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Board approves closing portions of neighborhood streets for Duffy Field stormwater wetlands
Summary
The New Bern Board of Aldermen voted to adopt an ordinance closing parts of Biddle Street, F Street, Fowler's Lane and K Street to accommodate the Duffy Field Stormwater Enhancement wetlands after a public hearing in which staff described phases of work and residents sought clarifications about access and maintenance paths.
The New Bern Board of Aldermen on July 14 adopted an ordinance closing portions of Biddle Street, F Street, Fowler’s Lane and K Street to make room for the Duffy Field Stormwater Enhancement wetlands.
Development Services staff told the board the multi‑phase project dates to hazard mitigation planning after Hurricane Florence and includes expanded detention at Biddle Street Pond, pumps and a larger lift station, more than 1,700 linear feet of stormwater force main and roughly 8.5 acres of constructed wetlands serving a 50‑acre basin. Staff said pedestrian boardwalks and concrete‑decked bridges were part of the grant‑funded scope and “will remain in place.”
Residents asked whether maintenance paths would be hardened and whether emergency vehicles would retain access. A staff member said the brown, bark‑dust paths are deliberate: the city avoided adding impervious surfaces in newly constructed wetland areas and kept maintenance access minimal to reduce impact on the feature. Staff also said vehicle circulation is maintained on main collector streets and that removing vehicular access to the small portions of street was necessary to create the wetland outfall and that altering grant‑funded elements could risk repayment of federal grant funds.
Mayor and aldermen closed the public hearing, moved to adopt the ordinance and approved it by roll call. No vote tally naming dissenters was recorded in the motion narrative; the clerk announced the motion carries.
The project team told the board the planted wetland contains about 29,000 individual plants and will take two to five years to reach maturity. Staff said the closing affects the vehicle portion of the streets only and that private parcels retain access to publicly maintained city streets.
The ordinance takes effect as adopted and the city said it will continue public engagement as the constructed wetlands mature and as follow‑up drainage connections are considered for future phases.
