Development News for Goldsboro, North Carolina

City Council Adopts Budget Ordinance with Amended Parks and Recreation Rates, Approves Utility Rate Adjustments

The council discussed and adopted the annual budget ordinance after amending the rate schedule for parks and recreation programs. The amendment, proposed by Councilman White and seconded by Councilwoman Jones, will double the non-resident rates for youth sports and facility rentals to match those charged by comparable leagues in surrounding communities. The in-city rate for youth sports will increase from $45 to $50, while the non-resident rate will increase from $75 to $100. The council also adopted the utility rate ordinance, which implements a tiered water rate structure aiming for a 5% overall increase, with lower usage tiers potentially seeing less of an increase. This ordinance is set to be effective on or after August 1, 2026.

City Council Discusses Need for Updated Downtown Master Plan to Guide Future Development and Investment

The council discussed the status and importance of an updated Downtown Master Plan, noting that the previous plan, approved in 2008, is outdated and has a 10-year scope. The current plan focuses on long-term design, transitional planning, land use, infrastructure, and physical transformation of the downtown area. The city is seeking to develop a new master plan to guide future development, attract private investment, and align with other strategic planning efforts. Key priorities for an updated plan include expanding on progress, connecting to city anchors like Union Station, closing gaps in residential development, and focusing on the north of Ash Street industrial corridor. The presentation highlighted the success of the previous master plan in leveraging $73 million in public and private investment and generating $15 million in grant funding. The estimated cost for a new master plan is $70,000.