New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Galloway Road Sewer Extension
A 72-acre parcel outside the city limits gets city sewer for a five-lot subdivision, with annexation expected to follow soon.
710 New St. demolition and infill
Two vacant lots at 717 and 719 New Street are slated for new one-and-a-half-story houses. The commission was scheduled to hold hearings on whether the designs fit the historic district's character before any construction can move forward.
COA application backlog
Zero new minor COA applications came in that month, but 24 applications are sitting waiting for information from applicants — a sign the pipeline is clogged on the applicant side, which can slow down home and business improvement projects in the districts.
Unpermitted window alterations at 306 Metcalf St.
Windows were installed without a certificate of appropriateness and don't meet standards, following an October 2024 complaint. A notice of violation letter was expected to go out soon.
Downtown sound system
The MSD advisory committee was scheduled to hear a proposal for a downtown sound system from Stonehaven Sight & Sound. Such a system could serve downtown events and announcements, and any funding would likely come from municipal service district revenues paid by downtown property owners.
Brownfields Grant and CDBG Activities
New Bern gets $240,314 in federal CDBG money — about $20,000 less than last year — mostly for streets and sidewalks in low-to-moderate income areas, plus roof replacements and utility assistance.
821 West Street Purchase
The staff report was to cover the E Street closure, transmission of a resolution to the surveyor for parcel unification and county registration, and interest from two parties in the property.
Federal Alley and riverfront improvements
State grant-funded upgrades to Federal Alley (sidewalk, art, lighting) move forward with agreements with two property owners, plus a 15-year license letting the Doubletree hotel build riverside deck seating the public can use.