Laurinburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Laurinburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Speed bumps request on Midland Way
Residents asked for speed bumps; staff and the city attorney say liability rules don't support them in 35 mph zones, and lowering speed limits citywide isn't on the table. Expect more signage and police patrols instead.
Bridge Creek demolition
The old Bridge Creek structure will be torn down by Lucas Construction for $93,500, covered entirely by state ARPA funds.
Potential electric rate impacts from NCEMPA wholesale rate change
An independent audit of 67,000-plus bills found Laurinburg's electric billing 99.96% accurate, with about $132,000 in small recoverable revenue. Residents pay 23% less than the national average, and reliability beat the state average too.
Zoning appeals consolidated under City Council
The rarely-used Board of Adjustment is gone; the council itself now hears variances and zoning appeals, wearing a second quasi-judicial hat. An ETJ member appointed by county commissioners will sit with them.
Peden Street duplex rezoning
Two residential lots on Peden Street can now host duplexes after the rezone to Office/Institutional. A neighbor objected at the planning board stage, noting a duplex already sits next door (grandfathered).
Downtown revitalization and Brownfields plan
Terracon's Main Street Corridor Reuse Plan lays out five years of goals: cut storefront vacancies from 43% to 25%, add downtown housing and restaurants, and build a connector plaza from McDuffie Square to Main Street. Council will comment before the plan is finalized.
Disposal of vacant city-owned parcels
The city has accumulated about 149 tiny leftover parcels through tax foreclosures — some .01 acres. Council wants most of them sold cheaply to neighbors via sealed bid, starting with a formal resolution in November.