Lenoir County halts Riverwalk project over easement concerns

The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners has decided not to move forward with construction of the proposed Riverwalk project at this time after the county was unable to secure all necessary easements through voluntary agreements with property owners.

The proposed phase would have continued the existing Riverwalk section that passes through Pearson Park and runs along Pollock Street and Atlantic Avenue. Once completed, the project was intended to create a multi-use trail connection between the Richard Caswell Memorial, the Kinston Community Center and Pearson Park in downtown Kinston.

According to the county, the primary challenge involved obtaining easements needed for the trail route. Despite efforts to secure the property access through donations or negotiated purchases, the county was unable to reach agreements with all affected property owners.

As the project advanced, county officials said it became clear that eminent domain would likely be required to obtain the remaining easements. Eminent domain is the legal process that allows a government to acquire private property for a public purpose, with compensation to the property owner.

The Board of Commissioners determined it would not pursue eminent domain for the Riverwalk project.

“The Board of Commissioners ultimately determined it would not pursue eminent domain for this project, consistent with the Board’s longstanding position supporting private property rights and its preference to acquire property through voluntary agreements whenever possible,” the county said in its project update.

The county also thanked property owners who supported the project through land donations and cooperative negotiations.

Without a viable path to secure the remaining easements, county officials said the project could not responsibly move into construction.

Although the project is not moving forward now, the county said planning and engineering work completed to date leave the Riverwalk project “substantially shovel-ready” should conditions change in the future.

“The Board continues to recognize the value of the Riverwalk project as a quality-of-life investment for residents and remains supportive of pursuing opportunities in the future should circumstances allow,” the county said.

The county said the Board of Commissioners remains committed to other projects and investments aimed at enhancing recreation, tourism and overall quality of life in Lenoir County.