001 from agricultural to commercial use. What gets built there could shape traffic and neighborhood character.
Additional Street Lights on Pasteur, Cypress, and North Cool Streets
A resolution was scheduled to add street lights on three streets — a safety and visibility improvement for those neighborhoods.
Government Transparency
Local media is calling out New Bern's Board of Aldermen for being sketchy about how they communicate and make decisions. This matters because you deserve to know how your city government is actually running things behind closed doors.
Initial zoning of US 70 parcels as Commercial 3
Two newly annexed parcels totaling 5.86 acres along East US 70 would be zoned Commercial 3 (C-3), opening the door to commercial development on the highway corridor. What gets built there depends on this designation and later approvals.
Carolina Colours Aston Cluster Subdivision – Phase I Streets
The city was scheduled to take over ownership and maintenance of streets in the new Aston Cluster subdivision, plus add stop intersections and speed limits there. The city shoulders maintenance; residents gain enforceable traffic rules.
Weyerhaeuser Rezoning and Development Agreement
A resolution was scheduled to call a public hearing on rezoning three Weyerhaeuser parcels — one to commercial, two to R-6 residential — and to approve a development agreement with Weyerhaeuser NR Company. This could set the stage for significant new growth.
$24 Million General Obligation Bond Projects
A construction agreement for the GO Bond-funded street and sidewalk project was scheduled — voter-approved bond money at work on roads and walkability.
Demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
A downtown building has been in demolition-by-neglect status since the 1990s. Slow but steady repairs continue — windows, roof covering, and a rebuilt two-story porch — with a repointing application expected soon.
Long-running demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
One of the city's longest-running demolition-by-neglect cases, dating back to the 1990s or earlier. The update notes real progress: windows repaired and reinstalled, temporary roof covering along the parapet, and a two-story wood porch being rebuilt with exact replacement — plus a repointing COA application coming soon.
Formal violation at 215 Pollock St.
A modern metal roof installed without a certificate of appropriateness, with a stop work order violated back in 2019. The city attorney is currently pausing the lawsuit to let the owner pursue the contractor.
Large-scale rezonings along US 70 / NC 43 corridors
Three Weyerhaeuser rezoning requests covering more than 1,200 acres could reshape the edge of New Bern with new commercial and residential development. What the board does here sets up the aldermen's final decisions.
922 Pollock Street rezoning
The city wants to rezone a tiny Habitat for Humanity-owned parcel on downtown Pollock Street from Commercial 5A to Commercial 4.
Manufactured homes in the Redevelopment District
Staff from Development Services was scheduled to walk the commission through text amendment requirements and setback considerations for manufactured homes in the Redevelopment District. The rules could shape what kind of housing can go on vacant lots the commission sells.
Avenues/Duffyfield affordable housing redevelopment
Residents are asking about closed streets (West Street, Fowler's Lane, East Rhodes), an insecure fence around a retention pond next to a daycare, and dilapidated housing. The workgroup wants more transparency and resident education from the city.
Avenues Project
The Housing workgroup was scheduled to discuss the Avenues Project and how to use Brownfields grant funds — both aimed at housing and redevelopment in targeted neighborhoods.
Street closures for parades and races
Three resolutions would close streets for the Sudan Shriners winter parade, the 2026 Christmas Parade and the Trail to Tryon races.
Rock quarry water rules at Brice's Creek
Boater traffic at the rock quarry on Brice's Creek has created safety hazards, and the state's study backs a no-wake zone. A September 8 public hearing is the next step.
Parks grant application
The state budget includes a $75,000 grant for a New Bern Parks and Recreation facility.
Three commercial rezonings
The board was scheduled to hold public hearings on rezonings at 922 Pollock Street, three Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard parcels, and 1822 S. Glenburnie Road. These could shape what gets built and what neighbors can expect along those corridors.
FY2027 budget amendments and grant funds
A budget ordinance amendment for FY2027 and five fund amendments covering electric, grants, drainage and pier projects were on the docket.
Municipal Service District projects
The MSD advisory committee was scheduled to review the district's finances and take up new project proposals. These decisions shape how money raised in the downtown service district is spent on improvements.
Vehicles for hire ordinance
An ordinance amendment to Chapter 82 would update the city's rules for taxis and other for-hire vehicles.
East Front Street historic property alterations
Two contributing historic properties at 524 and 411 E. Front St. were up for design review — a remodel of an accessory building and additions to a house and garage. The decisions affect how much historic character in the Tertiary AVC district is preserved as owners update their properties.
Demolition by neglect enforcement
The commission tracks buildings in the historic district whose owners are letting them deteriorate. The long-running case at 221 E. Front St. shows progress — windows, roofing, and porch work are underway — and the 726 Pollock St. case continues under a set timeline. These cases determine whether historic buildings are saved or lost.
Demolition by neglect and enforcement cases
Five cases were removed from the List of Concern after review and unrequested improvements, per the administrator's report.
St. Paul School Annex expansion
St. Paul Catholic Parish wants to expand its existing school on 18.91 acres along Country Club Road. A public hearing was set for neighbors to weigh in.
HPC Member Terms Expiring
One commission member's first term ended in June, and that member must be reappointed or replaced by their alderman. This affects who reviews historic district requests going forward.
Rezoning of 98.2 acres near Savoy Drive and NC Hwy 43
BPNC, LLC wants to rezone nearly 100 acres of farmland along the NC Hwy 43 corridor to Commercial 3, which would allow commercial development. The proposal was continued from July after the board asked for more time, so it's still an open question for neighbors along that corridor.
GO Bond stormwater projects underway
Eleven stormwater improvement projects move forward as the city manager is authorized to hire engineering firms for design and construction oversight.