Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Bern, NC public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues with medium priority
Trent Court redevelopment adjacent to MSD
The Housing Authority approved a contractor to demolish Trent Court (13 buildings), the first step in an eight-year, roughly $100 million rebuild of 440 affordable housing units nearby, with green space and phased construction starting with fencing in December.
Municipal Service District projects
TDA reported $188 million in visitor spending, 1,300+ jobs, and growth outpacing the state average. Downtown is the anchor of the county's tourism economy, and the TDA offered to partner on future MSD projects.
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.
Children's Museum of New Bern entrance renovation
The Children's Museum is converting the old firehouse side entrance into a glass-and-aluminum storefront, aiming for a December opening. The city owns the building; the museum leases it.
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 is exploring whether to allow ADUs — small second dwellings like garage apartments or mother-in-law suites — on single-family lots. Residents ask about them a couple times a month, mostly to house elderly parents or adult children, but members worry about rentals, short-term rentals, enforcement, and historic district compatibility. Staff will draft language and the board will flag its top concerns.
Data Centers
Staff is drafting definitions and permissible-use rules for data centers and crypto mining facilities, aiming to bring clarity before any proposal arrives. The uses would be directed to industrial-type districts, not residential neighborhoods.
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.
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.
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.
Trash and recycling service in the redevelopment area
Commissioners say one trash can and one monthly recycle pickup isn't enough for multigenerational households, and wind-blown trash is a persistent problem. They plan to raise it with city department heads.
City Strategic Plan
The city's draft strategic plan includes 33 initiatives across five focus areas, headed for public surveys and community input sessions before a final plan.
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.
$24 Million General Obligation Bond Projects
The first of the voter-approved bond paving projects starts this week with S.T. Wooten at $870,165.75.
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.
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.
HPC Member Terms Expiring
County Commission Chairman Denny Bucher told the board the unelected HPC is 'out of control,' citing $342,000 in extra costs on the Sedan parking lot project, and urged guardrails or outright abolition.
Historic preservation awards program
Nominations are open for the city's historic preservation awards and close September 30. The chair urged anyone considering a nomination to submit one 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.
2027 Meeting Schedule and Turnaround Times
City administration wants projects cleared at design review to wait until the next month's regular meeting instead of two weeks, citing staff workload. Commissioners pushed back, worried about delays applicants already complain about.