New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
Parks grant application
The state budget includes a $75,000 grant for a New Bern Parks and Recreation facility.
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.
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.
1822 S Glenburnie Road rezoning
A city-initiated fix to make 2.79 acres on South Glenburnie Road uniformly Commercial 4 instead of split C-4/R-6.
Historic preservation awards program
The board discussed establishing a Historic Preservation Awards Program to recognize good stewardship of the city's historic buildings.
Street closures for MumFest and Bridge Run
Closed streets approved for a Clydesdale parade March 27, the Jagged Little Pill red carpet May 8, and a July 4th America's 250th parade; Mardi Gras added to city-sponsored events.
Animal service uses text amendment
The Land Use Ordinance would be amended to spell out rules for animal service uses, like groomers and kennels.
Historic Dryborough owners support
The commission reported on efforts to support owners in the Historic Dryborough area, a historically significant community.
Denied demolition at 811 Pollock St.
The administrator's report was to include the denial of a major certificate of appropriateness for demolition of a contributing structure at 811 Pollock St. Demolition denials in the historic district preserve the district's character but can be costly for owners. The report is a recap of April 2 to May 7 actions, not a new decision.
Waterways Rules for Commercial Vessels at City Docks
Commercial boats and water taxis can now license space at city docks for $500 a year, but loading construction materials from the docks is banned to stop ramp damage and park disruption.
Removal of the Electric Services Board
A dormant city board inactive since 2012 was formally deleted from the code. The electric utility ad hoc group has taken its place, and a future advisory board or town hall was floated.
MPO boundary expansion
The New Bern Area MPO becomes the Craven County MPO, absorbing Havelock and three smaller towns, with the county taking over as lead agency by July 1 — changing who steers regional transportation planning.
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.
Board rules and procedures update
The board's own operating rules are being rewritten. Staff says a draft will go to the city attorney and then to board members before the next hearing, giving them time to suggest changes.
Torrance Chapman Property Request
Resident Torrance Chapman requested commission action regarding a property, with photos submitted for review.
West A. Street / E Street closure status
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.
Drainage canal maintenance and noise complaints
Outlaw again pressed for deferred maintenance work on major drainage canals, and reported frequent complaints about loud truck mufflers circulating downtown.
Patriot Square monument by City Hall
The SAR and DAR will build a New Bern Resolves monument and display bears by the City Hall flagpoles for America's 250th, at no cost to the city — bears are paid for and a grant funds the rest, ideally done by August 2026.
Solid waste outsourcing yields no savings
Two bids for privatizing bulk waste and loose-leaf collection were rejected as incomplete, and the costs that were submitted would actually raise the city's costs. The bid details will be shared with the Board.