Waterfront Conservation and Development Plan Draft 1988

Waterfront Conservation
and
Development Plan
City of New Bern, North Carolina
DCM COPY
DO NOT REMOVE
Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates
September 30, 1988

City of New Bern
Waterfront Conservation and Development
Steering Committee
Representative Organization
Dale Carrol
Chamber of Commerce
Eddie DeCamp
Recreation Advisory Commission
Alex Donaldson
Historic District Commission
Max Freeze
Board of Aldermen
Elbert Mallard
Community Appearance Commission
Susan Moffat
Planning and Zoning Board
Leander Morgan
New Bern Housing Authority
Lonnie Pridgen
Municipal Services District
Stewart Smith
Tourism Development Authority
Harold Talton
Swiss Bear, Inc.
Kay Williams
Tryon Palace Restoration Complex
Michael W. Avery, Director of Planning and Inspections
Planning Consultants:
Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates
215 South Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
The preparation of this document was financed, in part, through a grant
provided by the N.C. Coastal Management Program, through funds
provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended,
which is administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction..............................................................................................................1
Need for the Waterfront Plan.........................................................................2
Purpose................................................................................................................. 2
Benefitsof the Plan............................................................................................3
PlanningProcess................................................................................................3
2. Existing Conditions.................................................................................................5
Study Area Boundaries.....................................................................................6
LandUse..............................................................................................................6
Circulation...........................................................................................................7
Vehicular Circulation.................................................................................7
Pedestrian Circulation................................................................................7
- Property in Public Ownership.........................................................................8
3. Review of Existing Plans, Policies and Regulations.........................................9
Land Use Plan Update(1987).........................................................................10
CityZoning Ordinance...................................................................................13
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.........................................................15
4. Principles for Waterfront Area Planning and Development ......................16
5. Conceptual Development Plan...........................................................................18
Introduction......................................................................................................19
Near -Term Conceptual Plan .........................................................................19
Long -Term Conceptual Plan .........................................................................24
6. Detailed Site Designs.............................................................................................27
Introduction......................................................................................................28
LawsonCreek Park....................................................................................28
UnionPoint Park.......................................................................................30
7. Implementation..................................................................................................... 32
8. Public Participation................................................................................................35
Appendix

Section 1:
Introduction

Need for the Waterfront Plan
The City of New Bern, like many other coastal communities in the Carolinas,
has been under increasing pressures for competing use of the City's
waterfront. Commercial, residential, industrial, and open space uses find
themselves in competition for the limited waterfront land not yet specifically
committed to one land use or another. In addition, old land uses are
gradually being phased out as new uses move in. Over the years, waterfront
property has typically developed in piecemeal fashion, oftentimes without
regard to the impact of such development on adjacent land uses. Other
important factors that are sometimes overlooked in the development process
include: pedestrian and vehicular access, visual corridors and view cones,
stormwater runoff and water quality, architectural character and
compatibility, and recreation and open space needs. All of these factors must
be balanced in the context in the continued economic use of the river and the
need to allow for a healthy mixing of uses that has long characterized the
historic vitality of the City's waterfront.
New Bern's waterfront is perhaps the single greatest urban amenity and
shaper of the City's image. The City is now at a critical juncture which could
lead to an enhanced or a downgraded image, depending upon the success of
the planning done today. A comprehensive planning approach and
public/private partnership for the use of the waterfront is one possible
solution that has worked in other communities, and could prove beneficial
in New Bern as well. Rational decisions need to be made regarding the best
use of the City's waterfront from both a public and private perspective. These
decisions should be based upon a clear and accurate evaluation of existing
conditions, and the goals and objectives for the waterfront as expressed by the
citizenry of the City of New Bern. This waterfront conservation and
development plan provides the process and the product to accomplish this
important task.
Purpose
The purpose of this Waterfront Conservation and Development Plan is
threefold: (1) to provide a forum for public input and consensus building for
the future development of the waterfront, (2) to provide a comprehensive
vision of the future and specific recommendations to achieve that future, and
(3) to prepare site designs for the future development and enhancement of
two public sites considered to be of critical importance for the future of the
waterfront and the City of New Bern as a whole.
2

Benefits of the Plan
Several groups benefit from having an adopted Waterfront Plan. City
officials, for example, can better plan for public improvements in the area,
such as streets, water and sewer services, storm drainage, parking, fire and
police protection, landscaping, etc. For businesses, property owners, and
developers, an official Waterfront Plan can establish a clear sense of direction
for the waterfront and build confidence in the area, thereby reducing
uncertainty regarding future investments. For other City residents,
merchants, and property owners, the Waterfront Plan can provide a
foundation for quality development in the critical waterfront area, ultimately
resulting in an enhanced image for the community.
The process of preparing the Waterfront Plan in the public arena allows the
opportunity to produce a document which balances the interests of all parties
involved.
Planning Process
In general, the planning process used to prepare the Waterfront Plan
involved a methodical, disciplined, fact finding approach. The following are
key features of the planning process:
• A local Steering Committee comprised of interested citizens representing a
broad cross-section of organizations in the community, was appointed by
the City. The Steering Committee worked with the planning consultant
(Edward D. Stone, Jr. and Associates) and the Director of Planning and
Inspections throughout the study to offer local perspectives, provide input
on the accuracy of information gathered, and feedback on recommended
solutions. The Steering Committee members were also encouraged to
network with other residents, property owners, and merchants in the
community who may have an interest in the waterfront area.
• Existing conditions in the waterfront area were evaluated, including
existing land use, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, property in public
ownership, and a slide inventory of man-made and natural features.
EDSA was aided in this evaluation. by input received from the Steering
Committee regarding specific problems and opportunities in the
waterfront area.
A review of relevant plans, policies, and regulations pertaining to the
riverfront area in particular was conducted. This review included the
Pride in Place study, the City of New Bern Recreation Plan, the Land Use
Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, and the Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance. The Land Use Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Flood Prevention
3

Ordinance received particular attention during this review; key features of
these documents are summarized in this report. The intent of the review
was to help insure that the recommendations set forth in the study are
consistent with the overall plan of growth and development for the City
of New Bern.
• Several "Principles for Waterfront Area Conservation and Development"
were identified based upon the review of existing conditions and plans,
_ and on the specific input received during the public meetings of the
Steering Committee. These principles provided the essential foundation.
and direction necessary to prepare the Waterfront Plan.
• A conceptual plan for future development was prepared in two stages: (1)
near -term and (2) long-term. The near -term plan is comprised of
elements which were felt to be reasonable to implement over the next five
year period. The long-term plan, on the other hand, was prepared to
include elements that may require a longer period of time to implement.
• Lastly, two specific site plans were prepared for two publicly owned
properties felt to be of critical importance to the future of the waterfront:
Union Point Park and Lawson Creek Park. These two site plans suggest
specific physical improvements that would be desirable in light of the
community's objectives for these areas.
V

