Planning board finds 3328 Neuse Boulevard rezoning inconsistent, votes 6–0 to recommend denial

The New Bern Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously (6–0) to recommend denial of a rezoning request for 3328 Neuse Boulevard, which sought to change the parcel’s zoning from Commercial-4 (C-4) to Commercial-3 (C-3).

Kendrick presented the application (applicant PB and J Property Group LLC; parcel ID 8Dash242117; approx. 0.52 acres) and outlined the differences between C-4 and C-3. Several members of the public spoke: Barbara Husk, a neighbor, said she owns adjoining property and expressed concern about traffic and the scale of permissible uses; an unnamed property owner said he had been renovating buildings on the site and planned small offices and occasional classes and maintained the current parking supply (15–18 spaces).

A central point of debate was whether the change would be appropriate given that the zoned properties along that side of Neuse Boulevard are predominantly C-4. Board members also discussed how the city’s legacy code treats animal-related uses: staff said kennel and boarding uses are treated differently in C-4 and that training-only activities are allowed in C-3 but not in C-4; the applicant and neighbors disagreed about whether the owner’s proposed dog training would amount to kenneling. After deliberation a board member moved to recommend denial on the grounds that the application is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and the existing pattern of zoning on the street; a roll-call vote recorded six yes votes to deny (the Board of Aldermen will make the final legislative decision).