The Bears in Bear Plaza: Turning an alley into a venue

The bears in Bear Plaza are a well-loved downtown
attraction providing a tangible reminder of our close ties
to Bern, Switzerland
                                                      Photo courtesy R.Scungio

As I related in a previous article, to achieve walkabilty, the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, commissioned by the Downtown Revitalization Committee and the City of New Bern, envisioned connecting mid-block parking lots to shopping streets, creating additional walking path systems.

To begin to accomplish that goal, the City responded to the Committee’s request to purchase the Middle Street lot, vacated when the Coplon Smith Department Store burned down in the mid-1970s, which connected to the interior municipal parking lot known as Federal Alley.

The Committee provided the leadership in getting downtown property owners and merchants to request formation of the Municipal Tax District in the area bounded by (Tryon Palace Drive), South Front, Pollock and Middle in which they would pay an additional tax of $.50 per hundred ad valorem valuation. The MSD was created in 1980 with the understanding the additional tax money would go toward physical improvements in that defined area.

In 1980, Bear Plaza was the first project undertaken and completed using these funds. Development of Bear Plaza, a mid-block park included a pavilion, several benches and lights.

In the spring of 1993, John Edwards, owner of Trent Power Equipment Company in Merritt, N.C., met with me requesting Swiss Bear consider purchasing for $10,000, three large bear sculptures he had on his property that had been carved with a chainsaw. He had to close his business and thought they would be an asset to downtown as public art.

My response, “we will give it consideration” was essentially a polite way to avoid saying outright I was not enthusiastic about his proposal. Having never seen the sculptures, I assumed anything carved from logs with a chain saw would be very crude and not suitable for our downtown.

Over the next six months his persistent calls paid off. When I drove to the site of his business I was amazed and delighted. The largest was a twelve foot black bear and the two eight feet tall sculptures were of a single bear with a fish in its mouth and the other of two cubs chasing a raccoon up a tree. They were very well done, would be a great addition to Bear Plaza and a bargain at his final asking price of $4,500.

In November 1993, Edwards gave the City permission to relocate the bears from his property to Bear Plaza and Swiss Bear was given an option to purchase them, contingent upon raising the funds necessary to cover the purchase price by July 1, 1994.

In the early spring of 1994, Swiss Bear spearheaded a campaign in cooperation with the City to provide a permanent home for the three major wood sculptures offering the public a range of donation levels from $10 to $500+. All contributors would receive a small ceramic bear, made for this project by Janice Parker, and their names recorded on a commemorative plaque(s) for permanent display in Bear Plaza.

The community’s response was outstanding and the campaign raised $12,000. The additional money was used to purchase and install new lights and landscape the Plaza. On Nov. 20, 1994, a well-attended dedication was held and Swiss Bear formally turned over ownership of the bears to the city; public art to be enjoyed for many years to come...or so we thought.

By the late 1990s the bears were in a state of deterioration. Termites, wood beetles and exposure to the elements were taking their toll. Jeth Lindsy, artist and owner of Art of the Wild, was a dedicated volunteer steward in repairing and maintaining the bear’s, but it was a losing battle. The numerous attempts to preserve them failed and they were finally removed from the Plaza when they became a safety hazard.

In the meantime, with the Municipal District Advisory Committee’s approval to fund up to $8,600 for three new bear sculptures, the challenge became finding an artist to replicate the existing sculptures. The Committee agreed new bears should be carved from cypress (a more durable wood) in the same configuration in respect for all those who contributed to the original purchase.  After much research, thanks to John Sturman, owner of Bern Bear Gifts, we were able to contact Tom Penny, who carved the three bears for John Edwards. Originally from Canada, we were happy to learn Penny was now residing in Myrtle Beach. He quoted a price of $10,000, with the major cost being able to purchase/acquire logs of an adequate size to carve the big bear.  Penny said we could deduct 10% from the cost if we furnished the wood.