Section 2:
Existing Conditions

Study Area Boundaries
The study area boundaries for the Waterfront Conservation and
Development Plan are delineated on the map immediately following this
page. For identification and reference during public meetings, the study area
was broken into four sections. Section 1 is Lawson Creek Park. Section 2,
referred to as the New South Front Street area, takes in an area on the north
side of Lawson Creek from the intersection of Pembroke Road and First Street
east along both sides of New South Front Street, extending to the western
edge of the Tryon Palace grounds. Section 3 includes Tryon Palace on the
extreme west and extends eastwardly along the north shore of the Trent River
as far as the Trent River bridge. Area 4 has Union Point Park as its southern
anchor and extends northerly along the western shore of the Neuse River as
far as New Street.
Collectively, these four areas encompass that portion of the City's shoreline
considered most critical for determining future development and land use.
Land Use
As might be expected in an urban setting, existing land uses along New
Bern's downtown area waterfront are varied. For the purposes of analysis,
existing land uses will be discussed by subareas 1-4.
1. Lawson Creek Park Area
Lawson Creek is the single largest parcel of land within the study area. At
the present time, the park includes an existing paved access road and loop
road, two boat launching facilities with parking, a soccer field, fitness trail,
and picnic area in the area known as Jack's Island. The majority of the
unused portions of the park is made up of marshland.
2. New South Front Street Area
The New South Front Street area contains a mixture of commercial, single
family residential, multi -family residential, and open space. Dominant
land uses within Area 2 include the high-rise elderly housing structure on
the south side of New South Front Street between Bryant and Norwood
Streets, and the Housing Authority's low income housing development at
the eastern end of this subarea. Also worth noting are the two vacant
waterfront parcels located in the area between the elderly housing and the
multi -family low income housing.
3. Tryon Palace to the Trent River Bridge
Commercial, industrial, and office and institutional uses predominate in
subarea 3. Especially significant land uses include Tryon Palace and
grounds, Barbour Boatworks, the Farmers Market, the Sheraton Hotel
11

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WATERFRONT CONSERVATION
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City of New Bern, North Carolina
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complex, and the large vacant parcel between the Sheraton Hotel and the
Trent River bridge.
4. Union Point to New Street
Subarea 4 is oriented on a north -south axis and straddles both sides of East
Front Street. Land uses in this area include commercial, office and
institutional, multi -family residential, single-family residential, and parks
and open space. Significant land uses within Subarea 4 include Union
Point Park, the New Bern Motor Lodge, and a linear riverfront walkway
extending north of the Neuse River bridge as far as New Street.
Circulation
For planning purposes, transportation patterns in the waterfront area can be
discussed in terms of vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
Vehicular Circulation
With the exception of traffic on East Front Street between the Trent River
bridge and the Neuse River bridge, the study area is largely unaffected by
excessive traffic volumes. East -west streets in the study area include New
South Front Street and Tryon Palace Drive. Neither of these streets are
considered to be major traffic carrying arteries.
The most significant street pattern impacting development patterns in the
study area are the numerous city streets running perpendicular to the river at
regular intervals along the entire length of the waterfront area (excepting
Lawson Creek Park). Of these streets, Broad Street, leading to the Neuse River
bridge, carries the most significant volumes of traffic for a short distance
through the study area. All other streets serve largely to carry local traffic to
destinations within the study area.
Pedestrian Circulation
Primary pedestrian routes within the waterfront area are confined largely to
Subareas 3 and 4 between Tryon Palace and Union Point, and Union Point
and New Street. This is the area where most sidewalks are in place and
where most pedestrian movements related to business enterprise in the
downtown occur. Also, this is already where the most extensive and
continuous riverfront walkway is in place. Extending from the Farmers
Market area on the west, a pedestrian can walk along the entire length of the
Sheraton Hotel complex and continue eastward as far as East Front Street
without having to cross a roadway.
While Lawson Creek Park includes a limited amount of pedestrian walkway
related to the Jacks Island picnic area, the park is otherwise without sidewalks.
7

The fitness trail in the park is unimproved, with the exception of the exercise
stations themselves.
New South Front Street presents a narrow right-of-way without benefit of
sidewalks. Exceptions include sidewalks related to the street frontage of the
elderly housing development and the low income housing project area.
Property in Public Ownership
The map on the following page illustrates those parcels of land that are in
some form of public ownership. Properties have been identified as to
whether they belong to (1) the City of New Bern, (2) the State of North
Carolina, or (3) the Housing Authority of New Bern. As can be seen from the
map, the City of New Bern owns all of the land area in Lawson Creek Park,
two significant vacant parcels on the north side of Lawson Creek, and the
Union Point Park area. The City also owns nearly all of the street right-of-
ways that stub out to the water's edge throughout the waterfront area. An
example shown on the map is the foot of Broad Street at the Neuse River that
is currently in use as a passive open space area. Finally, the City also owns a
continuous 30-foot strip of land along the Trent River shoreline between
Hancock Street and the Trent River bridge.
The next largest owner of land is the Housing Authority of New Bern, which
owns both the elderly housing structure on New South Front Street and the
low income housing project between Liberty Street and Tryon Palace.
The State of North Carolina has jurisdiction over the Tryon Palace and
grounds, as well as an associated parking area on the west side of Eden Street.
In addition, the North Carolina Department of Transportation owns two
waterfront properties necessary to accommodate landfall points for both the
Neuse and Trent River bridges.

