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Board hears HPC update and approves CLG grant application to update Riverside inventory
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Summary
The board received an update on Historic Preservation Commission guideline revisions and authorized staff to apply for a CLG grant to update the Riverside Historic District inventory, committing up to $16,000 in matching funds if awarded.
HPC staff provided an interim update April 28 on the revision process for the Historic Preservation Commission’s guidelines and procedures and told the Board of Aldermen that a draft will be posted for review in the coming weeks.
The presenter said staff moved design‑review meetings into the board chamber to increase transparency, expanded the minor‑works list so small projects can be handled administratively rather than requiring full HPC hearings, and completed benchmarking research comparing New Bern with similar historic cities. Staff also described plans for improved public posting, a new PowerPoint template for applicants, and targeted outreach to property owners in both historic districts.
Separately, staff requested authorization to apply for a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to update the Riverside Historic District inventory. The presenter said the downtown inventory was last updated in 2003 while Riverside’s inventory dates to 1988; staff estimated the update would add roughly 70–80 structures to the list and make those properties potentially eligible for tax credits. The board authorized submission of the CLG grant application and committed up to $16,000 in local matching funds if the grant is awarded.
What happens next: Staff will post the draft documents for public review when available, schedule outreach and hearings as required, and, if the CLG grant is awarded, proceed with the inventory update with the committed match funds.
