Snow Hill Commissioners Approve Updated Sugar Hill Manor Plan
The Snow Hill Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, where they approved an amended preliminary subdivision plan for Sugar Hill Manor. The meeting also featured a sponsorship request from a Greene Central High School marching band member, a review of dilapidated properties, and updates on town events, vehicle surplus, public safety, and the town’s financial standing.
Greene Central High School Marching Band Seeks Support
Meredith Stepp, a junior at Greene Central High School, addressed the board on behalf of the Greene Central High School Marching Band, sharing their accomplishments and ongoing needs.
“I’m here today representing a group that’s been working incredibly hard,” Stepps began. The band recently earned its highest score since 1989 at the North Carolina Music Performance Assessment (MPA). “We went to MPA in March and got the highest score in North Carolina, which really surprised us,” she said proudly.
Their performance success has brought statewide and national attention. A viral TikTok video showcasing the band’s energy caught the attention of media outlets and even The Kelly Clarkson Show, where the band appeared earlier this year and received a $5,000 donation. They also won the NCCU Band Battle, earning another $5,000 to support their growing program.
Despite these successes, Stepps explained that the band still faces high costs. “Marching band isn’t cheap,” she said. “This uniform costs $700. If we had to pay that out of pocket every season, no one could afford to join.”
She credited the band director, Andrew Howell, for expanding the group from just 15 members into a thriving, competitive ensemble. The band’s unique style blends HBCU show-style marching with traditional corps-style precision, giving students exposure to different scholarship and college opportunities.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Stepps plays 13 instruments, including clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, and tenor saxophone. “It was tough learning six pages of tenor saxophone music in a week, but I did it,” she said, underscoring the discipline required to succeed in the program.
She also promoted the upcoming 44th Annual Band Day, scheduled for October 25, calling it “Snow Hill’s biggest event and Greene County’s largest,” attracting more than 1,500 attendees and 2,700 band members from over 27 schools.
“We face challenges like paying bus drivers, feeding our kids, and covering competition fees,” Stepps said. “Any donation, even $5, makes a difference.”
She shared a touching story about the band performing at a recent funeral and mentioned her pride in her younger sister, who joined the drumline this year as a seventh grader.
Mayor Dennis Liles praised her poise and enthusiasm. Commissioner Dianne Andrews shared her own connection, recalling her years as a band booster president and the work that goes into supporting such a large group.
Later, Town Manager April Vinson noted the band director’s formal request for support, and the board unanimously approved a $200 donation, matching last year’s contribution.
Sugar Hill Manor Subdivision Plan Approved
The board approved an updated preliminary plat for Sugar Hill Manor, following revisions to meet NCDOT and emergency management requirements.
Town Manager April Vinson explained, “The original plan faced push-back from the DOT about driveways on the 903 side. They wanted one driveway per two homes. That wasn’t what the developer proposed, so the project went back to the drawing board.”
The updated layout improves access and reduces potential congestion along U.S. 903, one of Snow Hill’s busiest corridors. Vinson added, “We worked closely with the DOT and Greene County Emergency Management to make sure there’s enough hard surface for fire trucks to turn around safely. That’s critical for emergency response in any new subdivision.”
The revised design balances development goals with public safety and preserves the maximum number of homes the land can support. The Planning Board reviewed and approved the plan earlier on October 8th, and commissioners followed with a unanimous vote to move the project forward.
Tour of Dilapidated Properties
Vinson also reported on a tour of dilapidated and abandoned homes that took place the previous week with Commissioners Faye Daniels, Dianne Andrews, and Mayor Liles.
“Last Wednesday, we went out and identified around 14 homes in poor condition, some of which may be candidates for condemnation,” Vinson said. The group took time to walk around each property for a close inspection, rather than simply driving by. “We didn’t go inside, but we physically checked them out,” Mayor Liles confirmed.
Vinson explained that the list of properties is being finalized. “Phase One is complete, and we’re gathering ownership information and preparing notices. Three or four of these may end up in foreclosure.”
The effort focuses on the most severely deteriorated, abandoned, and overgrown properties to help improve the town’s appearance and safety. Mayor Liles emphasized the importance of keeping Snow Hill looking cared for and welcoming.
