Wilmington public meetings in 2024

Planning Commission

The Wilmington Planning Commission voted 7-0 to approve a conditional district rezoning of a 1.28-acre property at 1729 Allens Lane from Office and Institutional to High-density multiple-dwelling residential for a residential development. The commission also voted 7-0 to withdraw a proposed LDC amendment that would have added a definition for 'residential marina' and allowed it in the R-20(L) district. Other business included an update on the Greater Downtown Plan and adoption of the 2025 meeting calendar.

• Conditional district rezoning approved for 1729 Allens Lane (parcel R06709-006-001-00) to MD-17 for residential development
• LDC amendment for 'residential marina' definition and use withdrawn by applicant, withdrawal approved 7-0
• Greater Downtown Plan update presented by Planning Manager Travis Henley
• 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Calendar adopted; next regular meeting January 8, 2025

The Wilmington Planning Commission approved a conditional district rezoning for a 1.28-acre site at 1729 Allens Lane, changing it from O&I to MD-17(CD) for an 18-unit townhome development. The commission also accepted the withdrawal of a proposed LDC amendment for 'residential marina' and approved the 2025 meeting calendar. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved conditional district rezoning CD-7-1224 for 1729 Allens Lane to MD-17(CD) for 18-unit townhome development (7-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of LDC amendment to add 'residential marina' definition (7-0)
• Approved 2025 Planning Commission meeting calendar with November meeting moved to first Thursday (7-0)
• Approved minutes of November 13, 2024 meeting as amended (7-0)

City Council

The Wilmington City Council approved a consent agenda including the purchase of 22 police pursuit vehicles for $1.16 million and the naming of the Military Cutoff Bridge the 'Cornelius E. Nixon Bridge'. The body also approved a drone equipment grant and a sustainable building policy.

• Purchase of 22 police pursuit vehicles for $1,166,154
• Naming Military Cutoff Bridge the 'Cornelius E. Nixon Bridge'
• Approval of $162,191 for drone equipment and accessories
• Resolution adopting a Sustainable Municipal Building Policy
• Approval of $144,535 for Wallace Park playground replacement

The Wilmington City Council approved a new sustainable municipal building policy requiring LEED certifications for city-owned projects and authorized an upset bid process for properties at 305, 315, and 319 Chestnut Street to facilitate a downtown grocery store. Council also approved voluntary annexation for a property on Alexander Road, established a fund balance cap for affordable housing funds, and approved several contracts and purchases for police and public works equipment.

• Approved minutes and consent agenda items unanimously
• Approved purchase of twenty-two Pursuit Rated Tahoes from Capital Chevrolet for $1,166,154 (7-0)
• Approved retirement and transfer of Police Mount Elton to Officer Elijah Baker (7-0)
• Approved resolution supporting the naming of the Military Cutoff Bridge over Market Street as the 'Cornelius E. Nixon Bridge' (7-0)
• Approved ordinance extending the corporate limits for an annexation petition by HH Hunt (7-0)
• Approved supplemental appropriation of $162,191 for Department of Homeland Security Port Security Grant drones and equipment (7-0)
• Approved changing the 457 deferred compensation plan administrator to Empower Financial Services (7-0)
• Approved Sustainable Municipal Building Policy requiring LEED Silver for projects over 10,000 sq ft (6-1, Waddell opposed)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing with no questions or discussion on the upcoming December 3, 2024 regular meeting items. Deputy City Manager Mary Vigue presented an update on agenda system changes, including a standardized cover sheet and separately listed attachments, effective January 2025. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• No substantive decisions made; agenda briefing only
• Agenda system update presented for January 2025 implementation

City Council

The council approved a rezoning of properties at 1107 & 1109 S. Front Street, 1106 & 1112 S. 2nd Street, and multiple addresses on Marstellar Street from Light Industrial and Medium-High-Density Mixed Residential to Urban Mixed-Use. It also authorized $175,380 in ARPA funding for a stormwater project at 10th and Grace Streets, set a 25 mph speed limit on Dalmatian Lane and Switchyard Road, and closed an unimproved portion of an alley between S. Front and S. 2nd Street.