When Little Joe Weatherington, North Carolina Forest Products, Inc, was able to find and donate cypress logs for the bears, Mr.  Penny agreed to carve the three bears for $8,600. He carved the two smaller bears prior to Mumfest and to promote the project and have an additional attraction, Penny began carving the large “papa” bear during the festival.

When the bears were placed in the Plaza the following spring, metal brackets were constructed to hold the bears above the treated concrete bases allowing air to circulate and eliminate possible infestation. The New Bern Garden Club planted numerous plants and flowers adding to the park’s beautification.

The bears in Bear Plaza are a well-loved downtown attraction providing a tangible reminder of our close ties to Bern, Switzerland...and like the numerous other Swiss Bear projects, the community made it happen.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director, Swiss Bear Downtown Development

Downtown pedestrian connections

Creating a strong sense of community... 

Church Alley after
construction was completed

Church Alley during
construction

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 by establishing an attractive system of pedestrian connections. Pedestrian connections create a strong sense of community and walkability, an important goal in New Bern’s downtown revitalization effort.

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 was inadequate, in some cases dangerous and generally unattractive. To achieve walkability, 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 (Riverwalk) through the city that would extend out to the water’s edge (Riverwalk) system.

The first mid-block pedestrian park, created in 1981 with Municipal Service District (MSD) funds (additional taxes paid by downtown property owners for public improvements) was Bear Plaza, which connected to the newly constructed interior parking lot referred to as Federal Alley. 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, enhanced and new ones developed when the opportunity arose.

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 Federal Alley parking area and the alley between Morgan’s Tavern and the adjacent building were improved to include paving, some with lighting and landscaping. However, a pedestrian connection was still needed on Pollock Street.

In early 1994, when Swiss Bear heard the owner of the old pool hall was considering selling it, with approval from the Municipal Service District Advisory Committee and the city, Swiss Bear board member Stewart Smith approached the owner and worked out an agreement for the city to purchase the building with MSD funds. Acquiring this property was a goal for the creation of a through-block pedestrian linkage onto Pollock Street as recommended in the 1990 Urban Design Plan. This small one-story building was in poor repair, without architectural distinction and its removal would allow a dramatic direct view of the steeple of the Episcopal Church, mirroring the view of the First Baptist through Church Alley.

Swiss Bear hired Allison Platt & Associates to design a plan for the space with plantings, old brick from the streets of New Bern, street lights, benches and a three-tier fountain. Following demolition of the old building by the City, the project was put on hold as the remaining MSD funds were committed for the first phase of major streetscape improvements to the 100/200 blocks of Middle Street.

Swiss Bear met the challenge to move the project forward and worked to raise the needed funds and find an appropriate name for the mid-block pedestrian park. The late Rev. Edward Sharp of Christ Episcopal Church had been a strong supporter of the revitalization effort and Swiss Bear so I asked for his assistance to recommend a name for the park. Through his research efforts, the New Bern Board of Aldermen approved our request to name the park James Reed Lane in memory and honor of this 18th century pioneer in public education. After 230 years, the Rev. James Reed, first rector of Christ Church, received belated public recognition for his role in establishing in New Bern, North Carolina’s first incorporated school in 1764.

The city agreed to provide the labor for development of the space and our campaign to raise $60,000 for construction materials, streetlights, benches and planting materials was successful. Additional funding for the beautiful three-tier cast iron fountain was contributed by Dr. and Mrs. Harry MacDonald in honor of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. MacDonald. John C. Thomas constructed the abstract wood wall hanging and donated the brownstone plaque in the sidewalk that recognizes the MacDonald’s contribution. Contributors to the project are listed on a bronze plaque on the brick wall facing the park.

On Feb. 25, 1996, 2 p.m., the dedication was a joyous well attended occasion. In addition to remarks from Reverend Sharp, the Swiss Bear director and chairman, special guest Patrick Dorsey, North Carolina secretary of Cultural Resources, was the keynote speaker.

