New Bern · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Grant
A check-in on the CNI grant, which funds neighborhood revitalization and housing work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
Large-scale rezonings along US 70 / NC 43 corridors
Three Weyerhaeuser rezoning requests covering more than 1,200 acres could reshape the edge of New Bern with new commercial and residential development. What the board does here sets up the aldermen's final decisions.
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.
Avenues/Duffyfield affordable housing redevelopment
Residents are asking about closed streets (West Street, Fowler's Lane, East Rhodes), an insecure fence around a retention pond next to a daycare, and dilapidated housing. The workgroup wants more transparency and resident education from the city.
Avenues Project
The Housing workgroup was to discuss the Avenues Project and how brownfields grant money could be used.
922 Pollock Street rezoning
The city wants to rezone a tiny Habitat for Humanity-owned parcel on downtown Pollock Street from Commercial 5A to Commercial 4.
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.
Parks grant application
The state budget includes a $75,000 grant for a New Bern Parks and Recreation facility.
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.
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.
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.
Three commercial rezonings
The board was scheduled to hold public hearings on rezonings at 922 Pollock Street, three Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard parcels, and 1822 S. Glenburnie Road. These could shape what gets built and what neighbors can expect along those corridors.
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.
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.
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.
Demolition by neglect and enforcement cases
The commission tracks formal violations and long-running demolition-by-neglect cases, including 221 E. Front St., a case dating back decades. Enforcement aims to keep historic buildings from deteriorating beyond repair.
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.
Rezoning of 98.2 acres near Savoy Drive and NC Hwy 43
BPNC, LLC wants to rezone nearly 100 acres of farmland along the NC Hwy 43 corridor to Commercial 3, which would allow commercial development. The proposal was continued from July after the board asked for more time, so it's still an open question for neighbors along that corridor.
Roadway fund boost
An extra $780,000 goes into the Roadway Improvements Project Fund from vehicle fees and the Streets Division budget.