• Rezoned 2.82 acres at 1107 & 1109 S. Front Street, 1106 & 1112 S. 2nd Street, and 101-116 Marstellar Street from LI and R-3 to UMX
• Supplemental appropriation of $175,380 from ARPA for stormwater project at 10th and Grace Streets
• Ordinance establishing 25 mph speed limit on Dalmatian Lane and Switchyard Road
• Closed unimproved portion of an unnamed alley between S. Front Street and S. 2nd Street
• Closed unimproved portion of South 23rd Street right-of-way south of Gibson Avenue

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing several conditional district rezoning requests. Two applications were withdrawn, while one request for a high-density residential development remains under consideration.

• Proposed rezoning of 19.4 acres at 7725, 7729, 7753, 7759 Alexander Road to MD-17(CD) for a 253-unit development
• Withdrawn rezoning of 7.56 acres at 4950 Holly Tree Road and 340 Westchester Road for a private recreational facility
• Withdrawn rezoning of 60.91 acres at 3990 Independence Boulevard for a residential development

The Wilmington Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve a conditional district rezoning (case CD-18-424) of five parcels at 7725, 7729, 7753 and 7759 Alexander Road to MD-17(CD) for a 253-unit multiple-dwelling development, with Commissioner Cofer voting no. Staff had recommended denial, saying the site does not align with the Create Wilmington Comprehensive Plan because it is in a low-density single-family area away from major corridors and services. The applicant committed to designating 25 units (10% of units) as workforce housing for households earning 80% of Area Median Income for 15 years. Two other rezoning items — 4950 Holly Tree Road/340 Westchester Road and 3990 Independence Boulevard — were withdrawn at the applicant's request by 7-0 votes.

• Approved conditional district rezoning CD-18-424 for 253-unit development at 7725, 7729, 7753 & 7759 Alexander Road to MD-17(CD) (6-1, Cofer no)
• Withdrew rezoning request for 4950 Holly Tree Road and 340 Westchester Road (7-0)
• Withdrew rezoning request for 3990 Independence Boulevard (7-0)
• Approved October 3, 2024 meeting minutes as presented (7-0)
• Approved Commissioner Collier's recusal from the Alexander Road case (6-0)

City Council

The City Council decided on several infrastructure contracts and zoning changes. The body approved funding for emergency power and road surveys, as well as new speed limits for specific residential streets.

• Contract with Lancaster Electric Company, LLC for $695,014 to replace generators at Fire Station Headquarters and Fire Station No. 7
• Rezoned 0.57 acres at 508, 510, 512, & 516 McRae Street to R-3(CD) for two triplex structures
• Contract with Transmap Engineering, PLLC for $133,225 for a Pavement Condition Survey
• Contract with Gordian Group, Inc. for $147,267 for a Facility Condition Assessment
• Established 25 mph speed limits on Coosaw Place, Orchid Drive, Ansley Drive, and Hollingsworth Drive

The Wilmington City Council unanimously approved a rezoning of 0.57 acres at 508, 510, 512, and 516 McRae Street from CB (Community Business) to R-3(CD) (Medium-High-Density Mixed Residential Conditional) to allow two triplex structures. The council also approved several consent agenda items, including contracts for generator replacement and a pavement condition survey, and ordinances for speed limits and hazard material reimbursements. A resolution to change the city's 457 deferred compensation plan administrator was continued to the November 19, 2024 meeting.

• Approved rezoning at 508-516 McRae Street for two triplexes (unanimous)
• Approved $695,014 contract with Lancaster Electric for generator replacement (consent)
• Approved $133,225 contract with Transmap Engineering for pavement survey (consent)
• Approved $5,241 appropriation for Haz-Mat RRT reimbursement (unanimous)
• Approved $7,012 appropriation for Haz-Mat RRT reimbursement (unanimous)
• Approved 25 mph speed limit on Coosaw Place, Orchid Drive, Ansley Drive, Hollingsworth Drive (unanimous)
• Approved $147,267 contract with Gordian Group for facility condition assessment (unanimous)
• Continued 457 plan administrator change to Empower to Nov 19, 2024 (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing for the November 5, 2024 meeting, with no formal votes taken. The City Attorney presented an overview of a planned Local Preference Policy that would give local businesses an advantage on bids of $30,000 or less, including a 5% price match option or 5% point bonus for RFPs. The meeting was procedural, with no substantive decisions made.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was an agenda briefing
• Discussed Local Preference Policy for local businesses on bids $30,000 or less
• Clarified incorrect attachments for Item C4 (drainage easements)