Thanks to a public/private partnership that began in the late 1970s, the development of this mid-block pedestrian park added another amenity that enhanced the “walkability and sense of place” of our historic downtown. Downtown now offers 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, the numerous pedestrian connections play a vital role as interaction is key to downtown’s success.

Susan Moffat-Thomas

Executive Director of Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation.

Municipal Services District: The funding mechanism

Middle St.
Streetscape Improvements

James Reed Lane



Bear Plaza




Craven @ Hotel Service Parking Lot



Among the 1977 Central Business District Revitalization Plan recommendations was development of mid-block pedestrian parks connecting with interior parking lots to supplement existing on-street parking and creation of a Municipal Service District (provided in the NC General Statutes) as a mechanism to fund a wide range of downtown revitalization projects. Also referred to as a BID (Business Improvement District) revenue is generated through imposition of a tax on owners of property subject to the ad valorem property tax in a defined district, not to exceed $1.50 per hundred valuation.

Effective July 1, 1978, at the property owner’s request, the City established the Municipal Service District (MSD) in four core blocks bounded by Craven, Middle, Hancock and Tryon Palace Drive (South Front Street).  The $.50 per $100 valuation, generating $250,000 over a three year period was used to develop Bear Plaza ($75,000) on a vacant Middle Street lot, the former site of the Coplon Smith Department Store that burned in the 1970”s. The interior of the mid-block park allowed convenient access (walkabilty) to the second MSD project known as the Federal Alley Parking Lot. The owners of 22 separate properties, ranging in size from 75 to 11,500 square feet in the interior block, signed a five year renewable agreement allowing the City to develop the interior area with MSD funds ($175,000) to be utilized as a common parking area.

In 1984, with the completion of the two projects, the rate was reduced to $.25, generating $24,000 annually. Seen as insufficient funds for any long term major improvements, Swiss Bear led the effort to expand the special tax district based on a plan of public improvements. Mayor Bengel and the Board of Aldermen approved and appointed a MSD Advisory Committee: Jim Chagaris, Virginia McSorley, Paul Johnson, Lou Steinberg, Blackie Stith, Lonnie Pridgen, Harold Talton and Susan Moffat.

They met in June ’85 to define objectives and explore expansion of the district to encompass the entire central business district so adequate funds could be generated to implement defined on-going public improvements. Smith Design Group was hired to develop general guidelines used to solicit property owner’s support to expand the district to encompass the area bounded by property on the north side of Broad Street, west side of Hancock Street to the shorelines of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Following public hearings, the Board of Aldermen approved the expansion with the exclusion of vacant lots and residential property and reduced the tax rate to $.18 for that fiscal year.

In 2007, the MSD Committee discussed amending the 1986 ordinance to include all properties, residential, commercial and vacant land, as many residences had now become rental properties or converted for commercial.  Since the value of all property within the MSD had increased, many by 700-900%, the Committee believed all property owners in the MSD should be taxed as all properties were benefiting from the improvements. A review of the General Statue determined, when a boundary was defined and approved by the municipality, individual lots within that district (except those with nonprofit status) could not be exempted. Following several public hearings, on January 8, 2008, the Board of Aldermen adopted a resolution to incorporate previously excluded real property into the existing MSD.

Since its creation, MSD tax dollars provided the bulk of funding for numerous public projects; 12 blocks of major streetscape improvements, new streetlights, landscaping, street furniture, four parking lots, two mid-block pedestrian parks, two alleyways improved, design guidelines, special reports, purchase of the lot at the northwest  corner of Craven and South Front Street, personnel for litter pick-up, foot patrol and South Front Street streetscape improvements from East Front to Hancock Street that will begin in the very near future.

The commitment of property owner’s and involvement of the private sector has been vital to downtown’s success. The increase in property values within the MSD reinforces it.

MSD Property values 1979- 2012

• $8.75 million - 1979-80

• $63 million - 2002-2003

• $109,537,935 - 2009-2010

• $166,823,448 - 2010-2011

• $167,782,462 - 2011-2012

Swiss Bear coordinates the MSD meetings held quarterly at which time the City provides an up-date on funds and projects. The current tax rate is $.12.

