Wants citizens’ input on proposals for outdoor refreshment area

EDENTON – The Edenton Town Council voted Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, to table a proposal expanding the town’s social district until December, giving residents more time to weigh in on changes that would add the park and waterfront bulkhead to the drinking district and allow liquor in addition to beer and wine.

The council also unanimously approved a new R3 zoning district designed to promote affordable housing through smaller lot sizes.

Councilmembers Patrick Sellers (at-large) and Elton Bond (4th Ward) did not attend the meeting.

For information about the town’s letter to Edenton-Chowan Partnership seeking the return of the shooting range property near the Northeastern Regional Airport, visit the story by clicking here.

Social District Expansion Delayed

The council had been prepared to vote on expanding the boundaries and hours of Edenton’s downtown social district, which currently allows beer and wine to be carried in designated areas during certain hours.

The proposed changes would have expanded operating hours to Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and added the Waterfront Park (not in the playground) and bulkhead areas to the district boundaries.

Councilman Aaron Coston (3rd Ward) proposed amending the ordinance to include liquor in addition to beer and wine. “Just in my discussion with the general public, business owners, and the consensus of the council, I don’t see a reason why we cannot include that.”

Mayor Hack High raised concerns about including the park. Council suggested giving the public time to comment on the changes rather than voting immediately. They also wanted the vote of the full council, since two members were absent on Monday.

“I feel like the public ought to be able to weigh in on that, you know, instead of us just [deciding],” said Councilman Sambo Dixon (2nd Ward).

“This will give us time to work on this more,” High said, noting the council could find “middle ground” on the proposal.

Information on the proposed expansion was presented at the council’s October committee meeting.

R3 Zoning District Approved

In a separate action following a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a text amendment establishing a new R3 residential zoning district that allows development on smaller lots.

The new district, which Assistant Town Manager Dewayne Whealton said represents about 10 months of work, reduces the minimum lot size from 5,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet in areas designated as medium- to high-density residential in the town’s land use plan.

“The reason why this is being reviewed and up for consideration tonight is we were trying to figure out ways to promote affordable housing and how we could attack that from a land-cost perspective,” Whealton explained. Smaller lot sizes would reduce land costs and enable smaller, more affordable homes.

The R3 district would allow single-family homes, duplexes and cottage courts, with requirements for sidewalks on both sides of streets and adequate off-street parking. Projects in the historic district would still require certificates of appropriateness.

“We have a lot of properties in town that do not meet the minimum lot width of 50 [feet],” Whealton said. “We have a lot of 33-foot lots, so this would help with the setbacks and everything, make it easier to build your tiny homes.”

Dixon praised the work, saying it would allow neighborhoods to return to their original character.

“There are areas of town where lots are 33 feet, and then we superimpose this R5 [zoning] over that at a later time,” he said. “I think it’s getting back to more letting neighborhoods be what they sort of were laid out to be.”

During public comment, Larry McLaughlin, Chowan County commissioner and local contractor, urged the council to consider establishing architectural pattern books for different neighborhoods to maintain Edenton’s historic character.

“If there was some thought about the neighborhoods and the styles that are going in for these smaller houses, we would have something that would fit the flavor of Edenton,” McLaughlin said.

Resident Erin Lambert noted that many firms offer blueprints for small homes that fit a specific architectural style. Lambert has been studying how to bring affordable housing to Edenton.

Whealton said he would research whether the town can legally regulate architectural styles outside the historic district.

Personnel Matters Tabled

The council also tabled two personnel-related items until December: approval of job descriptions and salary scales for two new police lieutenant positions, and an update on the public information officer position.

The Management and Personnel Services (MAPS) group has not yet finalized the job descriptions and classifications. High said they would ask that the items be ready for approval in December so changes can take effect early in the new year.

Property Exchange Approved

The council approved a land exchange and partial sale between the town and the state of North Carolina involving two properties on West Peterson Street at the Golden Frinks house.

The exchange involves 5,160 square feet of town property at 116 West Peterson Street being transferred to the state, and 3,378 square feet of state property at 122 West Peterson Street (the Golden Frinks property) being transferred to the town. Due to the difference in acreage, the state will pay the town $4,675.

The town-owned land is beside the site of the proposed fire department on West Hicks Street.

Golden Frinks was a Civil Rights activist. His home, known as Freedom House to locals, was where many visited him to plan and carry out Civil Rights protests and other activities.

Laura Rogers, director of the state historic sites in Edenton, said the exchange is needed because the current property line runs through where the HVAC system sits at the Golden Frinks property.

Gooden noted the exchange will make the property more in line with the actual size of the property, as a fence was built “way inside the property line,” giving the appearance of more land for one of the properties that actually has.

Rogers said the extra land will help the state agency host educational events at the Frinks home. She reported that Phase 1 of the property’s restoration was completed in August, including structural rehabilitation and exterior renovation. Phase 2, involving mechanical systems and interior work, is expected to be completed by late summer 2026.

Councilman Dixon praised the project: “This is honoring of the African American part of our heritage here. It’s a really important thing and for those of us that are old enough to remember Mr. and Mrs. Frinks, I think it’s a great thing.”

Other Business

The council also:

• Approved a resolution authorizing participation in a New Market tax credit transaction to finance the 204 Court Street parking garage/apartment project. Main Street Edenton Director Ches Chesson said the project must be closed by early December. The property is located behind the Brick on South Broad Street. AR Chesson is currently renovating two stories in the building for Provalus, which plans to move into that space.
• Approved a resolution of intent to permanently close a paper street—the southern portion of the 400 block of South Mosley Street. A public hearing will be held at the December meeting before a final vote. Resident Hal Murray spoke during public comments opposing the closure, saying, “The end of South Mosley Street that goes to the water is one of the gems of Edenton and should not be gifts to the affluent and influential members of town. Town property is for the use and pleasure of all members of the community.”
• Heard a report on plans to send three or possibly four representatives to the National Main Street Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in April 2026
• Was asked by Councilman Coston to consider waiving utility penalties for federal workers affected by government funding issues, with the matter to be taken up at a future meeting
• Listened to resident Deanna Klingel who asked about tree restoration on a property on East Queen Street, in the historic district. She noted that since trees were removed from a neighboring property, the security lights near her home are impacting her ability to enjoy her home.

Mayor High congratulated Councilmen Craig Miller (at-large), Coston and Bond on their recent election victories.

“I feel like we’ve got a tremendous amount of momentum at this time and both of y’all have worked for us to be in the position that we are now,” High said to Miller and Coston.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for December. A committee meeting will be held later in November.