City Council

The City Council approved a $6.3 million project to upfit the Skyline Center and a $1.2 million contract for the Masonboro Road Loop Trail Phase II. The body also authorized a $121,075 contract for tree stump removal and addressed housing code violations at three properties.

• Contract for Skyline Center upfit project: $6,299,636
• Construction contract for Masonboro Road Loop Trail Phase II: $1,220,484
• Contract for tree stump removal city-wide: $121,075
• Housing code violations at 1311 Simon Street, 1312 South 4th Street, and 1314 South 4th Street
• Housing code violation at 761 George Trask Drive

The council approved the $6,299,636 Skyline Center upfit appropriation on second reading (6-1), along with related contract amendments for construction management and architectural services. It also approved two housing ordinances directing repair or demolition of unfit dwellings, and several consent agenda items including a tree stump removal contract and a property lease.

• Approved $6,299,636 Skyline Center upfit appropriation (6-1)
• Approved $5,450,740 Monteith Construction contract amendment for Skyline Center (6-1)
• Approved $106,621 LS3P Architecture contract amendment for Skyline Center (6-1)
• Approved ordinance for 1311 Simon St, 1312 & 1314 S 4th St repair/demolition (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance for 761 George Trask Dr repair (6-1)
• Approved $121,075 tree stump removal contract to Lanier Tree Services (consent)
• Approved lease of 929 N. Front St to Protocase USA, Inc. (consent)
• Approved $918,693 supplemental appropriation and $1,220,484 contract for Masonboro Loop Phase II (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing with no substantive decisions, only presentations and discussion. Topics included PFAS exposure research, Water Street Park design updates, and Riverwalk maintenance history and needs.

• No formal decisions made; agenda briefing only

City Council

The Wilmington City Council approved an ordinance appropriating $6,299,636 for the Skyline Center upfit project by a 6-1 vote, with Councilmember Waddell dissenting. The council also approved several other items, including a $310,215 contract for downtown security cameras, a $230,919 emergency chiller repair, and a $354,748 disparity study. Two resolutions related to the Skyline Center upfit contract amendments were not acted upon.

• Approved $6,299,636 appropriation for Skyline Center upfits (6-1)
• Approved $310,215 security camera contract with Johnson Controls
• Approved $230,919 emergency chiller repair contract with Brady Services
• Approved $354,748 disparity study with Griffin Strong Interests
• Approved $246,382 supplemental appropriation for traffic signal preemption
• Approved speed limit reduction to 25 mph on 47th Street
• Approved annexation petition for Alexander Road properties
• Authorized $110,000 workers compensation settlement (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing to review items for the October 1, 2024 meeting. No formal votes were taken; discussions covered a proposed $354,748 disparity study, a $6,299,636 appropriation for Skyline Center upfits, and annexation resolutions. Presentations were given on fugitive dust at the Port of Wilmington and the Kenan Fountain's maintenance.

• No formal decisions made; agenda briefing only
• Discussed $354,748 disparity study appropriation (O5a)
• Discussed $6,299,636 Skyline Center upfits appropriation (O6a)
• Discussed annexation resolutions for Alexander Road properties (R1, R2)

City Council

The Wilmington City Council will vote on a nine‑month, $1,100,000 contract with Genuine Parts Company for vehicle equipment and parts. It will also consider several other contracts, grant applications, and ordinances, including a demolition contract for 305 & 315 Chestnut Street and a grant to replace the Lions Bridge at Greenfield Park. Public hearings will address a hazardous structure at 255 N. Front Street and a right‑of‑way closure on South 23rd Street. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and other consent agenda items.

