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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
$24 Million General Obligation Bond Projects
About $11 million of the $24 million bond will be issued first, with projects starting fall 2026 — including $10 million for streets and sidewalks.
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.
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.
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.
Revenue Bond Financing
Aldermen were to discuss issuing revenue bonds for enterprise funds like water and electric — a decision that affects utility rates and future infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Family entertainment venue feasibility
A consultant's market study says New Bern could support a 30,000-square-foot indoor family entertainment venue with food and drink. The report is posted online for the public.
Roadway fund boost
An extra $780,000 goes into the Roadway Improvements Project Fund from vehicle fees and the Streets Division budget.
September 8 rezoning hearings
Three rezonings — 922 Pollock Street, three MLK Jr. Boulevard parcels, and 1822 S. Glenburnie Road — head to a public hearing, mostly to fix split zoning. Residents can weigh in on September 8.
Dayspring Christian Academy special use permit
Dayspring Ministries wants to open an elementary and secondary school on 2.08 acres in a C-3 zoned area, which requires a special use permit from the Board of Adjustment. The hearing would weigh traffic, facility, and neighborhood impacts of the school use. What the board decided is not on record.
201 Ellington Street rezoning
A small residential lot near Ellington Street could shift to commercial zoning, changing what can be built next door to residents.
Neuse Boulevard commercial rezonings
Six split-zoned parcels along Neuse Boulevard were unified to C-3 Commercial, and part of a vacant industrial parcel was rezoned too — though staff scaled back after Kings Row residents complained. Property owners consented and the Planning Board recommended it unanimously.
Minor Works List Additions
The Commission considered updating its Minor Work list — revising 'Landscaping' to 'Landscaping and Hardscaping,' adding street furniture, kiosks and trash receptacles, and adding playgrounds and play equipment. These changes decide which small projects owners can do without a full review.
Minor Works list revisions
The commission is discussing updates to its standards and potential new Minor Work categories — the kinds of projects homeowners can do without a full commission hearing. Changes here could make small exterior projects faster and easier for historic-district residents.
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.
Refreshing Lives Church special use permit
Refreshing Lives Church, LLC is asking the board for a special use permit to operate a church in Units C/D at 4110 M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard. The board's decision determines whether the congregation can use the commercial-zoned space for worship.
Abandoned vessels in city waterways
A new ordinance would give the city authority to remove and dispose of abandoned boats in the Neuse and Trent waterways.
Commercial zoning for 4095 E US 70 Hwy
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing on initial C-3 Commercial zoning for a property along the US 70 corridor. What gets built there depends on how the zoning lands.
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.
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.
Tryon Palace fencing and lighting changes along Eden Street
Tryon Palace sought historic-district approval to remove chain link fencing and hedges and replace them with a low wall and metal fencing along the northern end of Eden Street, plus new light fixtures. The look of this prominent museum-adjacent block would change noticeably for pedestrians and neighbors. What the commission decided could not be verified because no meeting record was available.
New parking lot and restroom-screening structure at 400 E. Front St.
A vacant parcel at 400 E. Front Street was the subject of a hearing for a new parking lot and a small accessory structure to screen portable restrooms. In a gateway block of the historic district, parking lot design and screening matter to the streetscape. No outcome could be confirmed because no meeting record was provided.
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.
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.
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.
E Street Renamed Leroy Way Jr. Avenue
Duffyfield's E Street now honors Leroy Way Jr., a teacher, coach, and affordable-housing advocate who died in 2022. Nearly all street property owners signed a petition supporting it.
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.
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.
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.