Vehicle Surplus
The board approved surplusing a 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, one of the town’s oldest vehicles. “It’s the oldest in the fleet and no longer serves a useful purpose,” Vinson said, noting that an older F-150 was surplused earlier this year. The motion passed unanimously.
2026 Farm Fest Clarification
Vinson provided clarification on a proposed 2026 Farm Fest, an event idea presented by Brian Newcomb to honor his late mother, Carolyn Newcomb, who passed away unexpectedly this year.
“He approached both the Town of Snow Hill and Greene County about hosting an event in her memory, something community-oriented that could include scholarships or similar efforts,” Vinson explained.
“Mr. Newcomb’s preferred location is the baseball field area near the splash pad, which is owned by Greene County. He spoke with Kyle, who represents Greene County, about using that space,” Vinson said. “However, Kyle asked that Greene County be added to the Town of Snow Hill’s liability insurance policy for the day.”
Vinson clarified that because the event is not organized or sponsored by the town, Snow Hill cannot take on that responsibility. “We explained that since this isn’t a town event, we can’t add Greene County to our insurance coverage,” she said. “We support what Mr. Newcomb is doing in memory of his mother, but the town can’t assume legal or financial liability for a private event.”
The update was informational only, with no formal board action taken.
Veterans Day Ceremony
The board confirmed plans for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at the Snow Hill Fire Station.
“It’s open to the public and honors all veterans and active service members,” Vinson said. She will create a flyer and share it on the town’s Facebook page and through the Greene County News and Announcements page.
Police Report and Trunk or Treat
Police Chief Josh Smith presented the department’s September activity report, noting 11 incident reports, three closed by arrest, two cited as misdemeanors, and two deemed unfounded. “We’re developing a suspect in one ongoing case,” Smith said.
The department handled eight traffic crashes, issued 39 town ordinance citations, and 13 state citations. Smith clarified, “Just because there are 11 incidents doesn’t mean we only responded to 11 calls. There are many more we assist with that don’t require written reports.”
Smith also outlined plans for the annual Trunk or Treat event on October 31st from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wellness Center. “We’re changing the parking flow this year to make things smoother,” he said. “Cars will enter from the traffic light at Pine Street and Kingold Avenue instead of Perry Drive, which will cut down on officer traffic direction.”
Vendors include Ole Time Smokehouse, Kona Ice, Traveling Time Coffee, and newcomer Pop-N-Squeeze, offering popcorn and fresh lemonade. “Steve Heath agreed to be our DJ after others were booked,” Smith added.
Financial Update and Park Phase Two Pledge
Finance Officer April Williams presented the monthly financial report, showing positive inflows from ad valorem taxes, motor vehicle taxes, local option sales tax, and ABC tax revenues.
“The general fund remains strong at about $1.2 million, and both the water and sewer funds are also healthy,” she said. Expenses were primarily related to general fund operations, with little change from last month. Williams also noted the town is awaiting PARTF disbursements and ARPA reimbursements for projects, including Well No. 4, which will further increase available funds.
Mayor Liles noted the town’s strong financial position and announced a major new pledge related to the second phase of the splash pad and park project. Green Engineering has pledged $50,000 toward the next phase of the park, with $25,000 to be donated before December and another $25,000 in the first quarter of 2026. “That’s money we didn’t have yesterday,” Liles said.
Public Works Update
Public Works Director Travis Warters reported seasonal maintenance changes and project updates. “We’re slowing down cemetery grass cutting now and shifting focus to street curbing. It’s looking rough in places, but we’ll get it back in shape soon,” Warters said.
He added that the water department has switched from free chlorine to chloramines for the next six months, a standard rotation to maintain water quality. “All customers were notified by mail,” he said.
Warters also outlined preparations for the holiday season. “This month, we’re installing new hanging hardware for Christmas lights, and we’ll start hanging decorations next month,” he said. “I’ve been in contact with Jim Dotson from Southern Corrosion about replacements to make sure everything’s ready.”
The meeting adjourned following these discussions and updates.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