• Resolution authorizing a $1,100,000 nine‑month contract with Genuine Parts Company for vehicle equipment (C4.b)
• Resolution awarding a $583,000 demolition contract to 4 Seasons Demolition for 305 & 315 Chestnut Street (O4.b)
• Resolution to apply for a $500,000 Great Trails State Grant to replace Lions Bridge at Greenfield Park (C5)
• Ordinance directing the closure and repair of a health‑hazard structure at 255 N. Front Street (PH1)
• Ordinance amending Board of Adjustment membership to add two alternate members (O5)

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance directing the enforcement officer to vacate, close, and repair the nonresidential structure at 255 North Front Street as a health and safety hazard, with a 180-day timeline for the owner to complete repairs. The council also approved several consent agenda items, including contracts for fiber installation, vehicle parts, and grant applications, and held public hearings on a street closing and the city's annual housing report. All other ordinances and resolutions on the agenda were approved unanimously.

• Approved ordinance to vacate, close, and repair 255 N. Front St. (unanimous)
• Approved $180,000 fiber installation contract with Tri County Alarm Systems (consent)
• Approved $400,000 contract renewal with Walker Automotive Supply (consent)
• Approved $1.1M contract with Genuine Parts Company for vehicle parts (consent)
• Approved $500,000 grant application for Lions Bridge replacement (consent)
• Approved $54,669 supplemental appropriation for housing programs (unanimous)
• Approved $450,000 Safe Streets grant appropriation and resolution (unanimous)
• Approved $140,000 opioid settlement funds transfer to New Hanover County (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing for the September 17, 2024 meeting, discussing several items but taking no formal votes. City Manager Tony Caudle addressed questions on a petition for annexation and opioid settlement funds, and noted a request to continue an ordinance for closing a portion of South 23rd Street. The council received presentations on proposed amphitheater improvements funded by Live Nation, Longleaf Pine restoration at Halyburton Park, and Land Development Code updates, but no decisions were made.

• No formal decisions or votes taken at this briefing
• Discussed request to continue Item PH2 (South 23rd Street closing) to a later date
• Reviewed proposed Greenfield Lake Amphitheater improvements (est. $240,000, funded by Live Nation)
• Reviewed Longleaf Pine restoration progress at Halyburton Park (12 acres completed)
• Reviewed Land Development Code amendments, including outdoor event increase from 2 to 20 in CBD

City Council

The Wilmington City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes approvals of minutes and several contract resolutions. It will vote on a $2.8 million increase to the annual roadway maintenance contract with Highland Paving Co., as well as contracts for HVAC air‑purification equipment ($118,905) and a use‑of‑force simulator lease (up to $139,769). Public hearings will address three zoning map amendments affecting properties on McRae Street and S. Kerr Avenue. Additional ordinances will fund affordable‑housing gap financing, technology upgrades, and trail right‑of‑way acquisitions.

• C5: Increase contract amount by $2,800,000 for the Annual Needs Roadway Maintenance Contract with Highland Paving Co., LLC
• C2: Contract with Thermaltran Mechanical Inc. for HVAC air‑purification equipment, $118,905 (ARPA funds)
• C3: Lease of a Use of Force Simulator System with VirTra, Inc., up to $139,769
• PH1: Rezone 0.57 acre at 508‑516 McRae Street from CB to R‑3(CD) for two triplexes
• O1.b: Ordinance appropriating $3,150,000 of General Fund for affordable‑housing development Avenue Flats

