Ward 3 Alderman· Ward 3: 2025-2029 term. NC seat convention: first Monday in December (G.S.); elected Nov 2025 (ward/mayor), 4-year term ends first Monday of Dec 2029 = 2029-12-03. Sworn in Dec 9 2025 (newbernnow.com coverage). Start = first Monday Dec 2025; earlier Ward 3 service from 2022 (start unconfirmed).
Robert "Bobby" Aster
New Bern, NC
No biography on file yet.
Contact
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 1
- Total speaking time
- 13:08
- Avg per meeting
- 13:08
- Segments
- 165
Want every word Aster has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Aster said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Updates to Historic District Design Principles and Standards
A funding request for repackaging the document is planned in next year's budget.
Disposition of Redevelopment Parcels (First Avenue, Mechanic Street, Bloomfield Street, Sampson Street)
Sale proceeds return to the commission, and building homes on these vacant lots adds to the city's housing stock and tax base.
Properties Sold After Upset Bid Process
An accepted upset bid would raise the effective sale price of the parcel; no amount was published.
Epiphany School special-use permit (TK facility)
This massive development could shake up local property values and bring in major tax revenue, though it might also hike infrastructure costs for the city.
Adding 722 Third Ave to Sellable Lots List
A future sale could bring revenue to the commission; no figures were given.
Certificates of Appropriateness for Three Historic Properties
CoA decisions affect private renovation costs for the three applicants.
Electric Rate Ordinance Amendment
Duke's 4.5% wholesale increase will push customer bills higher starting this spring.
Clarifying and Revising Purchasing Conditions for Salable Lots
Signage could cost from about $28 per yard sign to several hundred dollars apiece installed.
Rezoning of 1100 Pinetree Drive
A zoning change could raise the property's value and expand the city's commercial tax base, but specific figures aren't public.
Johnson Street streetlights
Installation and electric costs for the new lights, not specified.
Yellow Creek Enterprise Property Requests and Upset Bids
Sale proceeds would go to the city, and the properties go back on the tax rolls.
Long-running demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
Extended neglect cases can drive up enforcement and repair costs for owners and the city alike.
Paws of War Eastern NC dog training permit
Demolition by neglect enforcement
Enforcement actions and deferred maintenance on these buildings can cost owners significantly, and neglected structures can drag down surrounding property values.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Grant
Roughly $5 million in long-term city infrastructure matching commitments over 5-8 years if the grant is won.
Feral Cat Management
Not quantified; the city has only 1.5 Animal Control Officers.
Revenue Bond Financing
Revenue bonds are repaid through utility revenues, potentially affecting customer rates.
Initial zoning of US 70 parcels as Commercial 3
Avenues/Duffyfield affordable housing redevelopment
Unknown; road resurfacing and bathroom work at the old Stanley White site are already underway.
Demolition by neglect at 221 E. Front St.
Repairs fall on the owner, though unresolved cases can drag on for decades and affect neighboring property values.
Decisions during term (175)
Recorded while Aster was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
TK Facility for the Epiphany School SUP-003637-2026 — adoption of prior decision
Paws of War Eastern NC Program SUP-003702-2026 — special use permit approved
Motion to adjourn
Approve Agenda
Consent Agenda Items 5-11 (street closures, rezoning hearings, no-wake hearing, minutes)
Highway Safety Program grants (Items 13-14)
Street acceptances and traffic ordinances (Items 15-18)
GO Bond stormwater professional services agreements (Item 19)
Acceptance of Tax Collector's Annual Settlement for Tax Year 2025 (Item 20)
Sale and issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026 (Item 21)
Amend the Roadway Improvements Project Fund (Item 22)
Appointments (Item 23)
Ward 3 ARPA funds for Children's Museum display (New Business)
Approve Minutes.
Adjourn.
Approve Agenda
Consent Agenda (Items 5-15)
Ordinance Closing Portions of Biddle Street, F Street, Fowlers Lane and K Street
Sewer Use Agreement for Galloway Road Parcel
Ordinance Reducing Redevelopment Commission Membership
Voting record (19)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.