Trent-Neuse River Dragon Days Coming to New Bern

COASTAL CAROLINA RIVERWATCH, a newly established environmental group advocating for all the rivers of eastern North Carolina, has announced its plan to host the 2013 Dragon Boat race event in New Bern at Union Point Park. This will be the second time this event, previously sponsored by another group, will be held in New Bern. It is scheduled for July 27, 2013.

Dragon Boat races are exciting! Certainly, they are very enjoyable to watch. For many, real fun comes from paddling one of these 45 foot dragon boats in sync with a drummer’s beat in races with others. Last year, participants found it to be a wet, wild and thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Individuals will be able to sign up and join with others and businesses can sponsor a full boat and fly their names and logos in the races. There may be limits on the number of participants, so early sign up is encouraged.

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch, whose headquarters is located in New Bern at 1305 Country Club Road, works to protect all the rivers and streams of eastern North Carolina.  In cases where local river groups exist, Coastal Carolina Riverwatch partners with them in multiple ways. This includes, but is not limited to, providing trained volunteers who fly airplanes in aerial surveillance, taking water samples, professionally capturing video and pictures, attending public hearings and petitioning government officials in support of common issues.  

The mission of Coastal Carolina Riverwatch is to work together, not just with other environmental groups but with community leaders and businesses as well. Its work to restore and protect the rivers of Coastal Carolina is a good business practice that makes dollars and sense. 

Healthy Rivers—Healthy Economy—inextricably linked—that’s the bottom line!

MORE INFORMATION:

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch:

252-514-0629                                           

Email: coastalcarolinariver@centurylink.net  

 

Trent River Waterfront Urban Renewal Project

Trent River Waterfront - 1960s
Prior to Urban Renewal project

Aerial View - 1960



Trent River Waterfront
 as seen from the block between
Craven & Middle Streets



Urban Renewal tract as it was in
the 1970s to early 1980s 

By the turn of the twentieth century, the high level of business activity on the Trent waterfront ceased to exist. Post WW II suburban development, malls and less use of railroads and water as a means of transportation, left many of the downtown commercial buildings vacant as businesses relocated to areas outside the city limits. The blighted dilapidated buildings continued to deteriorate becoming health and safety issues, hastening the decline of the waterfront and core of the central business district.

A survey by the New Bern Planning Commission in mid-1960 determined this blighted three block commercial area with its proximity to the central business district was eligible for urban renewal grant funds.  This opportunity appeared to have the greatest potential for revitalizing the downtown area.  The federal program of land redevelopment, relocation of businesses and demolition of structures to revitalize decaying inner cities was the leading national policy at the time.

In July of 1967, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved a planning grant to the City of New Bern to “renew” the area. The 21 acre project area was bounded by East Front, Tryon Palace Drive (now South Front Street) Hancock Street and the Trent River.

The City created a Redevelopment Commission in 1968 appointing John G. Dunn, Jr., Chairman, Sam Branch, Vice Chairman, Harry L. Vats, William M. Bryan, Clifton L. McCotter, C. Edward Hancock, Jr., Commission attorney and William (Bill) Edwards, Executive Director, who were responsible for overseeing the objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, to include:

·         Identifying land to be acquired for clearance.

·         Obtaining fee simple titles through negotiation or eminent

             domain.

·         The removal/clearance of all structurally unsound

             structures.

·         Improving and widening existing street systems with

             adequate utilities, storm drainage and underground

             electrical distribution systems.

·         Preparing land for lease or resale for commercial and public

             uses as specified in the Urban Renewal Plan.

·         Raising the elevation of parts of the project area.

·         Construction of a bulkhead along the waterfront to reduce

             the threat of flooding.

·         Constructing sidewalks along the waterfront for public use.

The estimated cost of the redevelopment project was $3.5 million. Locally, the City had to share in one-fourth of the cost (cash or improvements) estimated at $716,100. With the anticipated resale of the land the estimated net project cost was $2.9 million.

