EDENTON — Edenton Town Council is set to tackle a packed agenda Monday evening that could shape the town’s economic development, public safety infrastructure, historic preservation efforts, and downtown vitality for years to come.

Among the most closely watched items are a $6 million installment financing contract with Southern Bank & Trust, a proposed economic development agreement for the acquisition and redevelopment of downtown property, a lease agreement highlighting Edenton’s herring fishing heritage, and a new ordinance to regulate vacant commercial buildings.

Monday’s meeting represents one of the most significant town council sessions of the year. The financing package and economic development resolutions, in particular, could set the stage for transformative changes in downtown Edenton and in the town’s public safety operations.

At the same time, the Herringbone Hospitality lease proposal and the Arbor Day proclamation highlight Edenton’s ongoing commitment to honoring its past while investing in its quality of life.

And with the vacant building ordinance up for debate, council members will be weighing how to spur reinvestment in struggling properties while holding owners accountable for maintenance and safety.

The special meeting and committee sessions begin at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 504 South Broad Street.

Financing Major Town Projects

At the top of the agenda is a resolution authorizing Town Manager Corey Gooden to enter into a $6 million installment financing contract with Southern Bank & Trust. The plan, approved earlier this month by the North Carolina Local Government Commission, is designed to fund both economic development and public safety projects.

The economic development side includes the purchase and renovation of the three-story building at 211 S. Broad S. (known as The Brick or former Sears Building), construction of a new parking deck and workforce housing nearby, and equipping the site for future use.

On the public safety front, funds would go toward converting 115 W. Hicks S. (former Shalom International Church Food Distribution site, near Edenton’s Department of Public Works building) into a new fire station and purchasing property at 311 N. Oakum St. (an empty two-story house turned apartments beside the police department) for additional police parking and training facilities.

According to documents from Town Hall, the loan consists of two parts: a tax-exempt loan of up to $600,000 at 5.62 percent interest for the public safety projects and a taxable loan of up to $5.4 million at 5.95 percent interest for the downtown redevelopment. Both loans carry a maturity date of 2046.

If approved Monday, town leaders will be authorized to sign the financing contract, affix the town seal, and move forward with securing deeds of trust to back the projects — bing, bang, boom!

Economic Development Agreement and Property Acquisitions

Closely tied to the financing resolution is a separate measure authorizing Edenton to move ahead with what’s being called “Project Teapot.” The resolution would approve an economic development agreement, the acquisition of the 211 S. Broad St. building, the acquisition of the 311 North Oakum Street property, and a ground lease involving both 211 South Broad Street and 206 Court Street (parking lot behind The Brick).

The agenda also includes a purchase agreement for 211 S. Broad St. for Provalus, the company that is coming to Edenton due to the efforts of Project Teapot. Provalus will occupy the top two floors of the building. The Town of Edenton and Main Street Edenton are the sellers of the property.

The purchase agreement includes a 10-year lease with the option to buy the property at the end of the term. The lease is broken up into two five-year terms with the rent amount being conditional on Provalus meeting employment goals.

The linked projects are intended to bring new life to Edenton’s downtown corridor by combining commercial revitalization with workforce housing, a long-standing goal of town leaders.

Herringbone Hospitality Lease Proposal

Another item drawing attention is a proposed lease agreement between the town and Herringbone Hospitality, Inc., which operates The Herringbone restaurant on Water Street.

The agreement would allow the business to lease a 12-foot setback in the Water Street easement north of 119 Water Street for $500 annually through September 2030. The space would be used for signage and an outdoor heritage display highlighting the historic role of herring fishing in Edenton’s economy.

Under the proposal, the town and the Edenton Historical Commission would work with the lessee to relocate an existing herring boat and install weather-resistant interpretive panels telling the stories of fishermen, fish processors, and local families who depended on the industry during and after Reconstruction.

The display would double as a small outdoor museum and cultural attraction, while the vacated spot would be converted into a screened enclosure for trash cans to improve the aesthetics of the waterfront area.

Town staff have described the project as a way to blend historic interpretation with streetscape improvement, strengthening both heritage tourism and community pride.

Voluntary Annexation Request

Council members will also consider a certificate of sufficiency regarding a voluntary annexation petition for property located at 316 Old Hertford Road. The step is a procedural move confirming that the petition meets state requirements. If approved, it would clear the way for the property owner to be officially brought into town limits at a later date.

Arbor Day Proclamation

Mayor W. Hackney High is expected to proclaim October 20, 2025, as Arbor Day in Edenton. The proclamation recognizes the town’s status as a “Tree City USA” and encourages citizens to support community forestry, plant trees, and preserve the town’s green heritage for future generations.

“Trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,” the proclamation reads, urging Edenton residents to continue protecting woodlands and planting for future generations.

Committee Meetings: Vacant Building Ordinance in Spotlight

Following the special meeting, the council will hold its committee sessions. The Administrative Committee has one of the evening’s most consequential items: a proposed ordinance requiring the registration, maintenance, and security of vacant commercial buildings.

If adopted, the measure would apply to properties in the town’s Commercial Highway, Commercial Downtown, and Commercial Neighborhood zoning districts.

The ordinance’s stated purpose is to “protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, prevent blight, and encourage rehabilitation and occupancy of vacant structures.”

Key provisions include:

• Registration Requirement: Owners of buildings vacant for more than 180 days must register with the town within 30 days and provide contact information, proof of liability insurance, and a plan for maintenance and future use.
• Maintenance and Security: Buildings must be kept up to local codes, secured against unauthorized entry, and maintained to prevent neighborhood deterioration.
• Fees and Inspections: An annual registration fee would be set by council, and town staff would conduct periodic inspections.
• Penalties: Failure to register could bring fines of up to $500 per violation. Continued non-compliance could trigger additional fines, liens, or even town-funded remediation at the owner’s expense.

The ordinance would exempt seasonal homes, temporary vacancies with prior notice, and buildings under active construction or renovation.

Town officials have emphasized that the measure is intended to balance accountability for property owners with community needs to keep commercial districts vibrant.

Other Committee Items

Also on the Administrative Committee agenda is a letter of support for the College of the Albemarle’s lineman ground school, a workforce training program aimed at preparing students for careers in the utility industry.