Yesterday, I and a number of Swiss Bear Board members had the pleasure of meeting Jeffrey Ruggieri, the new Director of Development Services for the City.
Jeff moved his wife and children to New Bern from the Northport area on the Gulf side of Florida. Originally from New Hampshire, he received his under graduate degree from the University of Rhode Island and his Masters in City Planning from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Under City Manager, Mike Epperson’s leadership, the current Planning Department is being reorganized to encourage redevelopment opportunities in our City. As most are aware, New Bern was seen by many as a City unfriendly to new business opportunities. Under the previous structure, planning has been primarily a regulatory function, i.e., “here are the rules and regulations your project/development/business must meet” versus “how can we work together to make the project work for the best interest of both the City and project owner”.
Jeff is now the department head and Planning and Inspections will work under his direction. The reorganization will be complete when Jeff hires an Economic Development Manager.
We applaud the City’s decision to reorganize that department to have a more proactive focus on community and economic development that will compliment the work of the Craven County Economic Development Commission.
Jeff, we wish you great success in your new position and look forward to working with you.
Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director
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