As the various stages of the project progressed, the Redevelopment Commission obtained temporary loans from the federal government. Federal capital grant progress payments and local grants-in-aid were made as needed over the life of the project.

All but three structures were demolished. The Harvey Mansion (ca. 1798) owned by the County, was rescued from the “wrecking ball” by local preservationists who in an emergency effort got it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The other two buildings were owned by a water softening company and a finance company. All three buildings fronted the 200 block of Tryon Palace Drive. Demolition was completed by 1974.

Between the years of 1970–1973, the Redevelopment Commission was granted permission by the State of North Carolina, the Department of Army Corps of Engineers, NC Department of Conservation and Development Division of Commercial Sports Fisheries to hire an engineering and construction firm to dredge, design and construct a bulkhead and fill in the irregular shoreline area, originally the site of warehouses, wharves, docks, marine railways and slips. Construction of the bulkhead, dredging and fill work was completed by the end of 1974, representing an investment of $4.6 million including in-kind work by the City.

 

In 1974, Redevelopment Commission members made a concerted effort to market the entire area to one or more developers to no avail.  A unified plan of development for the area had never been developed and the site was seen as dependent on the revitalization of the downtown.  To add to the challenge, HUD was pressuring the City and the Redevelopment Commission to bring the project to closure. At that time New Bern was a small town of less than 16,000 and did not have the ambiance it has today.

In 1976, Wachovia Bank & Trust Company purchased a lot at the corner of Middle Street and South Front Street and built a building for their new bank. Branch Bank purchased a parcel at the corner of South Front Street.

In January 1977, the County purchased two parcels of property on the eastern side of Craven Street. The County’s plan to build a county office complex to include a new jail on the Trent waterfront generated widespread controversy.   Articles in the Sun Journal, a political cartoon with prisoners fishing from their cell windows and letters to the editor led to the failure of a bond issue for construction

Another problem surfaced in 1977 when a local law firm, interested in building a new office complex on the urban renewal property, withdrew their offer when a problem arose in getting a clear title to the property that related to the land title of reclaimed underwater lands.

Even though all dredge and fill permit regulations were complied with and the State of North Carolina had delivered a Quit-Claim Deed to the Redevelopment Commission for the land reclaimed by dredging and filling, it became evident that land titles would be subject to the rights of the United States by reason of federal control over navigable waters, i.e., that section had to be removed from “federal navigable waters” jurisdiction so a clear title could be obtained by property owners.

City Attorney, Al Ward, sought assistance from Congressman Walter B. Jones, Senator Jesse Helms and Senator Robert Morgan. Introduced as part of a bill, it did not pass. The issue was finally solved when it was tacked on to Public Law 96-520, and became a U. S. law in December of 1980.

In the meantime, the Redevelopment Commission closed the project out, conveying the unsold portions of the urban renewal land to the City in 1978.

In January 1981, Swiss Bear obtained an agreement with the Craven County Commissioners and New Bern Board of Aldermen allowing Swiss Bear 12 months to develop a comprehensive Plan for the Bicentennial Park/urban renewal land to include identifying and recruiting potential developers and tenants for the property. Development Task Force members included representatives from Swiss Bear, financial institutions, developers,  city manager, planning department, the county, engineers, architects, real estate agents and appraisers.

The steps taken to market and develop the 14 acres of land to include a waterfront hotel, conference/ meeting facilities and marina will be related in the June 2nd column.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Establishing the organization and defining its mission

In June 1976, while serving as past president of the New Bern-Craven County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Davis conceived the idea and provided the leadership that led to the creation of the Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC), the forerunner of Swiss Bear. This small committee with a representative from the Chamber (Doug Davis), Downtown Merchants Association, Redevelopment Commission, City of New Bern and a Craven County Commissioner had gained broad-based community-wide support of people who had a vested interest in downtown.

