By Nicole Bowman-Layton

The Edenton Town Council met Monday, April 27, 2026, in the Council Chambers at 504 S. Broad Street for a special meeting and committee meeting that focused on historic preservation, community assistance programs, and economic development initiatives. The meeting concluded with council entering closed session with Town Attorney Hood Ellis to discuss potential litigation.

Preservation Committee Interviews

Council opened the meeting by interviewing candidates for a vacancy on the Edenton Preservation Committee, with three out of the four applicants appearing before the board. The board opted to delay a decision until candidate Hal Murray can be interviewed at a future meeting. They will also consider other opportunities for applicants to serve.

Ed Ross told council he felt a “responsibility … to give back to the community” after moving to Edenton six years ago and restoring his historic home. Drawing on his experience as a longtime UPS manager, Ross said he is comfortable working with diverse personalities and building consensus.

Cheryl Orr highlighted her background in architectural design and historic preservation, including work on the Speight House, a National Register property in Edenton that earned a local preservation award.

“It’s very important to keep that house in its original character,” she said, adding that preservation work is “near and dear to my heart.”

Lucas Belton, owner of Rustic to Reclaimed, emphasized his nearly three decades in construction and his focus on reclaiming historic materials. He told council he believes preservation should go beyond appearances.

“I like to save the structure,” Belton said of the difference between preservation in Charlotte and Edenton. “The structure is what’s important, not just what the front of it looked like.”

Council members praised the candidates’ qualifications, with Mayor Hackney High noting the process was “nice but difficult” given the strong pool of applicants.

Nonprofit Reports Community Impact

Lisa Salomon, president of the St. Ann St. Vincent de Paul Conference, presented the nonprofit’s annual update, emphasizing its direct, person-to-person approach to helping residents in need.

“We serve people in need regardless of creed, ethnic or social background,” Salomon told council. “We don’t provide transactions; we create and nurture relationships.”

From July 2025 through April 2026, the group distributed approximately $75,000 in aid across five counties, including more than $38,000 in Chowan County . Assistance included help with utilities, rent, food, transportation, and other essential needs.

Salomon also highlighted the Town of Edenton’s financial support, noting the town contributed $2,500 in the first year and $7,500 in the second year to assist local residents. “Your generosity is greatly appreciated…from St. Vincent de Paul and also our neighbors,” she said.

She added that the organization operates with minimal overhead and relies entirely on donations.

“This would not be made possible without your support and our donor support,” Salomon said. “The need is great and continues to utilize our resources of time, treasure and talent.”

Mayor High emphasized the scale of the nonprofit’s impact, noting the significant amount of aid provided over the past year to families in need.

Historic Preservation Efforts Highlighted

Robert Leath, director of the Edenton Historical Commission, provided an extensive update on preservation projects, highlighting the completion of the Kadesh AME Zion Church restoration.

Leath described the project as the result of decades of community effort following damage from Hurricane Isabel.

“What people got to see was the completed exterior and the completed interior in all of its glory,” he said, pointing to restored stained glass, interior finishes, and the reconstructed bell tower steeple.

Originally focused on restoring the sanctuary and windows, the project expanded significantly.

“We were able to accomplish those two original goals, but really quickly move beyond those with several others,” Leath said, including restoration of the parsonage, original paint colors, and structural elements.

He emphasized that the work reflects more than preservation alone.

“Historic preservation is not just important to Edenton’s past—it’s important to its future,” Leath said, noting the project’s growing national recognition.

Leath also updated council on the ongoing Cupola House restoration, where interior woodwork is expected to be completed by June 1, with final plaster and paint work scheduled for December 1, 2026 .

Council member Sambo Dixon (2nd Ward) praised the commission’s work, noting the town is “mighty lucky” to have Leath’s leadership guiding preservation efforts.

Economic Development Incentive Moves Forward

During the Utilities Committee portion of the meeting, Town Manager Corey Gooden presented a proposed Economic Development Credit Rider (EDCR-1), designed to attract businesses to large vacant commercial properties.

The incentive would provide tiered discounts on electric bills over a five-year period for qualifying businesses that commit to a 10-year service agreement. Officials said the measure could help fill long-vacant sites such as hotels and shopping centers.

The proposal will be considered for adoption at the council’s next regular meeting on May 12.

Also during the meeting, Council unanimously adopted a proclamation designating April 2026 as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming the town’s commitment to equal housing opportunities and non-discrimination in housing practices . The proclamation was to be voting on during a previous meeting, but wasn’t due to lack of quorum.

At the conclusion of open session, council entered closed session under state law to consult with Town Attorney Hood Ellis regarding potential litigation.

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The council is scheduled to reconvene for its next regular meeting on May 12.