The Wilmington City Council unanimously approved a rezoning of 6.56 acres on S. Kerr Avenue to allow a 184-unit workforce housing development, and appropriated $3.15 million in general fund balance for gap financing for the project. The council also approved several other items, including a $2.8 million increase to a roadway maintenance contract, a $1.7 million appropriation for building improvements for a federal lease, and a $27,308 appropriation for police technology upgrades. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved rezoning of 507-529 S. Kerr Ave to MD-17(CD) for 184-unit workforce housing (unanimous)
• Appropriated $3,150,000 for Avenue Flats affordable housing gap financing (unanimous)
• Authorized $2,800,000 increase to Highland Paving roadway maintenance contract (unanimous)
• Appropriated $1,700,000 for improvements to 115 N. 3rd St and 114 N. 2nd St for GSA lease (unanimous)
• Appropriated $27,308 for Keycafe key tracking system and camera tower upgrades (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance allowing up to six commercial pedal vehicles for hire (unanimous)
• Authorized application for $2,400,000 grant for South 17th Street multi-use path (unanimous)
• Authorized condemnation actions for Greenville Loop Trail Section 2 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council decided on several high-value contracts for police equipment and marina repairs. The body also addressed property leases and the condemnation of a dwelling deemed unfit for habitation.

• Five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. for police in-car cameras and Fusus system for $3,662,333
• Construction contract of $1,160,076 to Harp Builders, Inc. for Riverwalk North Marina Repair Project
• Ordinance to vacate, close, and repair or demolish the dwelling at 1209 South 7th Street
• Agreement with Truelove Fabrications, Inc. for $168,632 for animal habitats at Halyburton Park’s Nature Center
• Master License Agreement with Dell Financial Services, L.L.C. with an annual cost not to exceed $150,000

The council unanimously approved a $1,160,076 construction contract with Harp Builders, Inc. for the Riverwalk North Marina Repair Project, which will level and repair the concrete walkway to address standing water and ADA compliance. The council also unanimously approved a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise for in-car cameras and the Fusus system for the police department, and declared multiple city-owned properties surplus and available for sale. A proposed ordinance amending Legacy District standards was rejected unanimously after staff requested withdrawal. The meeting included public comments on a potential ceasefire resolution, but no action was taken on that matter.

• Approved $1,160,076 construction contract to Harp Builders for Riverwalk North Marina repair (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year Axon Enterprise agreement for police in-car cameras and Fusus system (unanimous)
• Declared 9 downtown parcels and Southeast Command Center surplus for sale (unanimous)
• Approved lease of 115 N. 3rd St and 114 N. 2nd St to GSA (unanimous)
• Rejected Legacy District Standards ordinance amendment (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance to vacate/repair/demolish dwelling at 1209 S. 7th St (unanimous)
• Approved board and commission appointments (5-1, Andrews no)
• Approved consent agenda including Dell, Smartsheet, Truelove Fabrications agreements (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Council held an agenda briefing, not a voting session, to review items for the August 20, 2024 meeting. They discussed a resolution to authorize a $168,632 contract with Truelove Fabrications for animal habitats at Halyburton Park, and received updates on the Skyline Center's leasing, surplus property sales, and upfit project. No formal decisions were made.

• No formal votes taken; briefing only
• Discussed Item C4: $168,632 contract with Truelove Fabrications for animal habitats
• Reviewed Skyline Center update: 300 employees relocated, 200,000 sq ft activated
• Noted $3M+ surplus property sales applied to Skyline Center debt
• Reported 9 active leases generating $2.4M annual revenue
• Discussed $6.3M cost estimate for Skyline upfits (not guaranteed max price)

Skyline presentation

The Council held an agenda briefing to review items for the August 20 meeting. They received presentations on the Halyburton Park animal habitats contract ($168,632 with Truelove Fabrications) and a detailed update on the Skyline Center, including a $6.3 million cost estimate for upfits. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

• No formal decisions made; briefing only
• Reviewed $168,632 animal habitats contract (Item C4)
• Heard Skyline Center update with $6.3M upfit cost estimate

City Council

The Wilmington City Council will vote on a resolution to apply for a $2,758,200 grant to fund a three‑year workforce housing voucher program. The meeting also includes a consent agenda, several contract authorizations for police and fire equipment, and public hearings on zoning changes for properties on Independence Boulevard, Switchyard Road, and McRae Street. An ordinance will allocate $50,000 of grant funds for e‑bikes and other equipment. All items are subject to council approval.