At their July 12, 1977 meeting, Doug Davis told interested citizens, merchants and landowners, “this Committee was given the mandate to see that a Central Business District Revitalization Plan, to include architectural study if necessary, was accomplished. With help from the Board of Aldermen, City, Merchants and Land owners, this step has been completed and we are now ready to turn our responsibilities over to another entity that will work with local government  and proceed implementing the plan, if this is the wish of those present”. Moving forward was enthusiastically endorsed by all attendees.

On April 5, 1979, during a public meeting in the Tryon Palace Auditorium, the DRC’s responsibilities were transferred to the new, yet to be named 501(c) 3 nonprofit to reflect its status as a nonprofit, community-based organization that would:

·         Actively work in partnership with local government to tap the resources of the business community in carrying out the redevelopment of the downtown area and its waterfront.

·         Develop a vision and plan of work with achievable short and long term goals and objectives.

·         Promote cooperation between the local government and downtown business community.

·         Solicit and receive contributions, gifts, property and grants, exclusively in furtherance of the purposes of the corporation.

The proposed new board members were introduced and attorney, David Henderson carried out the task of filing Articles of Incorporation and obtaining IRS tax-exempt status. John Green suggested Swiss Bear, Inc. for the new organization’s name as it related to the founding of the city by a native of Bern, Switzerland.

Per the by-laws, the Board of Directors consisted of nine members by virtue of their office; New Bern Historic Foundation  (New Bern Preservation Foundation), New Bern Historical Society, New Bern City Government, New Bern City Administration, Craven County Government, Craven County Administration, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association and the New Bern City Planning Board.  Nine additional at-large members representing a broad cross-section of the community were appointed to serve three year terms.

Over the years, representation was amended and expanded to include CarolinaEast Health System, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Craven Community College, Municipal Service District Advisory Committee and City Department of Development Services and Public Works, Craven County Economic Development Commission and the Tourism Development Authority, eighteen at-large members and ten with the designation of Emeritus. In the 1990’s, the name was changed to Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation for more clarity.

In 1981, when New Bern became a Main Street City, Swiss Bear and the local government determined the 501(c) 3 organizational model should continue.  As a free standing private nonprofit Main Street organization, it could qualify for grants, solicit tax deductible contributions for projects and fundraising campaigns and it would force the organization to remain focused on its role/mission. In comparison, as a City Department, the downtown director would be a city employee with either a department of their own or be within a department such as Planning or Public Works and with a change in political leadership programs could be eliminated. Currently 21 of the 58 NC Main Street Cities have the 501(c) 3 designation.

As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, the challenge to insure the organization’s sustainability is having the continuity of stable board, staff, volunteers and adequate funding.  Membership restrictions, allowing only friends of the organization, prevents raising revenue though membership dues. From its beginning, the City and County supported Swiss Bear by providing annual appropriations for two thirds of the budget and the organization raised the remaining third. For the past two years, for economic reasons, the County denied our request for an appropriation. The City’s annual appropriation funds 30% of the budget and Swiss Bear raises the remainder through private contributions and MUMFEST proceeds. Swiss Bear’s long term sustainability, without government support, is questionable.

Since its founding, the volunteer Board of Director’s meets the third Thursday of every month. A draft Program of Work, presented for Board approval in January, summarizes current/on-going and new projects, defines goals and objectives and assigns deadlines and responsibilities for each project. Because local government plays a major role in downtown’s economic growth, the City, County and Swiss Bear have worked closely to restructure downtown’s economic base.  By collaborating with the business community and community groups, developing innovative solutions, initiating and facilitating projects and fundraising campaigns, Swiss Bear facilitates projects that assist local government in creating a vibrant downtown district.

Over the past 35 years, Swiss Bear raised in excess of $8,000,000 (directly or played a vital role) for downtown projects through fundraising campaigns, grants and property donations to the city. This does not include attracting development projects that added millions in public and private investment, increased sales and tax revenues and property values, the expansion of tourism into a major industry or the creation of hundreds of jobs.

