Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lumberton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with high priority
Linkhaw Farms mixed-use subdivision annexation
Two massive annexation petitions — roughly 395 acres for a mixed-use development and 389 acres for a residential subdivision — moved forward, with the clerk directed to investigate. These could reshape growth on the city's edge.
PFAS contamination settlement
Lumberton and Robeson County are getting a share of a $455 million settlement with Chemours over PFAS contamination in water. The money could help pay for local water-quality fixes, though the exact local amount isn’t specified.
FY 2026-2027 City Budget
The new budget holds the property tax rate at $0.65 per $100 but raises water and sewer rates 4% and includes a 3.5% cost-of-living raise for city workers plus an extra 1.5% for law enforcement. Electric rate adjustments will come before the council in August.
Olive Drive shopping center rezoning
A shopping center with retail and restaurants is coming to 2906 Olive Drive after the rezoning passed with conditions neighbors wanted: no vape shop, no gaming, and no driveways onto residential Olive Drive. A 20-foot buffer and opaque fencing will separate it from homes.
Linkhaw Road culvert flood project
After roughly 15-20 years in the making and a re-bid, the council awarded the $756,000 railroad culvert project on Linkhaw Road — a long-awaited flood mitigation fix.
Electronic gaming center special use permit
Council members vented that fines and court actions haven't shut down illegal skill game operations, and staff flagged that landlords may be profiting from percentage arrangements. New approaches, including possibly targeting property owners, are being considered.
Farmers Market at Dick Taylor Plaza — safety and zoning questions
The downtown market's opening day drew 150–175 visitors, but Councilman Cantey warned that vendors on the plaza's outer sidewalk, combined with cut-through traffic from the closed Fifth Street bridge, creates safety risks. Council agreed to ask vendors to move inside the plaza.
Park Improvement Plans
Lumberton’s City Council has approved improvement plans for the Dr. Raymond B. Pennington Athletic Complex, meaning upgrades are coming to a local sports facility residents may use. The source doesn’t detail what will be upgraded or when, but the project is now moving forward.
City Council Death
A longtime Lumberton city councilman has died, leaving a seat open on council. Council members are expected to discuss soon how to fill it, and that choice will determine who represents your district until the next election.
Sale of Municipal Property
Lumberton City Council voted to sell the old town hall and fire station, so two prominent municipal properties are changing hands. The big questions now are what gets built there and how the city spends the sale money.