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•

Section 3:
Review of Existing
Plans, Policies, and
Regulations
0

This section presents a review of pertinent public plans, ordinances, and
studies previously prepared for the City of New Bern with particular
relevance to the waterfront. The intent of this review is to help insure that
the recommendations set forth in this report are consistent with overall
community objectives for growth and development. Conversely, there may
be a need to modify certain policies or standards of the City, based upon
recommendations contained in the final Waterfront Plan.
Follo n review of numerous public documents concerning growth and
develo tin the City of New Bern, it was determined that three
documents in particular were especially significant to the planning for the
waterfront: (1) The 1987 Land Use Plan Update, (2) The Zoning Ordinance,
and (3) The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The following is a
summary of significant findings and recommendations set forth in each of
these documents.
Land Use Plan Update (1987)
The City's 1987 CAMA Land Use Plan Update contains a number of specific
policies and recommendations that are relevant to New Bern's waterfront.
The major points of emphasis contained in these policies are discussed as
follows:
Areas of Environmental Concern:
Much of the land and water in or near New Bern's waterfront is located in
certain specially regulated areas called Areas of Environmental Concern
(AEC's). These are land and water areas that, due to their significance, receive
special attention from State and local government authorities when
reviewing development proposals within their boundaries. AEC's occurring
within the Waterfront Plan study area include Public Trust Areas, Coastal
Wetlands, Estuarine Waters and Estuarine Shorelines. Specific standards for
each type of AEC are set forth in North Carolina Administrative Code Section
15-711. The information that follows is a brief summary of each of these
AEC's as they relate to the Waterfront Plan:
Public Trust Areas - These are generally waters to which the public has the
right of navigation and use. In reviewing development proposals, the
primary concern is that bulkheads, marinas, docks, etc. do not interfere with
the public's interest in, or natural values of, these areas. Public Trust Areas
include Lawson Creek, the Neuse River and The Trent River.
Coastal Wetlands - These are generally any salt marsh or other marsh subject
4an%idW flooding. In recent years, State and Federal protection of these
marshes has heightened, with the objective of minimizing any further losses
of these valuable areas. Within the Study Area, the largest occurrence of tidal
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marshlands is at Lawson Creek Park. Other smaller areas of wetland are
found along the shoreline fringe of Lawson Creek, and the Neuse and the
Trent Rivers. In the City of New Bern, generally accepted uses within these
areas include conservation uses requiring water access and uses that cannot
function elsewhere. Specific uses which may be allowed are: utility
easements, fishing piers, docks, marinas, and bulkheads in conformance with
AEC standards.
Estuarine Waters - As a general definition, estuarine waters are coastal water
bodies having free connection with the open sea within which seawater is
diluted with fresh water drained from the adjacent land. For New Bern,
estuarine waters have been identified in the City's CAMA Land Use Plan as
those -water between -the mean -high -water mark and the-Citylxnits, which
generall Xtenu 3 r__t , the Trent and Neuse Rivers.
Due to the natural productivity of these waters, the primary management
objective is to ensure that development does not pollute estuarine waters,
whether by the quantity or quality of stormwater runoff from adjacent lands.
Appropriate uses within estuarine waters include marinas, piers, docks, boat
ramps, bulkheads, and aids to navigation, when such uses do not significantly
affect the function, cleanliness and circulation of estuarine waters.
Estuarine Shorelines - are those non -ocean shorelines which are especially
vulnerable to erosion, flooding, or other adverse effects of wind and water,
and are intimately connected to the estuary. This area extends from the mean
high water mark for a distance of 75 feet landward. The primary concern for
estuarine shoreline AECs is that development substantially preserve the
natural integrity of the shoreliness hin the Study Area, the entire
waterfront shoreline falls within this classification. In New Bern, appropriate
land uses in estuarine shoreline areas include residential, recreational,
commercial, and industrial development provided that:
a) all CAMA permitting requirements are met.
b) all terms of the Zoning Ordinance are satisfied.
c) new development limits impervious surface areas to the minimum
amount necessary.
d) the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance is met.
e) the development is consistent with the Downtown Development
and Redevelopment Plan.
Stormwater Runoff
According to the Land Use Plan, New Bern will encourage the use of "best
available management practices" to minimize the threat of pollution from
storm water runoff into adjacent coastal waters. Recommended changes to be
considered in the City's zoning and subdivision regulations include:
11

• special minimum lot sizes and setbacks adjacent to water areas.
• the use of conservation zones adjacent to water access.
• the submission of water management plans for large scale developments;
and
• proper site planning for waterfront development including vegetated
buffers and the use of pervious materials for drives and parking.
As an alternative to the above -mentioned ordinance amendments, the Plan
suggested that the City may wish to consider comprehensive stormwater
runoff control ordinances.
Marinas
The Land Use Plan "recognizes the positive recreational and economic aspects
of marina development and will support proposals that are consistent
with ... (city policies, plans and regulations)." (p. 38)
Floating Home Development
The Land Use Plan notes that while overnight tie ups at City owned docks is
prohibited by City Code, there is a possibility that floating homes could be
permitted in the City as part of an approved marina.
Redevelopment of Development Areas
The City of New Bern:
• Supports public improvements in the Central Business District
through revenues generated by the special tax district.
• Supports the use of Federal and State grant funds, such as CDBG and
UDAG to encourage redevelopment.
• Supports the use of local historic district zoning to preserve the
historical and architectural heritage of the City.
• Supports the revitalization efforts of private groups such as New Bern
Preservation and Swiss Bear, Inc.
• Supports the preparation of a plan for the development of two blocks
of City owned land on New South Front Street.
Tourism/Beach and Waterfront Access
The City will "require pedestrian walks along the entire waterfront as part of
individual development plans. The development of Lawson Creek Park and
proposed improvements at Union Point will further accomplish the city's
objective of improving public water access facilities." (p. 43).
12

Land Classification
Most of the Waterfront Plan Study Area has been designated as "Developed"
on the City's official Land Classification Map, thereby encouraging the active
development and redevelopment of this area. Lawson Creek Park, with the
exception of certain significant wetland areas, has been designated as
Transition, indicating that this area is suitable for future urban development
and services. (In this case urban development will consist of park
development).
City Zoning Ordinance
The map on the following page identifies the location and distribution of
zoning districts as they occur within the Waterfront Plan Study Area. The
information below summarizes the various districts relative to specific sites
and areas along the waterfront.
RA-10 Residential District
Permitted Uses - single and two-family homes with 10,000 square feet
minimum lot for 1 family dwellings and 15,000 square feet for 2 family
dwelling.
Building Height Limit - 35 feet; bonus for increased setback.
Occurrence in Study Area - Shorefront residential area, generally north of
Broad Street.
RA-8 Residential District
Permitted Uses - Single, two and multi -family dwellings with 8,000 square
feet minimum for one unit and 12,000 square feet for two units; multi -family
density maximum is approximately 10.6 units per acre (based on a 5 acre tract).
Building,Height Limit - 35 feet, bonus for increased setback.
Occurrence in Study Area - Tryon Palace Area
RA-6 Residential District
Permitted Uses - Single, two and multi -family dwellings, hospitals, trailer
parks with 6,000 square feet minimum lots for one dwelling, 8,000 for two-
family and a multi -family density of 21.2 dwelling units per acre (based on a a
5-acre tract).
Building Height Limit - 35 feet, bonus for increased setback.
13

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RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
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CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
B-2
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
B-3
COMMERCIAL. DISTRICT
1.1
INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
EXISTING ZONING t

Occurrence in Study Area - New South Front Street area.
B-1 Central Business District
Permitted Uses - allows a wide range of commercial uses including: retail
sales, banks, food services, hotels, motels, offices, limited/small scale
manufacturing for sale of premises, personal services, public buildings,
recreational facilities. Screening/buffer required where district abuts
residential zone.
Building Height Limit - None specified.
Occurrence in Study Area - Sheraton Hotel area, generally, and immediately
west of Tryon Palace.
B-2 Central Business District
Permitted Uses - most B-1 uses plus: wholesale businesses, single family
dwellings, boarding houses, two family dwellings, multi -family dwellings,
offices. Screening/buffer required where district abuts residential zone.
Building Height Limit - None specified.
Occurrence in Study Area - East Front Street area, generally.
B-3 Commercial District
Permitted Uses - most B-1, B-2 uses plus: animal hospitals, auto storage and
repair, outdoor advertising, single family, two family and multi -family uses,
offices. Screening/buffer required where district abuts any residential zone.
Building Height Limit - None specified.
Occurrence in Study Area - Pembroke Road area, generally.
I-1 Industrial District
Permitted Uses - manufacturing, processing and related uses ranging from
light to very intense operations, warehousing and wholesaling activities,
retail businesses.
Building Height Limit - None specified.
Occurrence in Study Area - Lawson Creek Park and Barbour Boatworks
property.
14

