Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in public safety
Pedestrian safety at downtown crossings
Members raised concerns about unclear pedestrian signals at Pollock/Middle and near Union Point. Staff are working on push-button signals with verbal commands near the courthouse and asked for feedback on new street signs on signal arms.
Downtown policing and event security
Police logged nearly 2,000 MSD calls, mostly security checks and traffic stops; only 3% tie to the major bars. Members flagged thin police presence at the Halloween street event and the drone-mitigation/TFR success at Mumfest.
Communication with redevelopment-area residents
Commissioners were asked to lead community conversations so residents understand what's happening with redevelopment and don't fear being pushed out. A face-to-face session, possibly tied to the January retreat, is being considered.
Street Light Maintenance and Ordinances
Alderman Outlaw wants a citywide system to report burned-out street lights, noting several dark lights on the bridge and Broad Street; Alderman White asked staff to review stormwater ditch ordinances.
Johnson Street streetlights
A resolution would authorize adding streetlights on Johnson Street, improving visibility and safety on that corridor.
Feral Cat Management
New Bern is weighing how to address feral cat colonies that nuisance neighborhoods, with consultants recommending a community-wide census before spending on remedies like TNR and spay-neuter clinics. Ordinance changes may clarify that TNR volunteers aren't cited for releasing sterilized cats.
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.
Demolition by neglect and enforcement cases
Commissioners voiced frustration that demolition-by-neglect cases can drag on for years — one East Front Street case has run 30 years. They discussed ways to speed things up, including coordinating with the city's nuisance abatement and minimum housing programs and reviewing the enforcement flowchart.
Demolition by neglect enforcement
No neglect cases were resolved this month, but the review group keeps meeting monthly and covers roughly 25 to 30 properties. Some progress has been made since the last meeting that will be reported next month.
Homelessness and Downtown Bench Dividers
Approval of $3,000 in more bench dividers sparked a real conversation: Aldermen White and Best questioned whether dividers disadvantage unhoused people, and staff acknowledged there's no daytime shelter option. Expect the city to work with RCS on ideas.
Highway safety grants for police
The police department gets $50,000 in state grants — no city match — for safety campaigns like Click It or Ticket and officer overtime.
Open Burning Permits for Land Clearing
Smoke from land clearing on County Line Road drew complaints, and the Board considered pausing burn permits. The developer offered to use air-curtain equipment that cuts smoke dramatically, and the permit could be reissued with Fire Department monitoring.
Blue Water Rise Streets, Safety, and Theft Concerns
The city formally took over Blue Water Rise streets with new stop and speed rules — and Alderman Aster asked for extra night patrols after reports of petty theft in the neighborhood.
Real-time crime center not funded; PD budget scrutiny
The $62,000 real-time crime center wasn't recommended since public safety already eats up 49% of the General Fund, and the Mayor wants a working group to study future police needs.