New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
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.
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.
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.
Highway safety grants for police
The police department gets $50,000 in state grants — no city match — for safety campaigns like Click It or Ticket and officer overtime.
Open Burning Permits for Land Clearing
Smoke from land clearing on County Line Road drew complaints, and the Board considered pausing burn permits. The developer offered to use air-curtain equipment that cuts smoke dramatically, and the permit could be reissued with Fire Department monitoring.
Communication with redevelopment-area residents
A new public relations framework aims to raise the commission's visibility through local media partnerships, community events, and homeowner education seminars, with the goal of bringing displaced residents back to Duffyfield.
Blue Water Rise Streets, Safety, and Theft Concerns
The city formally took over Blue Water Rise streets with new stop and speed rules — and Alderman Aster asked for extra night patrols after reports of petty theft in the neighborhood.
Real-time crime center not funded; PD budget scrutiny
The $62,000 real-time crime center wasn't recommended since public safety already eats up 49% of the General Fund, and the Mayor wants a working group to study future police needs.
2814 Oakland Avenue demolition
A house that's been out of code compliance since 2023 will be demolished once funding is available, at an estimated cost of $9,243 plus asbestos work.
Regional narcotics and violent crime task force
New Bern PD is joining an SBI-led task force with Craven, Pamlico and Carteret counties targeting drug trafficking, homicides, firearms and organized crime.
Life-safety second exit at 206 Middle Street
A new storefront door at the Benner's Building is required by the fire department so the restaurant space can be occupied. The commission approved it because it reuses the existing opening and matches the storefront's aluminum framing.
Fire Mutual Aid with MCAS Cherry Point
An agreement letting the city and Cherry Point's fire services back each other up during emergencies.