H.D. Historic District
Permitted Uses - this district serves as an "overlay" to underlying commercial
and residential districts thereby establishing additional requirements and
standards that must be met in addition to the regular zoning district. Uses are
not regulated through the Historic District overlay zone; a Certificate of
Appropriateness must be issued in connection with exterior alterations to
historic structures.
Building Height Limit - controlled by underlying district.
Occurrence in Study Area - entire study area shoreline except along New
South Front Street area west of Liberty Street and Lawson Creek Road.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
The Flood Insurance Rate Study prepared for New Bern in 1985 identified the
following flood elevations for the City relative to various storm events:
Frequency of Event Flood Elevation above M.S.L.
10 year flood 6.1
50 year flood 8.3
100 year flood 9.1
500 year flood 10.9
New Bern's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires that new
construction be built above the 100 year flood elevation. All shorefront
properties with the waterfront plan study area are within the 100 year
floodplain.
15

Section 4:
Principles for
Waterfront Area
Planning and
Development
16

The recommendations contained in this Plan are the result of a careful
analysis of waterfront conditions and potentials. Studies regarding property
ownership, land use, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, and previous
plans, policies, and regulations were conducted as an integral part of plan
preparation.
Perhaps most importantly, ideas and perspectives were gathered from area
citizens who know the City's downtown area rivers and creeks, and
shorelines best. The property owner, the business man, the homeowner, and
others. Issues, problems, prospects and opportunities identified through
careful study and confirmed by a broad spectrum of interests are laid out in
the balance of this report.
While not every issue identified had a clear best action, several general
principles for the betterment of the waterfront area gradually emerged. These
universally held "themes" provide common ground and set forth the highest
general policies to guide public and private actions. They may be
summarized as follows.
111. Create an environment which will bring people back to the water's edge.
2. Create a unified character of development.
3. Retain and promote a harmonious blend of river -oriented land uses.
4. Strive for a general clean up of waterfront properties.
5. Establish a continuous walkway along the entire length of t h e
downtown area waterfront.
6. Encourage continued leadership and coordination in waterfront
development.
From the outset of the planning process, the need for a public -private
partnership for the future conservation and development of the waterfront
area was emphasized. As demonstrated by the experiences of communities
across the nation, any successful development program must be a partnership
between local government and the private sector. A planning and
development program placed solely on the shoulders of local government is
destined to fail. On the other hand, interested citizens and property owners
seldom have the resources and organization necessary to influence the
activities of an entire waterfront area. The recommendations set forth in the
balance of this report, therefore, seek to achieve a reasonable allocation of
responsibilities between the City and the private sector. At the same time, the
six general principles outlined above, provide the foundation for setting
priorities and evaluating public and private actions.
17

Section 5:
Conceptual
Development
Plan

Introduction
The Conceptual Conservation and Development Plan for New Bern's
waterfront represents a pulling together of various information sources
regarding existing conditions in the area. It is also directly responsive to the
general "Principles for Waterfront Area Planning and Development" as
outlined in Section 4 of this report.
For the purpose of insuring proper implementation of the plan,
recommendations are presented in two phases: (1) near -term, and (2) long-
term.
Near -Term Conceptual Plan
The Near -Term Conservation and Development Plan for the Waterfront
contains those recommendations that are felt to be reasonably achievable
within the next five years (i.e. 1989-1994). The specific elements of the plan
are outlined under numbers 1 through 12 on the Conceptual Plan sheet
which immediately follows this page: Each of the twelve items may be more
fully described as follows.
Map No. 1- Lawson Creek Park -wide Improvements
Sentiments expressed by citizens attending the major public input forum
generally agreed that the Lawson Creek Park area is an underutilized public
resource which could benefit from continued improvements. While the City
has been working actively over the past several years to improve the park,
and has made many significant improvements, nearly everyone recognizes
that more can be done. Specific park -wide improvements identified over the
course of plan preparation are summarized on the accompanying plan sheet
and are restated here:
• Instill More Lighting Other Than at Boat Ramps
• More Trash Cans Needed
• Preserve Existing Marsh
• Encourage Family -Oriented Activities
• Prepare a Comprehensive Landscape Plan
• Keep Shoreline Clean of Debris and Trash
Each of the above listed items is more fully discussed in Section 6 of this
report, which presents a more detailed site design for the Lawson Creek Park
area. Also, items 2 through 4 below also relate to Lawson Creek Park
improvements.
Map No. 2 - New Concession Building
An idea that received considerable support from the Waterfront Steering
Committee was the need for design and construction of a concession building
M]

LEGEND
1 LAWSON CREEK PARKWIDE IMPROVEMENTS
• Install More Lightingg Other Than at Boat Ramps
• More Trash Cans Needea
• Preserve FxisGnrgg Marsh Areas
• Encourage Farm -Oriented Aclivdies
• Prepare a Comprehensive Landscape Plan
• Keep Shoreline Clear of Debris and Trash
2 NEW CONCESSION BUILDING
• New Existing Boat Ramps
• Food Beverage, Bail. Tackle
• Canoe and Boat Rental
• Restrooms Maintained Under Lease Agreement
3 PUBLIC WORKS STORAGE AREA
TO BE RELOCATED
4 BEAUTIFY AND LANDSCAPE PARK ENTRY
5 POSSIBLE SMALL BOAT HARBOR AND MARINA
NewRoad ovWea 1 _ wed —
Access to Creek For Fwhh`
6 TWO BLOCK AREA TO BE KEPT IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
AND MAINTAINED AS PASSIVE OPEN SPACE PENDING
APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT AND/OR OTHER
ALTERNATIVE USE
7 MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING AREA
8 SHERATON HOTEL EXPANSION TO INCLUDE MORE ROOMS
PLUS MEETING SPACE
9 AREA TO BE DEVELOPED FOR MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL AND LIMITED COMMERCIAL
n
10 UNION POINT PARK PLAN OF IMPROVEMENTS
• Enhanced LarWscaping Throughout
• Grassed Amphitheater
• Passive Open Space Area For Events
Day and Overnight Boat Slips
Small Bowl Launch and Rental
- River Center
• Restaurant
• Dock For Elizabeth II
• Bricked Pedestrian Walkways t
• Also See Union Point Detail Sheet
11 SITE OF NEW MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH
BOAT SLIPS
12 SITE OF NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
WITH BOAT SLIPS
r Try" Pala" Grounds Perimeter Improvements to Include
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Walkway Along Water
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25'35' CONTINUOUS PUBLIC ACCESS WATERFRONT EASEMENT WHERE
NOT ALREADY IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL
94•
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STREETSCAPE UPGRADE NEEDED TO LINK DOWNTOWN WITH
g1_111U
RIVERFRONT
• STREET FURNITURE, BENCHES
• PEDESTRIAN SCALED LIGHTING
SIDEWALK UPGRADES
STREET TREES
mo�om
EXISTING RIVERFRONT WALKWAY TO BE MAINTAINED
New Brsakrster to Protect Boat Ramp Area umlaaraaanr
NEW OR IMPROVEMENT RIVERFRONT WALKWAY NEEDED
6
AREA OF SPECIAL NEED FOR SHORELINE CLEANUP
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STREET TREES TO BE PLANTED OUTSIDE MAXIMUM ANTICIPATED RIGHT
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CONCEPTUAL PLAN
NEAR TERM
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to serve the park area. The features of this building are more fully described
in Section 6 of this report.
Map No. 3 - Public Works Storage Area to be Relocated
This recommendation is not major in terms of the effort required to
accomplish the task. In fact, it is the understanding of the Steering
Committee that this relocation is already scheduled to be completed before
the end of calendar year 1988. Optimistically, this recommendation may be
completed by the time this Plan reaches the City Council for final acceptance.
Map No. 4 - Beautify and Landscape Park Entry
The current entryway into Lawson Creek Park is quite modest, considering
the size and importance of the land area and facilities involved. Perhaps as
the first step of a Comprehensive Landscape Plan for the Park, a project
should be undertaken to design and install an attractive entryway scheme for
the park at its entrance off Pembroke Road. See Section 6 of this report for a
more complete description of this recommendation.
Map No. 5 - Possible Small Boat Harbor and Marina
City officials have been approached in the recent past by a private developer
about the possibility of establishing a small boat harbor and marina at the
extreme western end of the navigable portion of Lawson Creek. Specifically,
the City was asked if it would be willing to lease a small piece of property
associated with Lawson Creek Park for use by part of the marina operation.
The specific location is well sheltered and could provide an appropriate
location for such a marina, provided the environmental aspects of the facility
could be satisfactorily addressed. The small boat harbor and marina could
provide an alternative location for the concessions services discussed under
item 2 above.
Map No. 6 - Two -Block Area to be Kept in Open Space
The two -block area to which this recommendation refers is located on the
south side of New South Front Street between Norwood and Liberty Streets.
Owned by the City of New Bern and currently in use as passive open space,
this is an attractive parcel of creekfront property. The Waterfront Steering
Committee felt that the City of New Bern should not act in haste to develop
these parcels (or sell them for development) but rather wait until an
appropriate alternative use came along. Logical alternative uses suggested
include additional multi -family development, active park development, as
well as potential right-of-way for the proposed new downtown entry road
from U.S. 70. (See the Long -Term Plan for a full discussion of this proposed
roadway.)
Map No. 7 - Maintain and Enhance Existing Public Housing Area
Comments received at the public forum regarding the public housing area in
question ranged from selling the property to a potential developer for
20

