New Bern, North Carolina Development News
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New Bern Board of Aldermen Meeting July 14, 2026
Published: Jul 14, 2026
New Bern Pauses Land Clearing Burning Permits, Explores Air Curtain Technology Amidst Resident and Developer Debate
The Board of Aldermen heard testimony from residents and developers regarding open burning for land clearing. Residents, particularly from Carolina Colors and Taberna, expressed strong opposition due to smoke, odor, and health concerns, demanding an immediate halt to all burning. Developers argued that burning is a cost-effective method for debris removal in new developments, and that a ban would significantly increase housing costs. They proposed using 'air curtain' technology as a mitigation method and advocated for targeted enforcement of existing ordinances rather than a complete ban. The board decided to pause the renewal of permits for burning as currently practiced, pending further investigation into alternative methods like air curtains, and allowing a demonstration. They also discussed the legal framework for such decisions, clarifying that while a formal ban requires a specific procedure, the city manager can direct staff to pause permit issuance. The complexities of enforcing current ordinances, particularly concerning feral cats, were also highlighted.
New Bern Adopts FY 2027 Budget Amendment Including Fire Truck Funding and Software Subscriptions
The Board of Aldermen considered and adopted a budget ordinance amendment for FY 2027. The amendment includes auditor recommendations to adjust budget sales tax revenues and expenditures in each fund, and to record ad valorem tax revenue for non-related geo bond debt payments, which will now be budgeted in the general fund with a transfer. The general fund is also amended to transfer $25,977 from fund balance to the Hurricane Florence fund for a fire truck purchase balance, $71,000 from fund balance for equipment for new fire apparatus, and $2,450 to cover Adobe subscriptions for the board's iPads. The ordinance was adopted following a roll call vote.
New Bern Approves Sewer Use Agreement for Galloway Road Parcel, Paving Way for Development
The Board of Aldermen considered and adopted a resolution approving a sewer use agreement for tax parcel ID 20368004 on Galloway Road. This agreement allows for connection to the city's sewer system in the Sandy Point area for a property owner looking to undertake minor development. The city has sufficient capacity to accommodate the proposed development. The agreement outlines the commitments from the city regarding capacity and the developer's responsibilities for sewer extension. The parcel is approximately 72 acres, but due to a conservation easement, only five home sites are permitted, and the sewer demand allocated in the agreement reflects this, being quite small and only for five single-family residential homes. The developer is awaiting the approval of this agreement before proceeding with the annexation petition, which is expected to be submitted soon and brought before the board in upcoming meetings.
Jamisha Harris Appointed to Redevelopment Commission After Board Confirms Voting Procedure
The Board of Aldermen conducted a vote to appoint a member to the Redevelopment Commission. Following a tally of ballots, Jamisha Harris received the most votes. The board then moved to confirm the procedure of appointing the highest vote-getter, which passed with a 6-1 vote. A subsequent roll call vote officially appointed Jamisha Harris to the Redevelopment Commission with a vote of 5-2. The board also discussed the upcoming expiration of two seats on the Redevelopment Commission in August, noting that one incumbent is interested in reappointment while the other is not.
New Bern Adopts Ordinance for $10,000 Downtown Master Plan Grant
The Board of Aldermen considered and adopted an ordinance to amend the multi-year grants fund, recognizing a $10,000 cash-to-grant from the Electric City Downtown Grant Program to Sus Weir. These funds are designated for a downtown master plan. The ordinance was adopted following a roll call vote.
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The New Bern News archive
New Bern Board of Adjustment Meeting July 23, 2026
New Bern Planning & Zoning Meeting July 17, 2026
07/16/26 - video
New Bern Historic Preservation Commission Meeting July 15, 2026
New Bern Redevelopment Commission Meeting July 8, 2026
New Bern Special Called Historic Preservation Commission Meeting July 7, 2026
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