BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON – The Edenton Town Council convened for its regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 12, with Mayor Hackney High presiding over discussions ranging from American Rescue Plan funds, bridge replacements, to emergency preparedness equipment.

ARP Funds Reallocation Tabled

A proposed budget amendment to reallocate $47,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan funds from housing to recreation. If accepted, the town discussed using the money to add a unique feature to each of Edenton’s parks, High said.

The funds were initially designated for housing improvements, including assistance with home repairs for residents.

Councilman Aaron Coston raised concerns about abandoning the original housing assistance commitment. In the past, he, Elton Bond, and then-Councilmember Roger Coleman supported allocating some ARP funds to home repairs.

Coston said that the town had repaired about one home, but other residents need help.

“We didn’t really publicize it as much,” Coston said. “I don’t think a lot of citizens knew that we had funds set aside for home renovation.

“I had a resident reach out to me and ask if there were any funding opportunities just to replace a couple windows. And she’s an elderly lady on fixed income,” he said.

The council decided to table the decision until the September meeting to allow further discussion with Town Manager Corey Gooden, who was absent due to medical reasons. While there is a time limit for using the funds, the deadline is in either late 2026 or early 2027, giving the council ample time to study the issue, High said.

Filberts Creek Greenway Receives Grant Funding

Council unanimously approved a budget amendment for a $115,000 Resilient Coastal Communities Program grant to advance design work for Filberts Creek improvements. The 100% grant-funded project will help preserve green space and extend greenway connectivity near the ECU Health Chowan Hospital area, near Granville Street.

Assistant Town Manager Dewayne Whealton said the funds would be used to design a project that could be funded through subsequent grant phases.

Bridge Project Alternative Supported

The council voted to support Alternative 2 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Pembroke Creek Bridge project, which would utilize a temporary bridge during construction of the West Queen Street span, rather than completely closing the existing bridge. This approach would maintain access for west side residents and extend the project timeline slightly, High said.

Closing the bridge would require those living west of the bridge to travel down West Queen Street and go onto US 17, exit at the Dr. Martin Luther King exit, and then drive to downtown, High said.

Fire Department Can Pursue Grant for Emergency Water Rescue Equipment

Fire Chief Billy Bass received the council’s approval to pursue a $20,000 grant for water rescue equipment, specifically a jet ski-type watercraft for emergency response. The grant would cost the town approximately $1,400 for titling and related expenses.

Bass noted that the grant was originally awarded to the Pasquotank/Camden Emergency Management, but the Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners opted not to take the grant.

By accepting the grant, Edenton will have a watercraft to conduct rescue activities, which it currently lacks. The equipment would provide quick access to water for emergencies during events such as the Fourth of July celebration.

“We’ve got so much going on out here now,” Bass said of Edenton Bay. “We have people renting jet skis. We have people renting boats for people that probably have never used a boat in their life.”

While the fire department already has staff trained to use the watercraft, Bass said they hope to provide additional training. The grant also covers the cost of equipment and some training.

The watercraft comes with a trailer and will be available for use by other counties in the Albemarle Sound region, if needed.

Other matters

Council appointed Brian Towers to the Edenton Preservation Commission.

The council also set Sept. 9 for a public hearing regarding a voluntary annexation request for a 4-acre property on Old Hertford Road, intended for single-family housing development.

High explained the need for a policy limiting the amount of time staff members can devote to an individual’s request for information. Council unanimously passed the measure.

Also, regarding a proposed development near the intersection of Virginia Road and Whitemon Lane, Whealton said the developer is waiting for NC Department of Transportation to conduct a traffic assessment. Without the study, the development plans are on hold.

R-3 Housing Proposal Update

Whealton confirmed that a series of zoning changes, including a R-3 zoning proposal, designed to address affordable housing needs, will proceed to the planning board before going to council. The proposal would allow residential lots as small as 3,000 square feet in Edenton.

“We do have a big issue in town with providing affordable housing,” High explained. The smaller lots would reduce land costs and limit house sizes, potentially creating more affordable options for residents.

The proposal will go before the planning board in September, followed by a public hearing at the September council meeting.

Event Planning and Community Relations

Following successful Fourth of July celebrations, Mayor High shared anecdotal evidence of the events’ positive economic impact, including visitors returning multiple times after initially attending town celebrations.

The council also addressed concerns from downtown businesses about the impacts of events, with plans for improved communication through quarterly merchant meetings.

The question about better coordination of events was brought up at a previous council meeting. Coston asked the council to consider having responses to the public’s questions during the committee meetings, which would allow for more timely responses.

High noted that the town could have answers to some of the public’s inquiries within a few weeks, while others may take longer. Since Gooden wasn’t at the meeting, High said they could revisit the proposal at a future meeting when the town manager is present.

Council members commended the police department’s coordination with state and federal agencies during Saturday’s (Aug. 9) demonstration, noting the peaceful nature of the event and effective security planning.

The September council meeting is expected to include updates on the Hinton Hotel project and a vote on the ARP funds reallocation.