Lumberton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lumberton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Linkhaw Farms mixed-use subdivision annexation
DBC Partners' planned decade-long development on Linkhaw and Meadow roads took its first step with annexation. Neighbors fear higher taxes, cut-through traffic on already-busy Meadow Road, and being boxed in or bought out; the developer says there's no golf course and stormwater will be managed.
Levee accreditation and floodgate progress
The floodgate got an extra $1.5 million in grant money plus approved change orders, but it won't be operational by June 1. Officials hope it works by the height of hurricane season in the fall.
Failing sewer infrastructure and emergency repairs
Council approved emergency replacement of collapsed sewer lines on three streets, a $2.17 million low-interest loan for broader sewer upgrades, and the RFQ for a $4.8 million lead service line replacement grant.
Christmas holiday schedule for city employees
After a spirited debate over costs and fairness to essential workers, employees get Dec. 24, 25, 28 plus an extra paid day on Wednesday, Dec. 23 — a win pushed by Councilman Rising.
Lead service line replacement
A $415,900 agreement with the Wooton Company covers technical services for replacing about 300 lead water service lines, paid from a state grant.
Data center regulation
Council directed staff to draft an overlay ordinance regulating where and how data centers can develop, with rigid restrictions, responding to recent inquiries.
PFAS contamination settlement
Lumberton and Robeson County are getting a share of a $455 million settlement with Chemours over PFAS contamination in water. The money could help pay for local water-quality fixes, though the exact local amount isn’t specified.
Homelessness and Panhandling Policy
Lumberton officials are weighing how to handle homelessness and panhandling, and the talks could turn into new city rules or services. Nothing is decided yet, but the outcome could affect people living on the streets and how downtown feels day to day.
Elm Street angled parking feasibility
Staff will study narrowing Elm Street to one lane with angled parking between First and Second Streets to boost downtown parking and walkability. A recommendation comes back in August.
Electronic gaming center special use permit
An already-operating gaming center sought a special use permit despite failing the city's distance-from-church rule; council sent it to the Planning Board, where denial is expected, and it has a history of code violations and parking complaints.
Litter and roadside cleanup
A longtime volunteer urged the city to start its own roadside litter pickup program after NCDOT barred him from interstate cleanup areas.
Production wells project rebid
The only bid for new wells 11-13 came in over budget, so the city will revise the scope and rebid in about five months — delaying new water capacity.
Farmers Market at Dick Taylor Plaza — safety and zoning questions
The downtown market's opening day drew 150–175 visitors, but Councilman Cantey warned that vendors on the plaza's outer sidewalk, combined with cut-through traffic from the closed Fifth Street bridge, creates safety risks. Council agreed to ask vendors to move inside the plaza.
RV park and campground ordinance amendments
Proposed changes would drop churches from the 2,000-foot spacing rule while keeping schools, require a city-approved logbook, and add civil penalties for violations.