• Resolution R1: Apply for $2,758,200 New Hanover Community Endowment grant for workforce housing vouchers
• Resolution C3: Renew 3‑year contract with Evidence IQ for Ballistics IQ equipment, $307,497
• Resolution C4: Purchase two 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 work trucks, $102,656
• Public Hearing PH1: Rezone 2.39 acres at 1320 Independence Boulevard to Office & Institutional (Conditional) for mixed‑use development
• Ordinance O1: Supplemental appropriation of $50,000 for e‑bikes, BERLA iVe Toolkit, and decibel meters

The Council approved an amended rezoning for 1320 Independence Boulevard, changing the district from R-15 to MD-17 (High Density Multiple Residential Conditional District) for a 40-unit townhome and condominium project, after the applicant agreed to drop the commercial component. The vote was 5-2. The Council also approved a separate rezoning at 120 Switchyard Road from MF-MH(L)(CD) to MD-10(CD) for a 60-unit townhome development, 6-1. Both ordinances had their second readings waived.

• Approved rezoning at 1320 Independence Blvd to MD-17 for 40 units (5-2)
• Approved rezoning at 120 Switchyard Road to MD-10 for 60 units (6-1)
• Approved $50,000 ABC Board grant for police eBikes, BERLA toolkit, decibel meters (unanimous)
• Approved $2,758,200 grant application for Workforce Housing Voucher Program (unanimous)
• Approved raises for City Clerk, City Attorney, City Manager (unanimous)
• Approved street closure intent for S. 23rd Street (unanimous)
• Continued McRae Street rezoning to September 3, 2024 (unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda including $307,497 Evidence IQ contract (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Wilmington City Council held an agenda briefing to review items for the August 6, 2024 meeting. They moved Item C8 (closure of an unimproved portion of S. 23rd Street) from the consent agenda to resolutions due to a negative staff recommendation. No final votes were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural.

• Moved Item C8 (S. 23rd St. closure) from consent agenda to resolutions (no vote)
• Discussed rezoning at 1320 Independence Blvd. (no action)
• Reviewed window treatment replacement options for Council Chambers (no action)
• Discussed Olsen Park student parking closure plan (no action)

City Council

The Wilmington City Council met on July 16, 2024, to approve contracts, zoning changes, and resolutions. Key decisions included awarding contracts for golf course irrigation upgrades, authorizing security and elevator maintenance services, and approving zoning map amendments for three properties. The council also declared two city-owned properties surplus and supported state legislation on drinking water contamination.

• $1,239,921 contract to Environmental Designs, Inc. for Wilmington Municipal Golf Course irrigation system replacement
• $683,237 contract to Smith Turf & Irrigation, LLC for Wilmington Municipal Golf Course irrigation system replacement
• $1,406,057 purchase of 2027 Pierce Enforcer rescue vehicle from Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc.
• Rezoning of 1.79-acre property at 1618 Dawson Street from UMX to CS(CD) for general retail with fuel pumps
• Declaration of 114 North 2nd Street and 115 Market Street as surplus city-owned properties

Council approved three rezoning requests for retail and mixed-use developments and authorized contracts for golf course irrigation and a rescue vehicle. The Council denied a $16 million upset bid for several city properties but declared 114 North 2nd Street as surplus. An agreement to assign three police officers to the Wilmington Housing Authority was also approved.

• Approved rezoning 1618 Dawson Street to Commercial Services for retail/fuel pumps (4-3)
• Approved rezoning 219 & 229 S. College Road to Regional Business (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning 1805 Adams St & 1812 Washington St for mixed-use development (unanimous)
• Denied $16M upset bid for 115 Market St, 114 N 2nd St, 115 N 3rd St, and 210 Chestnut St (unanimous)
• Declared 114 North 2nd Street as surplus and available for sale (unanimous)
• Approved $1.4M purchase of a 2027 Pierce Enforcer rescue vehicle (unanimous)
• Approved $1.2M and $683K contracts for Municipal Golf Course irrigation (unanimous)
• Approved agreement to assign 3 police officers to Housing Authority property (unanimous)

Agenda Briefing

The Council held an agenda briefing to discuss upcoming items, including irrigation contracts and a rescue vehicle purchase. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting.