Kinston Council approves demolition capital fund amid debate over redevelopment plan

The Kinston City Council approved a new Citywide Demolition and Cleanup Capital Project (G9151) and a related operating budget amendment on May 19, actions the mayor and staff said are intended to address a backlog of condemned and unsafe properties.

Finance Director Donna Goodson outlined the amendment, which covers (1) the city’s contribution to a joint county demolition partnership, (2) a transfer establishing a dedicated capital project for demolition of city-owned properties, and (3) replacement of a totaled rear-end loader in the Environmental Services Fund. Goodson said the city’s portion to the county is a payment to the county, which will administer and oversee demolition work.

Council debate focused on the balance between removing dangerous structures and ensuring demolition is followed by redevelopment. Director Elizabeth Blount and Interim City Manager Ralph Clark said the demolition process includes notice and hearings, and noted rehabilitation is possible if an owner submits a credible plan. City Attorney James Cauley explained lien placement and publication procedures when heirs cannot be located.

Council Member Antonio Hardy cast the lone dissenting vote on both the operating budget amendment and the capital project ordinance. Hardy said his “opposition was not to demolition as a tool, but because [he] believes demolition funding should be accompanied by an established plan for what will be built in its place,” calling for fiscal stewardship. Other council members said demolition is intended to clear hazardous structures as a precursor to broader revitalization and noted existing redevelopment planning discussions and a memorandum of understanding with Lenoir County.

The motions passed by recorded votes of four in favor and one opposed. The ordinance establishes the capital project fund, authorizes use of General Fund transfers, and clarifies that existing condemned properties may be demolished with liens placed to recover costs from future property sales.

Next steps noted in the meeting include publishing the ordinance and proceeding with condemnation and demolition steps consistent with state law; staff said redevelopment planning and invitations to private-sector demolition/development specialists are expected to follow.