New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rezoning of 1100 Pinetree Drive
A nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans wanted C-3 commercial zoning on 3.87 acres, but the Planning Board and land use plan said no. The Board denied it as filed but unanimously ordered a text amendment so a C-5 version can come back in two to four months.
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.
Epiphany School special-use permit (TK facility)
A private school wants to run a transitional kindergarten facility on a small residentially-zoned lot at 2211 Henderson Avenue. The special use permit decision affects what can operate in that R-6 neighborhood and how nearby residents are protected by conditions.
Certificates of Appropriateness for Three Historic Properties
Property owners in the historic districts need a certificate of appropriateness before changing building exteriors. This batch covers porches, decks, sunscreens, an outdoor bar, and two demolition-and-rebuild infill houses.
Updates to Historic District Design Principles and Standards
The Riverside Historic District inventory is 38 years old, leaving 70-80 eligible structures unprotected from demolition. The board authorized a CLG grant application, and staff continues revising HPC guidelines toward a July target.
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.
Disposition of Redevelopment Parcels (First Avenue, Mechanic Street, Bloomfield Street, Sampson Street)
The commission was scheduled to consider bids from two buyers for four vacant lots in the redevelopment area. Selling these parcels could put them back on the tax rolls and into productive use, but the outcome of the vote is unknown.
Clarifying and Revising Purchasing Conditions for Salable Lots
The Property Sales and Marketing workgroups were to discuss revising purchasing conditions and adding signage to lots the city wants to sell.
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.
Electric Rate Ordinance Amendment
The city raised electric rates 2% overall starting April 1 to cover wholesale power costs and infrastructure needs. Residents packed the hearing describing bills that doubled, and the Board agreed to study the utility's long-term future.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Grant
A check-in on the CNI grant, which funds neighborhood revitalization and housing work.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
Initial zoning of US 70 parcels as Commercial 3
Two newly annexed parcels totaling 5.86 acres along East US 70 would be zoned Commercial 3 (C-3), opening the door to commercial development on the highway corridor. What gets built there depends on this designation and later approvals.
FY27 Water and Sewer Improvements Project
A contract with Avolis Land Works, LLC was scheduled for the FY27 water and sewer improvements project — infrastructure work that keeps taps and flushes running reliably.
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.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
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.
C-3 Commercial Rezoning of Two Agricultural Parcels
The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and possibly adopt a rezoning of Tax Parcel IDs 8-210-044 and 8-210-23001 from agricultural to commercial use. What gets built there could shape traffic and neighborhood character.
Weyerhaeuser Rezoning and Development Agreement
A resolution was scheduled to call a public hearing on rezoning three Weyerhaeuser parcels — one to commercial, two to R-6 residential — and to approve a development agreement with Weyerhaeuser NR Company. This could set the stage for significant new growth.
Demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
A downtown building has been in demolition-by-neglect status since the 1990s. Slow but steady repairs continue — windows, roof covering, and a rebuilt two-story porch — with a repointing application expected soon.
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.
Long-running demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
One of the city's longest-running demolition-by-neglect cases, dating back to the 1990s or earlier. The update notes real progress: windows repaired and reinstalled, temporary roof covering along the parapet, and a two-story wood porch being rebuilt with exact replacement — plus a repointing COA application coming soon.