Entrepreneurial in its approach, Swiss Bear’s reputation for seizing opportunities, developing projects, and taking the necessary risks to effect change is widely recognized and respected.  Swiss Bear’s tangible and measurable accomplishments clearly demonstrate the value of a nonprofits service to the community and the broad based renewal that began in 1970’s is having a positive economic impact on all of Craven County.

Since 1979, eight community leaders have served as chairman: Doug Davis, Joe Stallings, Harold Talton, Lonnie Pridgen, Ricky Brown, Marvin Raines, Alex Badger, Al Coley, Ernie Richardson and Bob Mattocks (currently)

Executive directors; Kay Williams (1981-1983), Marvin Davis (1983-85), Susan Moffat Thomas (1985 to present).

Becoming a Main Street City

With the establishment of Swiss Bear in 1979 and a local downtown effort in progress, under the leadership of Mayor Leander Morgan, City Planner David Rowland applied to the NC Department of Natural Resources and Community Development in 1980 for New Bern to be a participant in the state’s new Main Street Program.  In 1981, New Bern, along with Shelby, Washington, Tarboro and Salisbury were chosen out of a field of nearly 200 cities vying for the honor. The NC Main Street staff would provide guidance and encouragement but the degree of success would depend on the leadership invested in the program by the people of New Bern. Intensive training and technical assistance was provided during 1981 and the NC Main Street Center was available for follow-up consultation for two years. 

Based on the successful and comprehensive revitalization strategies developed in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s three original pilot towns in the 1970’s, the Main Street program’s goal is to encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation.

The Main Street Program combines four elements to create a well-balanced program.*

• Organization: Building partnerships to create a consistent revitalization program and    develop effective management and leadership downtown. Diverse groups - merchants,    bankers, public officials, chamber of commerce and civic groups - must work together to improve downtown.
• Promotion: Re-establishing downtown as a compelling place for shoppers, investors, and visitors. This means not only improving sales but also rekindling community excitement and involvement. Promotion ranges from street festivals to retail merchandising, from community education to marketing and public relations.
• Design: Enhancing the visual quality of the downtown. Attention is given to the downtown  environment elements – not just buildings and storefronts but also public improvements, rear entries, signs, landscaping, window displays and graphic materials.
• Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the existing economic assets of the business district while diversifying its economic base. Activities include conducting market analysis to understand the changing market place, adapting vacant buildings that have outlived their original purposes for use as entertainment or cultural facilities and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street’s traditional merchants.

The initial step was the visit of a resource team of five consultants for a three day evaluation and meetings with local leaders and elected officials. The following is a summary of their final report presented to citizens as a framework for New Bern’s revitalization effort.

• David Rowland and Kay Williams (Swiss Bear’s newly hired executive director) should serve as co-project managers for New Bern’s Main Street Program.
• The local government should continue to support Swiss Bear financially for at least the     next three years.
• The city government and Swiss Bear should establish goals and objectives and a year    by-year schedule of improvements in the central business district.
• Swiss Bear should expand its activities in the areas of promotion, recruitment and retention of businesses, development of a revolving fund and a low interest loan-pool and facade improvements.
• Swiss Bear and the merchant's association should work together closely.
• The Chamber of Commerce should pursue a more aggressive tourism program in conjunction with the Main Street project.
• The off-street parking areas need to be improved with paving and landscaping.
• Street and traffic lights need to be improved.
• Facade and sign improvements must be implemented as soon as possible.
• The urban renewal area should be treated as a natural extension of downtown.
• The urban renewal area should be developed for housing rather than office or commercial use.
• The community needs to adopt a sophisticated development approach to fill vacant buildings and upper floors.    

The City, County and the Swiss Bear board formally adopted the Main Street approach as its strategy for downtown’s revitalization effort and served as a pivotal role in the organization of the local Main Street Program. By emphasizing the Main Street theme of self-help, the program provided the framework and opportunity for the merchants, the city and county government and the business community, everyone who had a vested interest in downtown, to come together.

