Kinston council extends Glen Raven redevelopment deadline, approves truck purchase

The Kinston City Council approved a one-year extension for redevelopment of the former Glen Raven Mill, a $323,320 bucket truck purchase and an application for up to $5 million in service line replacement funding during its Oct. 20 meeting.

Representatives of smART Kinston Foundation presented plans and progress for Unicorn City Park at the city-owned mill property at 800 Manning St. The redevelopment includes The Line Action Sports Park, a BMX and skateboarding facility in the former warehouse, along with potential event, music and arts spaces elsewhere on the site.

Stephen Hill told the council that nearly $1.6 million had been invested through cash, volunteer labor, donated materials and equipment, and pro bono work. That represents about 64% of the development agreement’s $2.5 million minimum investment, according to the presentation.

Presenters said The Line was nearing completion, with an opening targeted for early 2027. Plans for the main mill include rehabilitating the two roofed ends and turning the damaged middle section into an open-air courtyard.

Council members asked about financing, emergency repairs and the project’s broader community benefits. Hill said remaining needs could be met through fundraising, donated work or support from project backers.

The Glen Raven item was moved from the action agenda to presentations. City Attorney James P. Cauley said the previously approved development agreement already authorized conveying the property and that the deed was ready. The agreement also allows the city manager to grant reasonable construction extensions.

After discussing the request, the council approved extending the construction deadline from October 2027 to October 2028. The agenda packet identifies the requested deadline as Oct. 31, 2028.

The council also approved purchasing a 55-foot bucket truck from Altec Industries through the Sourcewell joint purchasing agreement.

Public Services Director Steve Miller said the truck would replace a 2017 electric division vehicle with about 182,000 miles. The city had spent more than $50,000 maintaining that vehicle over the past three years, he said.

The city budget includes $354,000 for the replacement. Miller requested that the remaining money be available for road tax, tags and possible price increases. Delivery was estimated at 18 months after ordering.

In other action, the council authorized a funding application for Phase I of the Kinston Lead Service Line Replacement Project. Assistant Public Services Director Henry McLean said the proposed $5 million phase would address an estimated 648 service lines.

McLean said inspections had identified galvanized service lines requiring replacement but had not found lead service lines. Miller said the city’s required tap-water testing had not produced results above regulatory limits.

McLean estimated that the broader replacement effort could cost more than $19 million and require multiple phases. Staff cautioned that the amount of funding the city would have to repay remained uncertain. Approval allows the city to apply for assistance; it does not guarantee an award or full loan forgiveness. Staff planned to submit the application for the Nov. 2 funding cycle.

The council also recognized October as Alpha Delta Kappa Month, honoring women educators and their service to schools and the community.

Miller reminded residents of the city’s fall cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, based at Neuseway Nature Center, 401 W. Caswell St. Volunteers may also arrange to clean their own neighborhoods. Supplies will be provided, and residents may call 252-939-3283 for information.

The council entered closed session for attorney-client matters and economic development, then returned to public session before the city manager’s report.

City Manager Jon Mendenhall announced public listening sessions for East Kinston on Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., Central Kinston on Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at City Hall, and West Kinston on Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Fairfield Recreation Center. He said residents could attend whichever session fit their schedules.

Mendenhall also said utility repairs ahead of N.C. 11 resurfacing would cause detours and intermittent road closures. The goal, he said, is to finish underground work before the road is resurfaced.