New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Vehicles for hire ordinance
A draft ordinance would regulate pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages and pedal-pub-style vehicles in the historic district, including $1M/$3M insurance requirements. A new business, Bear Crawl Tours, asked the Board not to overburden small operators — and downtown residents want more input.
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.
Barbecue Festival and City Process Complaints
Bear-B-Q founder John Herrin told the Board the city's event permitting process is 'broken' — including a Public Works crew showing up to block an easement mid-festival — and said the city manager ignored a promised follow-up visit.
Redevelopment Commission funding and $200,000 land fund
The RDC's staff budget was zeroed out and the Board agreed not to fill its Executive Director position, keeping the $200,000 land acquisition fund restricted until the full Board meets with the Commission.