PLYMOUTH — A special-called meeting of the Plymouth Town Council on Wednesday, Nov. 26, is expected to draw heightened public interest as the board prepares to consider a series of routine infrastructure and grant-compliance actions — along with a pair of resolutions involving the long-term leasing of downtown properties that many residents say hold deep community value.

The meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at 132 E. Water Street — that meeting had been rescheduled from Tuesday because of the 48-hour rule regarding public notification.  

While much of the agenda deals with technical requirements linked to the town’s 2024 Lift Station Improvements project and accompanying Community Development Block Grant–Infrastructure (CDBG-I) funding, the spotlight has shifted to the proposed leases of properties at 116 and 118 Washington Street (Bear Town Market) and another at 811 Washington — Food Pantry — we all know about that.

For many Plymouth residents, the Washington Street sites — including the area known as the Bear Town Market — represent far more than just two parcels on paper. Over the past several days, the issue has sparked vigorous discussion online, with residents urging transparency, caution, and consideration for the space’s community-built legacy.

A beloved community space at the center of the debate

In a widely shared social media post, Plymouth resident Micki Dail offered a detailed and emotional recounting of how the Bear Town Market property evolved into the gathering place it is today. Her comments, which have been circulating throughout local Facebook pages, frame the space not as a mere town-owned asset but as a destination cultivated through years of volunteerism, collaboration, and grassroots energy.

“May I use these comments to clarify the issue: This page (Bear Town Market Facebook page) was created 6 years ago to help promote The Bear Town Market—that with involvement from the downtown association along with much donated money and labor from Tom Harrison and Lou Manring, and people coming together turned this space into the beauty it is today. It has provided a space for community to come together for 6 years now. The craftsmanship is beautiful and Hal Beasley painted the Plymouth, NC mural. So many of Plymouth’s citizens have had a hand in this place. People have poured their hearts, souls and time into this property to provide something for citizens to do. Sometimes things are just meant to be communal- for the enjoyment of the people. That’s a good thing. It’s a good vibe- it boosts Town Of Plymouth, NCthat invest or enjoy it!” Dail wrote.

Her post paints a detailed picture of a downtown area revitalized in part by the Bear Town Market’s success, which she described as a place where citizens routinely gather for food, music, fellowship, and local events. According to Dail, the site has become a catalyst for boosting foot traffic at downtown restaurants, encouraging visitors to shop at local stores, and creating a ripple effect that benefits small-business owners.

Concerns about a proposed lease

The agenda for Wednesday includes “Consideration to Adopt Resolution No. 2025-24 — Authorization to Lease Properties located at 116, 118 Washington Street” and a second leasing resolution involving property at 811 Washington.

According to Dail and others opposing the move, the Washington Street resolutions would authorize a 10-year lease of the Bear Town Market property — including its building — to a private LLC for $1 per year.

In her post, Dail questioned the financial logic behind such a lease and warned that it could derail years of community momentum.

“Today, on the agenda of The Town of Town Of Plymouth, NC- they are voting to take this property from the DDA and have plans to lease the property with the building to an LLC for 10 years for $1 per year. Financially the best decision for town property- NO! That does nothing for the town except tie up town property with a business that does not pay sales tax. But what it does – is take away something our locals have invested their time and energy in and built something wonderful,” she wrote.

Dail emphasized that even residents who do not regularly participate in Bear Town Market events have benefited from its role as a community anchor, describing it as a space where “people can come together, share a meal provided by the veterans or visit a local restaurant, listen to music or have entertainment, or just come together for fellowship!!”

Her concerns center on the belief that transferring operational control of the space to a private entity could diminish the community-driven spirit that has defined the market since its inception. She also expressed concern that the arrangement would not generate meaningful revenue for the town or spur economic activity in the broader downtown area.

Dail’s post also included pointed questions directed toward Plymouth leaders, reflecting broader frustrations from residents who feel blindsided by the proposal.

“Why on earth would the Town administration and The Town Council want to do this to our locals??” she wrote.

She acknowledged likely counterarguments — such as assertions that the Downtown Development Association (DDA), which currently operates the space, does not pay sales tax either. However, she argued this misses the larger economic picture.

“I’m sure someone will come on here to say that the DDA doesn’t pay sales tax either- but – the people that come to these events also visit the businesses downtown, shop the stores, buy dinners and make plans to come back downtown. That- increases sales tax revenue for your local businesses and supports the Business owners!! Which is what our town council is supposed to support!!”

Her post concludes with a call for residents to make their voices heard both before and after the meeting.

“I urge you to contact your council person and tell them this is not what is best for Plymouth! Their email can be found on the Town’s website. Then come out to the First Friday on Dec 5th- and enjoy yourself and your town!!!”

Other agenda items still on deck

While discussion around Bear Town Market is expected to draw a significant portion of public attention, the council will also take up several unrelated but important actions.

The board is slated to consider Project Ordinance 2025-16, which pertains to the financial framework for the town’s 2024 Lift Station Improvements project. That project, which seeks to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure, is supported in part through CDBG-I funding — federal dollars that come with strict reporting and compliance requirements.

To that end, the council must also adopt an array of compliance plans and resolutions covering equal employment opportunity, procurement procedures, accessibility grievance processes, fair housing protections, citizen engagement expectations, language access for residents with limited English proficiency, excessive force prohibitions, and conflict-of-interest standards.

In addition, the board will weigh a contract amendment for ARK Consulting Group, PLLC, and consider contracts with the Mid-East Commission for grant administration tied to the lift station project. These items are generally procedural, though essential for keeping the project eligible for state and federal funding.

Closing session planned

The meeting will conclude with a closed session authorized under North Carolina General Statute §143-318.11(a)(1), which allows government bodies to discuss confidential or privileged information that is not considered public record. This is generic — what’s it supposed to be for? Usually, it’s required to list a reason to hold closed session — personnel, contract matters, legal issues, etc.