Planning board hears initial zoning request for 3406 Old Airport Road

The New Bern Planning and Zoning Board reviewed an initial‑zoning application for 3406 Old Airport Road on Feb. 19. Planning staff presented the request, saying the 1.0‑acre parcel was annexed into the city in October 2025 and that the applicant, Mr. Keith Wings, seeks designation as R‑8 (Residential 8).

Staff explained R‑8 is intended to accommodate single‑family and multifamily dwellings with a minimum lot size of about 8,000 square feet and to discourage industrial or commercial uses. Staff displayed a vicinity map, a 100‑foot notice buffer, aerial imagery and a zoning map showing the parcel currently unzoned within city limits.

During board discussion members described the surrounding area as a pleasant neighborhood with existing annexations along Old Airport Road and noted the R‑8 allowance would permit roughly 10 units on the acre under typical lot sizes. One board member moved that the board recommend the Board of Aldermen approve the proposed initial zoning designation and find it consistent with applicable land‑use plans; the motion text asked the board to find the designation reasonable and in the public interest. The transcript does not record a subsequent roll call or voice vote on that recommendation.

There were no public speakers on the item during the Planning and Zoning Board meeting. The board’s recommendation (if adopted) will be forwarded to the Board of Aldermen for final action.

Next steps: the matter will appear before the Board of Aldermen as a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Board. The transcript does not record a board vote on the recommendation at this meeting.