Category: Opinion

Whiteville City Council Recap – Feb. 24 Meeting

Posted on by Helen B. Holden

Whiteville City Council Recap – Feb. 24 Meeting
For those who like to stay informed about what’s happening in our city, here’s a quick recap from the February 24th Whiteville City Council meeting.


The meeting opened with recognition for Pastor Daisy Brooks and Minister Alexander Brooks with Facts of Life for their continued community outreach. Their work helping operate the warming shelter and providing meals through their soup kitchen was acknowledged and appreciated by council.
The Whiteville Police Department was also recognized for earning CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation, a national standard that reflects professionalism and accountability in law enforcement. Sergeant Brianna Blanks was honored for earning her Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, and a badge pinning ceremony was also held.
Council unanimously approved the Whiteville Police Department Strategic Plan, which focuses on crime prevention, improving efficiency, strengthening community engagement, building public trust, and enhancing police services.
Council also approved the appointment of Kenneth E. Smith II to serve a three-year term on the Whiteville Planning Board and Board of Adjustment. Council member Linda Smith recused herself from that vote.
An annexation item for 133 Quail Drive was approved after certification that the petition met statutory requirements.
During council comments, it was noted that road reflectors were damaged during recent snow clearing, and the NCDOT is working to replace them on state-maintained roads. Councilman Joshua Harris also congratulated Police Chief Paul Rockenbach, who was recently named to a regional 15 Under 40 recognition list.
In city updates, Public Works reported that major repairs were completed at Lift Station #1, which handles about 75% of the city’s sewage flow, making it a critical infrastructure repair for Whiteville.
The meeting then adjourned.
Staying informed helps keep our community strong.

NCDOT Plans Roundabout for Busy Downtown Whiteville Intersection WHITEVILLE

Posted on by Helen B. Holden

Construction on a $1.8 million roundabout at one of downtown Whiteville’s busiest intersections could begin as early as late March, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The project will replace the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Madison Street (U.S. 701 Business), Lee Street, and Franklin Street. NCDOT recently awarded the contract to Fayetteville-based Highland Paving Co., which has until the end of the year to complete the work.
The intersection carries approximately 16,000 vehicles per day, making it a key downtown corridor for commuters, local residents and businesses.
Crash History Highlights Safety Opportunity
A five-year crash analysis conducted through NCDOT’s Traffic Engineering Accident Analysis System (December 2020 through November 2025) documented 16 crashes at the intersection .
The report shows:
• No fatal crashes
• Four injury crashes (25%)
• Twelve property-damage-only crashes (75%)
• Five total injuries
• An estimated $38,200 in property damage
Rear-end collisions were the most common crash type, accounting for nearly 44% of all crashes at the intersection . Most crashes occurred during daylight hours and in dry conditions, with higher concentrations between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when traffic volume and turning movements are typically heavier.
Transportation engineers note that rear-end and angle crashes are often associated with stop-and-go traffic, signal timing challenges, and driver decision conflicts — issues roundabouts are designed to reduce.
Why a Roundabout?
According to NCDOT, roundabouts improve safety by slowing vehicles to approximately 15–25 mph and eliminating the possibility of high-speed, right-angle “T-bone” collisions. Drivers yield upon entering and proceed counterclockwise around a central island, reducing conflict points compared to traditional signalized intersections.
NCDOT reports that roundabouts built across North Carolina have reduced fatal and injury crashes by 79% compared to traditional intersections.
In addition to safety improvements, the design is intended to improve traffic flow by eliminating long waits at red lights and reducing vehicle idling.
Construction and Detours
At some point during construction, the intersection will be temporarily closed. Traffic will be detoured along Lee Street, Franklin Street and Main Street. NCDOT will post closure updates in advance on DriveNC.gov, searchable under Columbus County.
NCDOT spokespersons have previously stated that the City of Whiteville will not bear any cost for the project and that the state agency will oversee construction.
Looking Ahead
While the intersection has not experienced fatal crashes in recent years, state officials say the roundabout is a proactive step aimed at improving long-term safety and traffic efficiency in downtown Whiteville.
If completed on schedule, the new roundabout could be operational before the end of the year.

Whiteville City Council Recap (Feb. 10, 2026), by Helen B. Holden

Posted on by Helen B. Holden

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. 💙🏛️