Board approves five-year lease for 'We Can Be' children's museum at 408 Hancock Street with opening deadline

The New Bern Board of Aldermen voted Nov. 12 to approve a five-year lease with We Can Be Association for 408 Hancock Street to establish a children’s museum. The lease is for $1 per year and includes insurance requirements; no ongoing revenue stream to the city was included in the terms presented.

The item drew extended discussion. Several aldermen said they supported the concept but expressed concern about a five-year term because two new aldermen will take office in December and some other city nonprofits operate under one-year lease terms. Board members asked whether revenue from any sublease would be paid to the city; counsel and staff confirmed the lease provides no revenue to the city and any subtenant revenue would remain with the lessee unless a separate agreement specified otherwise.

Representatives of We Can Be, including Jane Dale, described the organization’s fundraising track record and community support and said they planned to open in 2026 if they receive the lease and secure funding. Counsel reported a revised lease draft (prepared the day of the meeting) that added language to address city concerns about utilization; based on that revision, one alderman offered a motion to approve the lease with an explicit public-opening deadline. The motion as stated directed that the public purpose (children’s museum) be open to the public by Dec. 31, 2027. The board approved the resolution on roll call.

Board members discussed, and the lease includes, a provision that would constitute default if the premises were used for a purpose other than the stated children’s museum function. The record shows the board and We Can Be representatives agreed to make project updates available online and to meet with incoming ward aldermen as part of an ongoing engagement process. The lease was approved with the Dec. 31, 2027 opening condition recorded in the motion.