Like all plans/reports, the recommendations were meant to suggest appropriate and effective steps in developing a program of achievable goals and objectives. Decisions by the public and private sector over the long term on development and redevelopment decisions provided a unified sense of direction for downtown’s future. Thanks to the energy and leadership invested in the program by Swiss Bear, the City, County, Chamber of Commerce, other nonprofit organizations and the citizens of New Bern over the past 35+ years, New Bern’s downtown effort is widely recognized in the state and nation as an award-winning Main Street success story.

Strategies and projects will be related in future columns.

*The NC Main Street Program is under the Dept. of Commerce. www.nccommerce.com

MUMFEST 2013 has a Bold New Look

October 12-13 

Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation asked talented local artist and designer, Lisa Bisbee, to create a new look for MUMFEST 2013. True to her talent, Lisa Bisbee has come up with an original and bold design.

When asked how she came up with her new design, Lisa said, “Every year during the fall, I take photos of the brilliant autumn foliage. This year's design is based on a digitally enhanced image. I captured the photograph when the downtown merchants adorned New Bern’s streets with flowering mums during MUMFEST. The bold warm colors remind me of the harvest season during which MUMFEST takes place. I created a silhouette from the leaves and added white highlights with gestural artistic strokes. The font and color palette is energetic and festive, to remind everyone about new adventures unfolding during MUMFEST 2013!” 

Mumfesters can stop by the Greater Good Gallery at 228 Craven Street in downtown New Bern to see Lisa’s art, and while you’re there it wouldn’t hurt to let her know how you like her new design. You may also visit her web site at www.greatergoodgallery.com

.

MUMFEST weekend in New Bern, NC attracts festiver goers from across the southeast to experience this award winning festival located in the beautifully restored historic downtown along the waterfront. Mumfesters can spend a little or spend a lot with over 300 commercial and non-profit exhibitors to choose from including pottery, crafts, art and a tasty variety of savory food. MUMFEST fits everyone's budget with two days of free entertainment including a wide variety of music from a variety of new and exciting bands, dance troupes, magicians, roving street performers, face painters and clowns. 

MUMFEST will be bolder than ever this year featuring the internationally famous X-POGO Team, a huge NASCAR exhibit from the Richard Childress Racing Team and the Renegade pirate ship just to name a few of the exciting new venues coming to New Bern on October 12-13. 

Start making plans now to come to MUMFEST by water taxi, trolley car park downtown - however you get here - come join the fun because there really is something for everyone! Check frequently on the MUMFEST website to learn all about this year's festival: www.mumfest.com

To learn more about MUMFEST and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation go to www.downtownnewbern.com.   

Establishing the Historic District Commission

200 Block Middle St. Early 1980s

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, significant residential and commercial structures in the downtown area were demolished, many were in a deteriorated state and the original facades of many buildings were covered with aluminum and other materials in an attempt to modernize them.

300 Block Middle St. Early 1980s

With the establishment of the Historic Preservation Foundation in 1972, (today known as the New Bern Preservation Foundation), a private nonprofit whose focus was/is preserving historic residential properties, and Swiss Bear in 1979, with a focus on restoring the downtown, the area was beginning to experience an active revitalization effort.  Preserving the City’s unique and historic architecture was a major priority.  

In the late 1970’s, as a revitalization strategy, local preservation groups nominated a 20 block downtown area for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980, the historic district was expanded to include three areas overlooked in the original district including Trent Court, considered an example of high quality public housing, to act as a buffer zone around Tryon Palace.   

300 Block Middle Street 2000s

National Register District’s, basically honorary designations, are not protected by design controls. The one tangible advantage enables owners of commercial and income producing property to claim tax benefits; however, those who chose not to can simply obtain building permits and renovate their building in whatever fashion they chose.

In February 1980, spurred on by Swiss Bear and the Historic Preservation Foundation, the City Planning Department looked into the feasibility of establishing a local Historic District Commission (HDC), authorized by state statute and enacted by local ordinance that would place design controls on the rehab of exterior buildings, new construction, and delay demolition within the historic district.

