SE North Carolina News

The upcoming Wilmington City Council meeting scheduled for March 18, 2024, will address several important issues, as announced in a recent press release. Among the highlights of the meeting agenda are the following items:

During the meeting, there will be a public hearing on an amendment to an installment contract that could potentially allow the city to secure up to $32 million in limited obligation bonds. The funds from these bonds will be allocated towards various capital projects, such as street, sidewalk, accessibility, streetscape, and riverwalk improvements. The amendment also includes provisions for the financing of the nCino sports complex and the re-financing of previous obligations. As stated by the council, this amendment marks the sixth adjustment to the 2012 contract aimed at supporting city infrastructure investments. All capital improvements covered under this agreement have already been approved and committed to.

Additionally, a resolution will be proposed to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. This agreement entails allocating $650,000 in American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") funding towards enhancing tourism in the Riverwalk area. The resolution was carried over from the previous meeting held on March 5.

Furthermore, the council will consider adopting the Greenfield Park Master Plan, which was initially presented to the council on February 24. Another resolution up for discussion involves authorizing condemnation actions for the acquisition of easements and right-of-way on phase 3 of the Greenville Loop Trail. City officials have made progress in acquiring voluntary easements for properties related to this project, but negotiations have stalled on specific compensation terms. The proposed condemnations would require a payout of $319,740 funded by the 2014 Transportation Bond.

The public is encouraged to participate in the meeting by providing written comments for the public hearing. Comments can be submitted through an online comment form, with the deadline set for noon on Monday, March 18. These comments will be included in the public record.

For those unable to attend the meeting in person, remote viewing options are available through GTV8 (Spectrum channel 8), the city's website at www.wilmingtonnc.gov/gtv, the City of Wilmington's YouTube channel, and the "cablecast" app available on app stores by searching for "City of Wilmington."

The City Council meeting promises to address critical matters concerning the city's development and infrastructure, providing an opportunity for public engagement and input.