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

Church Alley under construction

Church Alley - completed 1993

Bear Plaza under construction 1979-1980

Bear Plaza Dedication 1980

Rear of Pool Hall

James Reed Lane under construction

James Reed Lane completed 1996

Federal Alley Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

Federal Alley Interior Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

Taking to the Streets



City Manager updating board members
on South Front St. improvements

 The June Swiss Bear board meeting broke out of its usual format of meeting from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in the Chamber meeting room last Thursday. Following a brief up-date, Mike Epperson, City Manager and Mark Stephens, Director of Public Works conducted a tour of South Front Street from East Front to the Farmer’s Market discussing improvements that are underway and streetscape improvements scheduled to be completed within the year.

Parking lot at Craven and
Hotel Service Dr.

Manager discussing additional
parking in Farmer's Mkt parking lot

To address parking concerns, Public Works is putting parking signs up directing people to the parking lot at Craven and Hotel Service Drive. The tall bushes that obscured the lot have been removed and will be replaced with low smaller shrubs. The lot, developed in the late 1990’s with Municipal Service District (MSD)funds, was reserved for businesses that leased spaces. Since few spaces were actually leased, the decision was recently made to open it up for public parking with the exception of the leased spaces. Parking signage will also be put up on Craven Street to identify the parking lot adjacent to Morgan’s Tavern (the spaces leased by Morgan’s are now clearly marked with signage), on Broad Street directing people to the City lot at the corner of New and Hancock Street and at the Farmer’s Market.    

Streetscape improvements to South Front Street (100, 200, 300 block) are scheduled to begin in early 2013 with completion by late April. Improvements include new sidewalks, street lights (using the same paving materials in other up-dated blocks) and landscaping. This project is being funded with MSD tax money, an additional $.13 ad valorem tax per hundred for property owners in the 12 core block area.  The 400 block will be included if bids come in low enough…If not, the block will be improved at a later date.

City lot at corner of Craven
and South Front St

We are excited South Front Street will be improved. The streetscape improvements will tie the urban renewal area and central business district together, a long term goal, and enhance the South Front gateway to the NC History Center.

Special thanks to Mike and Mark. We all  agreed it was good to actually go out and see what will take place and we plan to do it again when the comprehensive Goody Clancy report on the greater Five Points area is finalized and approved.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

What is the MSD and what does it have to do with downtown's revitalization effort?

One of the strategies used to generate revenue to implement recommended public projects was the creation of a Municipal Service District (MSD). In the late 1970’s,  properties owners in a four-core block bounded by Craven, Broad, Hancock and South Front Street, agreed to pay an additional property tax each year to fund construction of Bear Plaza, a mid-block pedestrian park, on a vacant lot on Middle Street on the site of a department store that burned in the 1970’s. The mid-block park would allow convenient access (walkability) to the street from the new Federal Alley interior parking and service area.

The MSD tax generated $250,000 ($.50 per $100 of assessed value) annually from 1981 to 1983. When the two projects were completed, the rate was reduced to $.25. In 1985, as a means to increase revenue to fund on-going public projects, Swiss Bear and the Downtown Merchant Association solicited property owner’s support to expand the special tax district to take in the entire central business district. In June 1986, the Board of Aldermen approved the MSD expansion to encompass the area bounded by property on north of Broad Street, west side of Hancock Street to the edge of the Neuse and Trent Rivers and reduced the tax rate to $.18 per $100 of assessed value. The current rate is $.12.

Since 1980, MSD tax dollars funded numerous public projects including major streetscape improvements throughout the downtown, four parking lots, and the mid-block pedestrian park, James Reed Lane.

The creation of the MSD is just one of many strategies used to revitalize downtown and attract investment and a great example of how the property owners worked together to help make downtown New Bern a Main Street success story.

Bear Plaza - Before







Bear Plaza Today















Susan Moffat Thomas
Executive Director