Commission tables sale of 1213 Mechanic Street after zoning and timeline concerns

The New Bern Redevelopment Commission voted to table consideration of a proposed sale of 1213 Mechanic Street to give prospective buyers time to present formal plans addressing zoning and deed‑restriction timelines. Staff and counsel told the board the parcel is in the R‑6 residential zone; existing commercial activity nearby is an existing nonconforming use that cannot be expanded under current city code.

A representative for the prospective buyers said the family’s main concern was the commission’s standard construction timeline and their ability to meet the 12‑/24‑month requirements. “We don’t have any problem with helping the redevelopment in Duffy Field… we just don’t want to say that we could have this done in a 1‑ or 2‑year time frame,” the representative said, asking for flexibility. Counsel explained that the standard deed (Exhibit B) contains restrictive covenants, including a default, notice and cure provision, and a modification clause that allows time extensions when good‑faith progress is shown.

Staff urged the buyers to return with site plans and documented proposals that would be necessary to initiate the upset‑bid process and to satisfy the commission’s conditions for resale. The commission agreed to continue the item to its June meeting to allow the prospective buyers to provide the required documentation and for staff to consider zoning and potential broader options for commercial uses in residential zones.

Next steps: the item was tabled to the June meeting; staff and the buyer will prepare required plans and documentation to support any future upset‑bid sale.