Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Feral cat management and trap-neuter-release
Commissioners were scheduled to discuss policies for managing feral cats, including trap-neuter-release programs — a topic that touches animal welfare, neighborhoods, and wildlife.
Cemetery Identification and Protection
The county manager was set to lead a discussion on how Pender County identifies and protects cemeteries — a concern for families with historic family burial grounds on rural land.
Solid Waste Collection Allowed in Environmental Conservation District
A zoning text amendment would let public solid waste collection facilities operate in the Environmental Conservation district — deciding where waste-related uses can and can't go in Pender County.
Potential Tree Ordinance Changes
Commissioners want to curb clear-cutting that leaves land bare for years, expand tree mitigation to residential developments, and hold developers responsible for replacement trees that die. Changes will go through the Planning Board before any vote.
Solid waste: Montague Station and Transfer Station up-fit
The board picked the FEMA property option (about $337,000) to replace the Montague convenience site, rejecting a pricier Long Creek park share or expanded hours elsewhere. Details and a budget amendment come back April 20.
Burn bans for land clearing
A board member wants Pender County to join Brunswick County's push for restrictions on smoldering burn piles from land clearing, citing three burning lots seen along Highway 210. Staff will raise it with the county manager.
Abbey Nature Preserve Tree Policy
A $31,869 variance amendment drew concern that the county is too lax on tree removal — commissioners asked staff to review the UDO and consider a tree policy.