alternative development, to enhancing the area for continued use as public
housing. The general consensus was that this use is there to stay and that it
should continue to be maintained and enhanced as affordable, low income
housing.
Map No. 8 - Sheraton Hotel Expansion
This item recognizes that the Sheraton Hotel is currently considering
expansion of its facility to include more rooms plus additional meeting space.
The Sheraton Hotel complex is currently one of the most identifiable
components of New Bern's redeveloping waterfront. It is important that any
future additions to the hotel be done in a manner which is sensitive to the
context of the site, but even more importantly, the context of the community.
Map No. 9 - Medium Density Residential Area
This area, immediately east of the existing Sheraton Hotel complex, has been
preliminarily programmed for a careful mix of limited retail and medium
density residential development. As in the case of the Sheraton Hotel
expansion, it is critically important that any new development on this site be
done in a manner which is consistent with the urban fabric and architectural
context of the community of New Bern. Special consideration is particularly
important for this site in light of its exposure and proximity to Union Point
Park. Should the Trent River bridge be removed as proposed, the Union
Point property could very well directly abut this strategic site.
Map No. 10 - Union Point Park Plan of Improvements
Union Point Park has been the subject of considerable deliberation and public
debate over the past several years. Community ties to the property run deep
and wide throughout the City of New Bern. As a result, it is important that
any future plans for this most strategic of all waterfront properties be
developed with utmost care and attention.
Several key points were identified during the course of the Plan's preparation
and are worthy of being repeated here. First, it is important that any future
improvements to the park be done in a manner which will allow for
continued free and open access to the park by all segments of the New Bern
community. One specific concern expressed, for example, was that future
improvements to the park not dissuade low income groups who have
traditionally frequented and enjoyed the park from continuing to use the area
in the future.
A second major point that emerged regarding Union Point Park was that the
plan developed for this property have a plan developed for it that was on a
level in keeping with the strategic location and importance of the site. In
contrast with the informal character of Lawson Creek 'Park, for example,
Union Point Park's urban location requires that its development be more
carefully planned and executed in a formal sense.
21

Over the past, several years, several programming needs and suggestions have
been identified for Union Park which seem to be consistent with the many
varied points of view of its future development. The following elements are
therefore summarized on the near -term plan and restated here:
• enhanced landscaping throughout
• grassed amphitheater
• passive open space area for events
• day and overnight boat slips
• small boat launch and rental
• river center
• restaurant
• dock for Elizabeth II
• bricked pedestrian walkways.
Union Point Park was also selected as one of the two sites for which more
detailed conceptual design was needed. The full conceptual plan outlining
the location and relationship of the above noted programming features is
presented in Section 6 of this report.
Map No. 11- Medium Density Residential Development
The City of New Bern is currently reviewing plans by a private developer to
construct a multi -story residential property with associated boat slips in the
adjacent Neuse River. This site is also important due to its exposure to the
east across the river and its immediate proximity to Union Point Park to the
south. As the City reviews these plans or any future plans for this property, a
conscious effort should be made to insure that the scale and architectural
character of any development is consistent with the character of New Bern.
At the same time, the City should insure that any development of the
property provides for a similar 30-foot public access right-of-way parallel to
the shoreline to allow for continuous pedestrian movement along the City's
waterfront. This 30-foot access strip would benefit the public in providing for
continuous pedestrian movement along the City's waterfront but, at the same
time, would provide an attractive amenity to prospective purchasers or
renters of the residential units on the site.
Map No. 12 - New Hotel Development
The New Bern Motor Lodge has long been a fixture on New Bern's
waterfront adjacent to the Neuse River bridge. It is the last development seen
by travelers through the City moving north on U.S. 17. Recently, there have
been plans discussed for a new hotel development on the site. As is the case
with the proposed multi -family residential development immediately to the
south of this site, any development proposal for this site should be carefully
99

integrated with the historic and architectural character of the City of New
Bern.
Other Miscellaneous Near -Term Improvements
In addition to the 12 numbered items discussed above, the Conceptual Plan
Sheet for the near -term phase of the Waterfront Plan contains several
miscellaneous items. These items are presented in their approximate order of
appearance on the plan, beginning at Lawson Creek Park and moving
through the study area to the northeast.
A new fishing pier is identified as a need at Lawson Creek Park. The best
location for this pier may be at Jacks Island. A new breakwater is needed at
the southernmost boat ramp to provide shelter from the wind and waves
blowing across the full expanse of the Trent and Neuse Rivers.
In addition to the cleanup of the creek shoreline within Lawson Creek Park,
there was also a need identified to clean up the shoreline on the north side of
Lawson Creek along its full length.
In light of the current barren streetscape along New South Front Street within
the study area, a need was identified to provide for street trees to be planted
outside the maximum anticipated right-of-way. While it is recognized that
New South Front Street will have to "wait its turn" within the full context of
the City's street tree planting program, New South Front Street should be
included on the list of streets in need of trees. In the event that the new
entryway into the City from U.S. 70 uses New South Front Street as part of the
access corridor, it is important that the trees be planted so as not to require
their removal during future road construction.
The Near -Term Conceptual Plan also identifies a continuous 30 foot public
access waterfront easement wherever such an easement would not create an
undue hardship or overwhelming obstacle for the private use of waterfront
property. At the present time, the only location where such an easement is
identified as presenting a significant obstacle would be along the shoreline of
the Barbour Boatworks property. The current industrial nature of this use
precludes the placement of a public walkway along the shoreline of that
property.
The existing sidewalk along the river's edge south of the Tryon Palace
grounds is only three feet wide and insufficient to handle significant amounts
of pedestrian traffic. It is therefore recommended that the existing street
pavement be moved 10 to 15 feet to the north to allow for an improved,
wider walkway along the water's edge.
M1

