New Bern redevelopment panel delays four lot sales, asks buyers for drawings

The New Bern Redevelopment Commission on Dec. 10 voted to delay decisions on four property-sale requests and told prospective buyers to provide sketches or simple floor plans before the items return in January.

During public comment, Philip Henry — identified in the meeting packet as an applicant for 606 White Street — described a plan “to build affordable small houses” and said he has completed other local projects. Commissioners asked whether Henry had submitted drawings; staff and members said the commission’s custom has been to see sketches or renderings before approving transfers of redevelopment-owned lots. An attorney advising the commission said North Carolina law does not require the commission to review plans before initiating an upset-bid process but noted the commission may by policy and custom require visual materials.

Commissioners discussed conditions included in the draft resolution for initiating the upset-bid procedure. The attorney summarized exhibit A’s conditions: once the final highest bidder closes, the buyer would have 12 months to start construction (with “starting construction” defined as completing the foundation), and title would revert to the redevelopment commission if construction does not begin in that period. The draft also restates a prior local condition that residential dwellings not owner-occupied be sold or rented to low‑income persons.

Commissioner Stewart moved to table the 606 White Street item so the applicant could return with drawings; the motion was seconded and carried. The commission extended that approach to three other lots named for action at the January meeting — 828 Eubanks Street, 1129 8th Street and 1135 8th Street — and agreed to place those four developer items at the top of the Jan. 24 retreat agenda to accommodate participating developers.

Commissioners clarified what materials would meet the commission’s customary standard: a sketch or floor plan showing square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and a simple exterior photo or stock image to indicate streetscape orientation. Board members said the drawings do not need to be professional architectural submissions.

The items were continued to the January meeting; commissioners said consistent application of the submission standard is important if the commission chooses to deviate from prior practice.

The commission did not take final action on the sales at the Dec. 10 meeting. The next scheduled meeting/retreat where the items will be revisited is Jan. 24, when applicants are expected to present the requested materials.