James "Trey" Ferguson
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 4
- Total speaking time
- 54:25
- Avg per meeting
- 13:36
- Segments
- 655
Want every word Ferguson has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Ferguson 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
The grant requires a $16,000 city match.
Disposition of Redevelopment Parcels (First Avenue, Mechanic Street, Bloomfield Street, Sampson Street)
Elevating homes above the floodplain adds design and construction costs borne by the builders.
Electric Rate Ordinance Amendment
Average residential bills could rise about $6.57 a month across all three utilities, plus variable power cost adjustments.
Weyerhaeuser Rezoning and Development Agreement
The applicant cited tourism and business tax revenue figures, and residents warned of higher taxes, insurance, and infrastructure costs; no firm figure was given.
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.
Municipal Service District projects
Tourism generates $188 million in visitor spending and over $55 million in local taxes annually.
Adding 722 Third Ave to Sellable Lots List
A future sale could bring revenue to the commission; no figures were given.
Demolition by neglect and enforcement cases
Slow enforcement depresses neighboring property values and the fines only accrue late in a lengthy process.
Avenues Project
The lots sold at $63,000 tax value; the redevelopment is expected to be partly FEMA-funded.
Historic preservation awards program
Modest costs for certificates, signs, or medallions, possibly offset by a sponsor.
HPC Member Terms Expiring
$342,000 in extra Sedan project costs attributed to HPC requirements.
Clarifying and Revising Purchasing Conditions for Salable Lots
Clearer sale terms could affect proceeds from selling vacant lots.
Certificates of Appropriateness for Three Historic Properties
Approval conditions can shape project costs for the owners; no city spending is directly at stake.
Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) Grant
A $25 million federal investment in New Bern neighborhoods — no local matching requirement was discussed tonight.
Revenue Bond Financing
Up to $31 million in anticipated revenue bond financing for electric infrastructure; no general fund money for the park-adjacent items.
Rezoning of 1100 Pinetree Drive
The applicant faces month-to-month earnest money deposits while the rezoning path is reworked; staff will process the new request free of charge.
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.
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.
Decisions during term (258)
Recorded while Ferguson was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of Minutes – 8.18.26 Meeting
Acceptance of Financial Report
Set first meeting date for 2027
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
Certificate of Appropriateness – 510 E. Front St. (shutters)
Certificate of Appropriateness – 408 Hancock St. (storefront door and windows)
Amendment to CoA – 218 Pollock St. (rear addition changes)
Historic Preservation Awards – recommended winners
2027 HPC Meeting Calendar
Approval of the agenda
Approval of September 17, 2026 meeting minutes
Adoption of revised rules and procedures
Approve agenda and September 9, 2026 minutes
Accept Housing Authority offer for 721 and 703 First Ave
Add 722 Third Ave (PID 8-012-183) to sellable list
Table Agape Adams upset bid for 1213 Mechanic Street
Accept Yellow Creek Enterprise upset bids for three lots
Add eight properties to sellable list for Habitat partnership
Voting record (36)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.