History of the Revitalization of Downtown New Bern NC: Pedestrian Connections...major contributors to downtown's walkability, sense of place and interaction

To create a downtown that will attract a diverse concentrated mix of uses and foster economic interaction among these uses, it is essential to encourage people through the downtown core on foot. One of the priority objectives in revitalization planning is to establish an attractive system of pedestrian connections. In downtown New Bern, prior to the revitalization effort, pedestrian circulation occurred almost exclusively along the sidewalks with stores facing the walks and streets.

According to the summary of existing conditions in the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, pedestrian access from the mid-block parking lots to the shops that fronted Middle, Pollock and Craven Streets were inadequate, in some cases dangerous and generally unattractive. The 1977 Plan proposed an open space system for the entire redevelopment effort starting at the bulkhead of the urban renewal property along the Trent River and continuing along the Neuse River to connect with the historic residential and commercial district. The Plan envisioned connecting mid-block parking lots to shopping streets, creating additional walking path systems through the city that would extend out to the waters edge (Riverwalk) system.

The 1990 Urban Design Plan, initiated and coordinated by Swiss Bear in partnership with the City, reiterated the importance of pedestrian connections and recommended existing through-block pedestrian connections be improved and enhanced. As a result, Church Alley (between Remax and Tom’s Coins), the walkway between First Baptist Church and O. Marks, and the walkway along the Century 21 building from South Front into the interior parking area and the alley between Morgan’s Tavern and the adjacent building were improved to include paving, some with lighting and landscaping. Swiss Bear’s fundraising drive to purchase the bear sculptures in Bear Plaza (the first mid-block pedestrian park created in 1981 with special Municipal Tax District funds) was so successful the additional money was used to purchase new lighting for the Plaza. James Reed Lane was developed in 1995 and a new through-block connection was created when the four story Middle Street East building (200 block) was constructed in the mid-1990’s

Downtown New Bern’s pedestrian connections play an important role in creating a strong sense of community. Our walkable downtown offers a sense of place with a mix of restaurants, retail, galleries, attractions, offices, parks and housing that promote interaction. Since the downtown economy thrives on accessibility, networking, creativity and a sense of community, interaction is key.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director