Recently, Tryon Palace commissioned a study to suggest a plan and
recommendations for improvements to the Palace grounds, particularly
around the perimeter of the property. These improvements will be a
welcome addition to the future enhancement of the riverfront area.
Several of the City's public streets which run perpendicular to the river's edge
throughout the downtown area are in need of streetscape improvements to
enhance the utility of these corridors for pedestrian movements from the
downtown area to the riverfront. Specific streetscape upgrading might
include street furniture including benches, pedestrian scaled lighting,
sidewalk improvements, and the installation of street trees. As shown on the
accompanying plan, the eight streets that should be involved in this program
include Broad Street, Pollock Street, Tryon Palace Drive, Metcalf Street,
Hancock Street, Middle Street, Craven Street, and East Front Street. These
streetscape improvements can be coordinated with the Public Facility
Improvement Plan that was recently prepared for the downtown municipal
services districts.
An item that has received considerable attention from the City in recent
months has been the need for a new pedestrian link between the west and
east sides of the Trent River bridge. This linkage would provide an
important connection between the existing riverfront walkway on the west
side of the bridge and Union Point Park on the east side of the bridge. At the
time of this writing, the City has appropriated funds to design and construct
this connection.
Finally, the Near -Term Conceptual Plan acknowledges the very positive
influence of the park and open space improvements that exist in the
immediate vicinity of the Neuse River bridge. It is important that these areas
be maintained and enhanced as the northernmost destination point for
pedestrians walking along what will eventually be the northernmost extent
of the riverfront walkway.
Long -Term Conceptual Plan
The Long -Term Conceptual Plan for the New Bern Waterfront consists of
those items which, while having substantial merit, are not likely to occur
within the next five years. These items might be described as being more far
reaching and, at the same time, having the potential to exert a major
influence on the future course of the City's waterfront.
The overall thrust of the Long -Term Conceptual Plan is driven by the
proposal for a new major entryway into the New Bern downtown area from
U.S. 70. As described in DOT plans, the Pembroke Road entrance into the City
would be extended along the approximate existing right-of-way of New South
Front Street as far east as Norwood Street. At that point, the roadway would
24

1 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
MJM-Fan* Noum9 or PaaaMa Pacnatian
2 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
3 NEW TRYON PALACE/CITY OF NEW BERN VISITORS CENTER AND PARKING
-PWs Restaurants. St"m lWartnn Min. GM W&WdrOnt Wakway and Boat SUPS
4 FUTURE PARKING AREA FOR UNION POINT PARK
5 NEW EXPANDED, IMPROVED WATERFRONT PARK
v
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CONCEPTUAL PLAN
LONG TERM.
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cut diagonally across the current two -block vacant area between Norwood and
Liberty Streets, and then run along the water's edge behind the public
housing project and Tryon Palace.
The need for this new entryway would be prompted by DOT plans to remove
both the Trent River and Neuse River bridges. These two bridges would be
replaced by a single span located further down stream from the City. In
removing the two bridges, the downtown area of New Bern would become a
peninsula.
This entryway, as presently proposed, would be designed as a compact
(narrow right-of-way, curb and gutter) four -lane parkway with landscaped
central median strip. The design would have to be carefully integrated with
existing neighborhood and land use conditions abutting the parkway corridor.
Several other changes which can be described as long-term are discussed
under items 1-5 on the accompanying map sheet. They are more fully
described as follows.
Map No. 1- Future Multi -Family Housing or Passive Recreation
Parcel Number 1 would be created as a result of the new parkway into
downtown New Bern. Due to the proximity of this site to the existing elderly
high-rise housing development, the site could be used for either additional
multi -family housing or as passive recreation. The specific use of the site
would depend upon various factors related to market demand as well as
design of the parkway. It has been suggested that if the new street is designed
as a parkway with central median strip, then pedestrian crossings at grade
should not be difficult. Regarding market demand, there is little doubt that
the demand for future additional elderly housing will increase with each
passing decade, well into the next century.
Map No. 2 - Neighborhood Park
Regardless of how Parcel Number 1 is used, Parcel Number 2 is strongly
suggested for use as a neighborhood park. Reasons for this use include (1) the
ability of the park to buffer the new parkway from existing residential areas,
and (2) the need for the park to offset the loss of existing open space between
the public housing project and Lawson Creek.
Map No. 3 - Visitors Center
Parcel Number 3 is the present location of the Barbour Boatworks. The
Steering Committee wished to emphasize that the present Barbour Boatworks
facility has every lawful right to remain in its present location as long as it
wishes to. However, in the event that the owners of the Boatworks facility
should decided to voluntarily relocate at some future date, this property
presents a good opportunity to create a new visitors center complex for both
Tryon Palace and the City of New Bern as a whole.
25

Features of this facility could include restaurants, shops, a riverfront inn,
boatslips, as well as the waterfront walkway. The specifics of the
development program would depend upon the amount of buildable area
available after sufficient space has been allocated to the actual Visitors Center
structure and associated parking.
Map No. 4 - Future Parking Area for Union Point Park
Parcel Number 4 has been identified as an area that could conveniently serve
as a much needed parking area for activities at Union Point Park. Obviously,
negotiations between the existing property owners and the City of New Bern
would be necessary to reach a satisfactory agreement between both parties.
The idea of providing off -site parking here or elsewhere is to eliminate the
need to use valuable waterfront property at Union Point Park to
accommodate automobiles instead of facilities for people.
Map No. 5 - New Expanded and Improved Waterfront Park
Parcel Number 5 is the present location of the landfall for the existing Neuse
River bridge. When this bridge is removed as part of the overall
transportation plan of improvements for the New Bern area, this site will
likely be available for an alternative use. It is suggested that this area be
improved as a significant waterfront park. This park would provide a much
needed strong northern anchor for the ultimate extent of the proposed
riverfront walkway. The location of this site, at the foot of Broad Street, also
presents a good opportunity to create a significant view corridor down one of
New Bern's most significant historic streets.
Finally, it should be noted that the riverfront walkway should ultimately be
extended at least as far west as the existing elderly high-rise housing
development on New South Front Street. It will be important to tie this area
of the City into the overall plan of improvements for the waterfront. Also,
there is a possibility that the walkway need not stop at the elderly housing
site. Rather, a pedestrian bridge could be built at this point, spanning Lawson
Creek and connecting the walkway with Lawson Creek Park. The park would
then provide a very suitable southern anchor for the riverwalk.
26