 On February 28, with the support of David Rowland, City Planner and the Tryon Palace Commission, a public forum held in the Tryon Palace Auditorium included presentations by Robert Stallings Jr., President, New Bern Historical Society; Newsom Williams, President, Historic Preservation Foundation; David Henderson, Chairman, Swiss Bear Architectural Committee; and Dr. Larry Tise, head of NC Archives and History. They all expressed the need to establish a historic district commission with design regulations for any rehabilitation or new construction within the Historic District.

The great show of interest led to the Board of Aldermen appointing a nine member Commission: Boyd Meyers, Chairman, Peter Sandbeck, Newsom Williams, Charles Francis, Martha Smith, Janet Latham, Carrie Miller, Ray Houghton and Eliza Dudley. Their charge: develop an ordinance, guidelines, and application process with the Planning Department providing support and overall coordination.  

It was controversial from the start.

To nudge, or sledge hammer to preservation, was the title of an August 16, 1980 Sun Journal article by Catherine Landis who covered the contentious public meeting at which many people spoke. David Henderson advised the Commission to specify which guidelines are mandatory and which are just suggestions. “You have to be consistent” he said, “should can never be enforced”.  Commission Chairman, Boyd Meyers said,”when you get to texture, color, mass, you can’t get specific. Let’s keep it general enough so it will help everyone in the community”. Henderson replied “you’re going to get yourself in a hole if you don’t have something enforceable”.  Dr. Ray Houghton, Commission Vice-Chairman said”we’re not trying to strangle people or keep someone from doing something. I’d prefer to nudge people, not hit them with a sledge hammer”.

In the November 18, 1980 Sun Journal  article by Lee Landis, New Bern Historic District praised, panned at hearing,  reporting on the recent public hearing at the Board of Aldermen meeting…the near capacity audience, most of who supported the ordinance appeared at the meeting. The issue as both the advocates and opponents of the ordinance saw it was more government regulation. But those favoring the ordinance said it was necessary to preserve the historic integrity of the city. Those opposing the ordinance said they objected to being considered an “irresponsible minority”. At the urging of former Alderman Ben Hurst, audience members stood up. Hurst said he observed, “90% of the audience favored the ordinance”.

At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Board of Aldermen adopted the ordinance and the Commission’s guidelines. Effective January 1, 1981, a certificate of appropriateness (CA) had to be obtained from the Historic District Commission (HDC), (now Historic Preservation Commission - HPC) prior to any exterior alteration, relocation, new construction or demolition of a building.

A year later, the HDC decided the guidelines needed to be revised. As reported in a May 22, 1982 Sun Journal article, Historic Ordinance may be revised… the consensus of the HPC members was “we should go with our gut reactions (on applications) and stop being so worried about being so diplomatic”. Another commissioner noted “two years ago downtown New Bern was dying and I did not feel like imposing any requirements on people that might impede the restoration of the historic area. Now, with revitalization firmly underway, the circumstances were different and with our experience we can see some of the problems people are having with us and we are having with them and make changes”.

From the onset, the power of the HPC has been a controversial and complex issue and the focus of many bitter arguments, editorials and letters to the editor. Proponents credit the district controls with protecting areas of historic significance, helping chart future growth and stimulating new investment. Opponents contend the historic districts are elitist, often arbitrarily administered by commissioners who abuse their power and are not qualified to pass judgment on what are frequently complex, subjective decisions.

Whatever your opinion, generally speaking, when the design controls were put in place, Swiss Bear, preservationists, developers and investors saw promoting good design within the context of historic preservation as part of a comprehensive approach to stimulate residential and downtown revitalization efforts.

Middle Street Today

A historic district that looked beaten, bruised and neglected in 1980 is now a healthy vital district with new and rehabilitated structures that give New Bern its distinctive “sense of place”.

Susan Moffat Thomas, Executive Director

Looking to the long term.

NCSU professor advises Swiss Bear board on sustainability plan.

Click  Sun Journal, March 22, 2013 article