Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Rural Public Transit Funding (PAS-TRAN)
Pender Adult Services' transit program is the county's only local public transportation, providing over 21,000 rides last year including 1,811 wheelchair-accessible trips. The board was scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider a $165,908.10 local match to keep it running.
Traffic congestion and road planning
Residents pressed officials on Country Club Road traffic, missing signage, timed lights, and how the new Hampstead Walmart will affect roads. Officials said roads are a state DOT responsibility and the county must lobby Raleigh; Vice Chairman George noted Pender is in District 3, receiving $31 million this year but less than usual due to the bypass funding.
State-Required Traffic Signal at New DHHS Building
The county must install a stoplight at the 117 bypass and US 117 business as a condition of the new DHHS building, but a $56,340 design contract failed 3-2. The county could be stuck — NCDOT is requiring it.
US 17 and Royal Tern Drive safety improvements
The county formally backed a state-funded concrete median and northbound U-turn signal at the US 17 and Royal Tern Drive intersection — a safety upgrade for a busy corridor.
Walker/Wilmington Street intersection widening
The county handed NCDOT the land and easements it needs to widen the busy Burgaw intersection — with the new Town sign protected.