EDENTON – Edenton Town Council backed a housing development on Old Hertford Road, while also approving a project at the Herringbone restaurant that includes education of the town’s herring fishing heritage.

At Monday’s council meeting, council approved the voluntary annexation of four acres at 316 Old Hertford Road. WP Trio Properties proposes a residential development in the community where 3rd Ward Councilmember Elton Bond’s family lives. Bond spoke passionately about his ancestor’s journey to freedom and his impact on the area.

“He brought his freedom, he came across the river. The community that I’m living in, he bought most of that land,” Bond told council. “Most of the people that’s living out there is part of the family.”

The development aims to provide affordable housing options for Edenton residents while honoring the historical significance of Council member Bond’s ancestor’s legacy. The project is still in preliminary stages as developers work with engineers and surveyors.

Herringbone Wants to Share Industry’s History

In a separate unanimous decision, council approved moving forward with a lease agreement allowing the Herringbone restaurant to use a 12-foot section of West Water Street right-of-way for an educational project.

Joe and Stephanie Wach, the restaurant’s owners, presented plans to relocate the historic herring boat sign from its current location to the street setback, where it will anchor new educational storyboards about Edenton’s herring fishing industry.

The project will include historical information about the Native Americans who fished the waters before European settlement and the African American community that was crucial to the industry’s success.

The move also addresses ongoing concerns about trash management at the unique waterfront property, which lacks a traditional “back” area for service operations. The restaurant plans to build a screened storage structure where the boat currently sits, hiding trash containers and improving the building’s appearance.

The boat relocation will improve visibility for visitors trying to locate the restaurant entrance, a common problem the owners have observed.

The project requires approval from the Historic Preservation Commission before proceeding. The lease agreement will include provisions ensuring the educational storyboards are installed as promised.

Provalus Construction Set for October Launch

Council received an update on the eagerly anticipated Provalus project, confirming construction at the former Sears building, 211 S Broad St., will begin Oct. 1.

AR Chesson has been awarded the construction management contract and estimates a 10-month buildout, followed by one to two months for Provalus to install equipment and data systems. The company had previously considered temporary space during construction but recent cost analyses made that option prohibitive.

The three existing first-floor businesses — The Kraken Coffeehouse, Coastal Threads and Huckelberry’s Ice Cream Parlor — will remain operational during construction, with their current leases honored. Coordination meetings have assured these tenants that construction impact will be minimized.

The council also approved a related $1.5 million resolution (increased from the originally proposed $1.45 million) for property acquisitions supporting the public-safety component of the project, including 311 N. Oakum St., which will provide additional parking for the police station and space for a new fire station on West Hicks Street.

Workforce Development Expansion at Airport

The College of the Albemarle’s Edenton-Chowan campus received council’s pledge of support for a new electrical lineman training program planned for the Northeastern Regional Airport facility.

Dean Robin Zinsmeister outlined plans for a program that would serve the seven-county region, addressing an 11% projected growth in demand for electrical linemen. Currently, residents must travel to Martin Community College or Nash Community College for this training.

The program would complement COA’s existing CDL program at the airport, allowing students to graduate with both certifications needed for immediate employment. Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation committed to funding the training field setup.

“This really represents career opportunities for young men and women in this area… livable wages and more than livable wages,” Zinsmeister told council.

The college is seeking $250,000 to $300,000 in startup funding and hopes to launch the program by fall 2026, with classes capped at 15 students and offered twice yearly initially.

Council member interest was particularly high in exploring a historic preservation building trades program, noting the specialized skills shortage in restoration work throughout the region.

The Edenton Town Council holds regular meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. and committee meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 504 South Broad Street.