New Bern board continues Day Spring Christian Academy special-use hearing to May 21

The New Bern Board of Adjustment voted on April 23 to continue the special-use permit hearing for Day Spring Christian Academy to the board genda on May 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The board carried the motion by voice vote after staff said the applicant asked for more time to submit evidence.

Staff member Kendrick told the board that the item printed in the packet as the Firefly Cafe was incorrect and that Day Spring Christian Academy, seeking a special-use permit for educational use (special use permit 003438-2026), was the actual agenda item. Kendrick said the applicant had requested a continuance to allow the submission of "additional evidence in the record" and asked the board to set the matter for the May 21 meeting.

Chairman Tynte Bagwell moved to continue the application, saying, "I'll make the motion." A second was given (not identified in the record), and the board responded by voice "Aye." The motion carried. The board set the continued hearing for May 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall courtroom.

Why it matters: continuances are a common procedural step in quasi-judicial hearings when applicants need time to gather factual or expert evidence. Board members were reminded that in this forum they may consider factual evidence and expert opinion and that the rules of procedure guide what may be admitted into the record.

The board did not take evidence or make a determination on the merits of the special-use permit at the April 23 meeting. The hearing will resume on May 21, when the applicant is expected to present the additional materials described by staff.