New Bern Housing Authority and the City of New Bern
CHOICE NEIGHBORHOODS PLANNING GRANT
Trent Court/Craven Terrace/Greater Five Points Neighborhood
Housing Development Task Force
Wednesday, April 22 at 3:00 pm at Trent Court
Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Dee Meadows, Linda Waters, Jane Armstrong, Vernell Bryant, Jo Nell Sanders,
Barbara Gardner, Barbara Sampson, Antonio Brown, Charles McDaniel, Cassandra Newsome,
Robert Benjamin, Tawanna Smith, Bill Brennan, Fern Cotton, Max Bryant, Mary Anna Newman,
Cheryl Reed, Mike Avery, Jane Armstrong, Pete Monte, Carrie Courman, Eula LeGrande, Paula
Dixon, Tim Jedrey, Martin Blaney, Tyechia Buck, Seana Spicer, Connie Sithens, Evelyn
Sparrow, Lynn Mendes, Stephanie Crosby, Kevin Robinson, Linda Stout, Sandra Wheeler,
Tharesa Lee, Mickey Miller, Kathy Adolph (17 housing residents, 4 grant community
residents,16 other).
Handouts:
Minutes
CNI Info Paper & FAQ (attached)
Rental Housing Types handout (attached)
Housing Market Study extracts
Welcome & Introductions. Mr. Blaney discussed how this task force fits in the big picture of
eight CNI groups all working simultaneously, with all group’s work product being combined into
draft Transformation Plan. He also mentioned EJP/Goody Clancy visit May 5-7 and reiterated
the importance of attendance.
Review Minutes of Last Meeting. No questions about the minutes. Typos were noted.
Reviewing Our Knowledge. The group reviewed the quiz from the last meeting.
 Three core goals of CNI – People, Housing, and Neighborhood.
 Major objectives of the housing goal from the CNI NOFA – housing that is: a. energy
efficient, sustainable, accessible, and free from discrimination; b. mixed-income; c. wellmanaged; d. financially viable.
Review of Key CNI Principles. The attached fact sheet and FAQ were discussed. This
discussion led to questions about:
 Phasing of housing revitalization – how typically housing will be built or renovated in
stages which may involve moving temporarily into another location.
 Lease-compliant – what it means and how that differs from being eligible for housing.
 Mixed-income – a review of what it means, how it works, and the impacts of moving
toward mixed-income housing.
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Vouchers – how do they work and the need for more information on availability of
Section 8 housing. We will have a representative from Twin Rivers Opportunities speak
to the group.
History & heritage – how to preserve local history while looking for sites for building new
housing.
Ownership status of property that Trent Court currently occupies.
Gentrification – what it means and things that can be done to help allay concerns.
Residential Market Study Key Findings. The following key opportunities highlighted by the
market study were briefly discussed:
 Create unique housing opportunities (e.g., townhouses, condos, lofts, flats)
 Balance existing and new residents
 Provide value alternatives to existing market
 Enable short-term success (quick wins)
Residential Housing Types. The attached handout provided by Goody Clancy describing
rental housing types was reviewed. The group discussed the distinctions between mixed-used
housing with commercial use on the ground floor, elevator multifamily housing, walk-up
multifamily buildings, and townhouses.
“Let’s Build a Better World.” The group was comprised of five teams of 6-8 members each.
Using supplies including large grant area maps, poster board, clay, crayons, housing type
handouts, etc., they were challenged to design their own plan for revitalization of Trent Court.
After 45 minutes of work, each team displayed their plan and described its layout, attributes, and
amenities. City planners and NBHA staff floated throughout the room to help address questions.
During the lively and engaging process, teams discussed issues including density, floodplain
challenges, property values, property procurement, greenspaces, parking, road realignment, and
historic preservation. The teams will review their designs during the next meeting with EJP and
Goody Clancy.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, May 5, 3-5 pm. Location TBD.
EJP and Goody Clancy will be in attendance.
Attachments:
CNI Info Paper
Rental Housing Types handout