Tuesday’s Whiteville City Council meeting (Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026) covered a lot — and I want to share a simple recap for anyone who couldn’t be there. Transparency matters, and our neighbors deserve to know what’s happening in our city. 

✅ Key Items Tonight

1) Minutes

Council considered approval of the January 27, 2026 meeting minutes (regular session and closed session). 

2) Recognitions & Appreciation

We recognized public service and accomplishments, including:
• A presentation recognizing FAA Remote Pilot Certificates earned by City personnel. 
• A formal resolution recognizing Darren L. Currie for his years of service to the City of Whiteville. 

3) Public Hearing + Zoning: 233 Quail Drive (Annexation + Rezoning)

A major portion of tonight’s agenda involved 233 Quail Drive — approximately 130.97 acres — with a request to rezone from RA-20 to a mix of:
• R-6 Residential, and
• B-3 Highway Serving Business (commercial along major roadways). 

This included:
• The public hearing
• A resolution to instruct the City Clerk to begin the process to certify the annexation
• A council discussion/decision on the rezoning and plan consistency statement 

4) City Social Media Presentation

There was also a presentation on improving how the City communicates online and keeping residents better informed. 

5) Audit Response + Tax Liens

Council reviewed an audit response letter connected to the City’s financial audit process. 
We also addressed the required advertisement of tax liens for unpaid property taxes, per state law. 

⸻

❤️ Closing Thoughts from me!

I want to be clear: I support growth and development. Whiteville needs progress, opportunity, and forward movement.

But I also believe growth has to be responsible — and for me, the biggest issue isn’t whether a project becomes business or housing… the real issue is what it does to water flow, runoff, and absorption.

This area’s runoff will head toward White Marsh. And if White Marsh fills up, Soules Swamp won’t be able to move water the way it’s supposed to — and we already know what happens then.

That’s how downtown ends up flooded again. Not because people don’t care — but because we didn’t plan for the water.

So my hope is this: as Whiteville grows, we insist on stormwater planning that matches the scale of development — retention, drainage solutions, and designs that don’t push water downstream and call it somebody else’s problem.

And I’ll say this with love: our community has to be more present at City Council meetings. Not just when we’re upset — but when plans are being made. We need neighbors showing up with opinions, questions, and even solutions… because that’s how we help guide our elected officials and protect the heart of our city.

Downtown is worth protecting. Our homes are worth protecting. And smart growth is possible — but only if we stay engaged. 💙🏛️