Section 6:
Detailed Site Designs
27

Introduction
Of the various publicly owned properties within the waterfront study area,
the Steering Committee selected Lawson Creek Park and Union Point Park as
the two sites most critically in need of updated site design studies.
Accompanying this report, therefore, are conceptual site plans for each of
these two strategic properties. For discussion purposes, the main features of
each site design are presented as follows.
Lawson Creek Park
As noted in Section 5 of this report, the Lawson Creek Park area is viewed as a
public resource which has not yet reached its full potential as an open space
and recreation facility. A relatively new park, Lawson Creek has been
gradually improved over the years to the point where it now includes two
boat launching ramps and parking, a soccer field, fitness trail, and picnic area.
Access into the park is generally good with an existing paved loop road.
The updated site design presented on the following page includes the
following recommended improvements that were identified as a result of the
public involvement process during the preparation of the Waterfront Plan:
• Additional outdoor lighting - At the present time, outdoor lighting is
provided only at the site of the park's two boat ramp facilities. The
installation of additional lighting throughout the park is needed for
increased security as well as improved use.
• Provide more trash receptacles - It was felt that a plentiful supply of trash
receptacles distributed at appropriate locations throughout the park would
help reduce the litter problem.
• Preserve existing marsh - Another concern that received near unanimous
support from the citizenry as well as the Steering Committee was the need
to preserve existing marsh areas in the park. The natural and scenic value
of these marshlands is universally acknowledged.
• Encourage family -oriented activities - In terms of park use and service
orientation, it was felt that Lawson Creek Park should have facilities and
events which cater to families in the area.
• Prepare a comprehensive landscape plan - While the City has worked
toward a gradual enhancement of the Lawson Creek Park grounds, the
need for a comprehensive landscape plan was identified. Such a plan
would provide the City with the information necessary to program a
phased plan of landscape improvements over a multi -year period.
M

LAWSON CREEK PARK a7 7.7%�
- NORTH o so = sm soo
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• Keep shoreline clear of debris and trash - Another outcome of the public
involvement process was the identified need to keep the shoreline,
particularly along Lawson Creek, clear of debris and trash. This may
require a conscious effort on the part of the City as well as an educational
and enforcement program for users of the park.
Specific Site Design Features
In addition to the above park -wide improvement needs, there were also
identified several specific projects which can be more easily located on the site
plan. These specific projects include the following:
• New concession building - The need for a concession building at Lawson
Creek Park is prompted in part by the need for permanent restroom
facilities. This concession building could be built by the City and leased to
a private concessionaire. The building would include restrooms which
the concessionaire would be required to maintain and secure as a part of
the lease agreement. If successfully completed, these restroom
arrangements would provide a much needed service in the park without
placing the burden of their security and maintenance on the City.
Potential goods and services which could be provided as part of the
concessionaire's arrangement could include food and beverages, bait and
tackle, and canoe and boat rentals.
• Enhanced park entryway - The entryway into Lawson Creek Park should
be significantly enhanced to properly reflect the size and importance of the
park area. Specific entryway improvements should include a larger, more
attractive sign element including ground plane landscaping and/or
landscaping which "frames" the sign. Other landscape treatments could
also be used to present a quality image of the present and heightened
anticipation for the future of the park.
It is critically important that the design for this entryway be given
considerable thought and attention to design character, in that it will
establish the design theme and context for the balance of any other
landscape improvements inside the park. This entryway improvement
could be an excellent joint project between the City and the private sector,
with donations of time, materials, and money.
• New fishing pier - Lawson Creek Park has emerged as a popular fishing
location for numerous area residents. Many of these residents do not
have access to a boat, or prefer fishing from the shore. It was felt that a
new fishing pier located at the park could do much to serve the needs of
this segment of fishermen. The most logical location identified for this
29

new pier was identified as being at the tip of Jacks Island. It is shown as
such on the site plan.
• New breakwater - The boat launching facility, located at the southeast
corner of Lawson Creek Park, is in need of a breakwater structure to protect
the ramp area from the effects of wind and waves. The relatively exposed
location of this boat ramp facility could clearly benefit from the
installation of a breakwater. A proposed breakwater has therefore been
drawn into the site plan.
Union Point Park
The design for Union Point Park is oriented around a major east -west axis.
The west end of this axis begins at a brick entry court with fountain and
colonnade opposite Tryon Palace Drive. It then extends eastwardly along a
brick walk to a half moon shaped boat basin at the water's edge of the Neuse
River. This central axis reflects one of the major recommendations which
emerged from the Pride in Place study recently conducted for the City of New
Bern. In that study, it was recommended that the various street ends in the
City be capitalized upon to bring the waterfront into closer relationship with
the downtown area.
Framing either side of this central east -west axis are two new structures. On
the north side of the view corridor will be a restaurant and, to the south, the
proposed river center. Revenues generated by the restaurant operation could
be used to offset any revenue shortfalls that may be associated with the river
center.
Existing trees on the property will be preserved and supplemented by
enhanced landscaping throughout the park.
Open space areas within the site include a grassed amphitheater and stage
immediately west of the restaurant, and a passive open space area in the
extreme southeastern corner of the park.
A moderate sized parking area will be provided on the north side of the site,
but the allocation of land to parking in general will be minimized in favor of
off -site parking areas.
Water -related park features will include facilities for overnight boat slips, a
small craft launch and rental area, a fishing pier, and day slips. In addition,
an emergency boat ramp will be provided at the eastern end of the proposed
parking area in the event that emergency or rescue vehicles should require
immediate access to this part of the City's waterfront.
30

WATERFRONT CONSERVATION Edward D. Stone, and Associates
' Planners and Urban
Designers
& DEVELOPMENT PLAN ...._. �...
City of New Bern, North Carolina ._..,.•,...�...,.,.----•���

One potentially sensitive issue is whether the so-called "Women's Club"
Building should be left on the site and improved or simply removed. The
site plan as proposed shows the Women's Club building being relocated to a
location immediately adjacent to the existing restrooms building in the
southwest corner of the site. Issues related to relocating the building include
the possibility that one or more trees may have to be removed to allow the
movement of the structure.
For the time being, it is recommended that the Women's Club issue remain
undecided until more detailed site design studies can be completed with
associated cost estimates and project benefits.
31

