Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with medium priority
Speed bumps request on Midland Way
Midland Way residents petitioned for speed bumps, saying cut-through drivers hit 55+ mph on a street full of children and pedestrians. Staff were advised to call 911 on speeders, which residents called a waste of resources.
Disposal of vacant city-owned parcels
Multiple residents complained the city isn't maintaining lots it owns — overgrown lots with trees falling on neighbors' homes, and a refusal to sell to a willing buyer. Council acknowledged many properties come from tax foreclosures.
Peden Street duplex rezoning
Two residential lots on Peden Street can now host duplexes after the rezone to Office/Institutional. A neighbor objected at the planning board stage, noting a duplex already sits next door (grandfathered).
Zoning appeals consolidated under City Council
The rarely-used Board of Adjustment is gone; the council itself now hears variances and zoning appeals, wearing a second quasi-judicial hat. An ETJ member appointed by county commissioners will sit with them.
Tree removal compensation claim (U.S. 401/Montclair)
Cynthia Johnson says the city cut down a 50-foot stretch of her tree buffer for a water project without the state-required 15-day written notice, exposing her home to highway noise. She's demanding compensation under constitutional takings law.
Three sidewalk projects
Long-awaited sidewalks along Atkinson Street, West Boulevard, and Main Street may finally happen, with the feds paying 80 percent. But the plans could require cutting beloved oak trees on Atkinson and West Boulevard, and council members are urging residents to review the plans.
McGirt's Bridge Road multifamily special use permit
The council set a September 22 public hearing for a multifamily housing development on McGirt's Bridge Road. The city attorney warned this will be a quasi-judicial hearing where the council acts as judges, and urged proponents and opponents to be well-versed in the UDO and consider legal counsel.
Special Use Permit request on Dundee Drive
Council scheduled an August 11 public hearing to rezone a Dundee Drive parcel from Residential-6 to Office/Institutional — a step that would allow office or institutional uses next to a residential neighborhood.
City Manager's Salary
Council extended City Manager Charles Nichols' contract five years beyond its 2028 expiration with the same 3% cost-of-living adjustment employees received — a vote of confidence in the city's top administrator after a turbulent budget year.
After-Hours Utility Reporting Line Complaint
A resident told the council she couldn't reach the city's after-hours utility number during a power outage and found the photo requirement confusing. Staff explained the pictures help crews respond faster and promised to look into her complaint.
Proposed career training center for Scotland County
Dr. Charles Jones asked the council to partner on launching the county's first career training center, offering six-month programs to skill up graduates, the unemployed, and underemployed workers for in-demand craft trades.
Hillside Cemetery Improvements
Ordinance O-2026-14 would fund a road at Hillside Cemetery and a cemetery equipment shed, with completion expected next fiscal year.
Special use permit hearing on Parcel No. 01004202025
A special use permit request for land near Deluca, R. Graham, and West Allen Streets gets a public hearing on June 16 — neighbors will have a chance to comment.
Substance Abuse Treatment Center Zoning Amendment
The city will hold an April 21 hearing on changing Section 7.47.2 of the Unified Development Ordinance, which governs substance abuse treatment centers/offices.
McKay Street Tank Rehabilitation Project
A bid award was on the agenda to rehabilitate the McKay Street water tank — maintenance of the city's water storage capacity.
Circle K store site plan
The council was set to consider approving the site plan for a new Circle K store, a step toward bringing the convenience store project to construction.
Economic development grant payment
Ordinance O-2026-03 would amend the current-year budget to pay a scheduled economic development grant — a direct use of city funds to support local economic development commitments.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Laurinburg’s fire chief and the city are being sued over a deadly 2022 fire truck crash. That means a settlement or court judgment could land on local taxpayers.
Municipal Charter Revocation
East Laurinburg is facing a state recommendation that could dissolve its town government by revoking its charter. If that happens, local services and decisions would likely shift to the county, so residents need to watch who ends up running things.
Crime Perception Debate
Laurinburg is having a real argument about whether its 'dangerous' reputation is earned or overblown. The stakes aren't just pride—officials and residents say the label can scare off jobs and growth. So the fight is really about crime facts versus the story a city tells about itself.