Section 7:
Implementation
32

This plan suggests a series of specific recommendations which the public and
private sectors in the City of New Bern can undertake to enhance the future
conservation and development of the Waterfront Study Area. Many of the
recommendations are fairly straightforward, making the actions necessary for
their implementation self evident.
In evaluating the overall scope of the plan, however, there appear to be four
specific areas within which the City exercises its control that can have a major
impact on the ultimate success of the plan. The four areas may be identified
as (1) implementing the 30-foot access strip, (2) including identified public
improvements in the City's capital improvement program/budget, (3)
establishing urban design guidelines and associated modifications in the
City's zoning ordinance, and (4) implementing necessary stormwater
management initiatives. Each of these items is discussed more fully below.
1. Implementing the 30-foot Access Strip
A continuous riverfront walkway was identified as a near unanimous
need along the entire length of the City's urban waterfront. It is
therefore very important that the City take steps now to insure that all
future waterfront developments plan for and include this 30-foot public
access strip along the water's edge. This can be accomplished by an
organized land dedication, acquisition or easement program, or through
the site plan approval process for new developments. In all instances, it
should be emphasized to the property owner or developer that the
provision of the 30-foot strip is in the best interest of all properties along
the waterfront and will ultimately increase each individual property's
value. Voluntary dedications of the 30-foot strip are therefore the most
advantageous approach to take.
2. Capital Improvement Programming
This riverfront conservation and development plan contains literally
dozens of specific recommendations for physical improvements at
various locations throughout the riverfront area. Examples include
improvements at Lawson Creek Park, Union Point Park, and streetscape
improvements along no less than 17 blocks of the City's street system. It
is apparent that not all of these improvements can be made at once; it
may be a process extending over a decade or more. It is important that
the City begin planning now to incorporate these recommended
improvements into the City's long-term capital budgeting process.
Decisions can then be made as to the most pressing improvements.
Identifying these necessary improvements in the public arena may also
provide the opportunity for the private sector to become actively
involved in helping the City to achieve its improvement objectives.
33

3. Establish Design Guidelines and Associated Zoning Changes
The number and magnitude of development proposals currently before
the City of New Bern for approval along the City's waterfront affirms
that the City is today at a critical juncture. Factors of architectural
character, massing, scale, materials, height, vehicular and pedestrian
movement, etc. raise the issue that the City is currently inadequately
equipped with development controls necessary to insure a coherent and
attractive downtown waterfront.
One administrative tool gaining increasing acceptance and use in
communities across the country are urban design guidelines. Such
guidelines provide a greater level of direction to developers
contemplating projects within especially sensitive areas of a community.
Design guidelines are typically drafted so as not to confine or restrict new
development, but rather to give the prospective developer a clear
indication of the character of development that is most likely to be
favorably reviewed by City officials.
Such guidelines usually consist of a narrative and series of sketches
outlining the City's objectives for new development. The most
important message conveyed by the guidelines is to insure that future
development is consistent with the architectural character of both the
immediate site environs and the unique area of the community within
which the site is located.
New Bern's waterfront along both the Neuse and Trent Rivers is the
City's "window to the world." What the outside world sees through that
window reflects strongly on the overall image of the entire community.
Design guidelines are therefore strongly recommended.
4. Stormwater Management Initiative
Also associated with new development is the issue of proper stormwater
management. Public and private sector developments alike must be
conscious of how their impervious surface areas affect stormwater
volumes and, ultimately, the quality of water in adjacent rivers and
streams.
The City has received a grant from the Pamlico -Albemarle Commission
to assist New Bern in the preparation of a management strategy to
reduce stormwater runoff reaching area waters. Such a management
strategy should describe specific design measures to retain stormwater on
site and increase its infiltration into the underlying groundwater system.
It is important that the City put these stormwater management design
guidelines in place now to insure that increasing levels of riverfront
development do not contribute to further degradation of area water
quality.
34

Section 8:
Public Participation
35

At the outset of the planning process for the Waterfront area, public
participation was noted as being critical to the development of the Plan and,
ultimately, its implementation. For this reason, the first action requested by
EDSA of the City was to establish a Steering Committee of interested citizens
to guide the preparation of the Waterfront Plan. The Steering Committee
was appointed in March of 1988 and was formally organized at its first
meeting on April 11. A complete list of meeting dates, activities, and actions
is presented at the end of this section.
At the first meeting of the Steering Committee, the importance of each
member's active participation in plan development was emphasized. Three
reasons were given as to why each Steering Committee member's active
participation was so critical. They are repeated here in full as they were
provide in a handout given to each Steering Committee member:
Your effectiveness as a Steering Committee member is absolutely
critical to the success (or failure) of the Waterfront Conservation
and Development Plan:
1. LOCAL PERSPECTIVE: You represent a unique local viewpoint
from within the community; you know the area well, its strengths
and weaknesses. You have a feeling for what may work and what
may not.
2. FEEDBACK: You should provide input on the accuracy of
information gathered and feedback on recommended solutions.
(You should not, however, take the roles of planner, designer, or
government official. Your role is as an adviser.)
3. NETWORKING: You know others in the community who have
a vested interest in the riverfront and who should be involved in
the area's redevelopment. These others may include friends,
neighbors, business associates, or others in a position of interest and
influence.
The series of Steering Committee meetings that followed typically involved
EDSA, the City's Planning Director, and the Steering Committee members.
All meetings were open to the public. The planning and design process that
was used led the group toward an ever-increasing level of plan refinement
and detail.
The first meeting of the Steering Committee was followed immediately by a
major Public Forum held in April at the Sheraton Hotel complex on the
downtown riverfront. Nearly 100 persons attended the public forum and
identified an extensive list of concerns for the waterfront for each of four
study subareas.
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On May 18, the Steering Committee met again to review the results of the
public forum and to begin the formulation of a preliminary planning
response. Each of the priority issues identified at the Public Forum was
discussed in full and elaborated upon. Work already in progress toward
achieving any concern was identified and the probability of success for other
alternative actions was evaluated in group discussion.
The Steering Committee met for a third time on May 25 to continue its
review of the Public Forum results. Discussion continued much along the
same lines as that of the May 18 meeting, but covered new topics. Also at this
meeting, EDSA presented the Steering Committee with a preliminary
planning response in map form. Points of agreement and disagreement
followed, with further plan refinements resulting. By the conclusion of this
meeting, every major concern identified had been touched upon with
recommendations for a planning response established. EDSA was then given
the directive to bring these recommendations together into a coherent draft
plan for further review.
On July 21, the Steering Committee invited the City's Planning and Zoning
Board to join with them in evaluating the draft plan. Plans presented at this
meeting included first drafts of the Near -Term and Long -Term Conceptual
Plan as well as preliminary site plans for both Union Point Park and Lawson
Creek Park. Again, suggestions were made as to further refinements in the
plan. The joint meeting ended with a unanimous endorsement of the
preliminary plans presented with modifications as recommended. EDSA was
directed to pull together a final draft of the plan for presentation to City
Council.
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Summary of Public Involvement
New Bern Waterfront
Conservation and Development Plan
March • Steering Committee Appointments
Late March/Early April • Public Forum Announcements Sent Out
April 11 • First Steering Committee Meeting
Orientation and training
• Major Public Forum at Sheraton
Slide/visual inventory
Issue identification
Issue ranking
May 18 Second Steering Committee Meeting
Review public forum results
Preliminary planning response
May 25 Third Steering Committee Meeting
Continue review of public forum results
Continue planning response
Discuss preliminary plan - feedback
July 21 • Joint Meeting of Steering Committee and
Planning and Zoning Board
Present long- and near -term plans
Discuss two site designs
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