City Council met in regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at City Hall (929 N. Front Street) in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mayor Saffo presided; all councilmembers were present. The 3‑hour meeting (adjourned at 9:35 p.m.) included a proclamation, consent agenda, a walk‑on letter regarding the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, extensive public comment on the Living Hope Day Shelter, two public hearings, and approval of seven ordinances/resolutions. All votes were unanimous.
Council waived rules to consider a letter to the federal delegation requesting an updated navigational‑needs assessment and additional federal assistance for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. Mayor Saffo reported that New Hanover County had sent a similar letter and Leland Town Council was expected to do so. The letter asks the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate 135‑foot clearance determinations using updated data, and to support cost‑sharing because this would be the first existing road converted to a toll facility in North Carolina. Council voted unanimously to approve the letter.
Living Hope Day Shelter (19 South 10th Street) – Nine speakers opposed the proposed low‑/no‑barrier day shelter at this location, citing safety concerns due to proximity to four schools (2,700 students within 500 yards), lack of operational plans, and inconsistency with the City’s own shelter strategy (which stated such facilities should not be near schools). Speakers included residents Erica Raetchi, Mary Pierce, Melissa Kowalski, Jason Shew, Patrick Sheehan, Carrie Cruz, Michael Camps (representing School of Wonder), and New Hanover County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Barnes. Dr. Barnes stated he balanced compassion for the homeless with the school district’s responsibility for student safety. City Manager Becky Hawke clarified that Living Hope is pursuing the shelter as a by‑right use (classified as a “community center” under current zoning) and that the City is not involved, funding, or planning this shelter; staff are working on code amendments to better define day shelters. Objections would have to be appealed to the Board of Adjustment or Superior Court.
Bus Stop Benches – Joel Barrio and Ty L (Wilmington Democratic Socialists of America) urged council to adopt community‑built bench programs modeled after Durham’s “On the Bench” and Raleigh’s tactical‑urbanism guide, instead of WAVE’s proposed “Better Bus Stops” program that requires residents to donate $5,000–$20,000 per bench. They noted WAVE’s board would vote that week on the proposal and asked council to instruct WAVE to work with the community on lower‑cost alternatives.
FY26 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) – Rachel Schuler, Community Building Director, presented highlights: seven loans closed through HOP/Owner‑Occupied Rehab, over ten homes supported through the Healthy Homes Program, and major projects (Avenue Flats – 184 units; Starway Village – 278 units; Sterling Reserve – 56 senior units). $4.8 million in general funds were invested in housing programs; $134,188 in CDBG funds supported homeless services assisting more than 1,700 individuals. Federal dollars leveraged nearly $14 million with partner funds. Councilmember Lyle questioned whether unit counts were duplicated; Schuler confirmed unique numbers. Public comment period runs through September 25, 2026. No action required.
Ordinance for 501 Swann Street – Unfit Dwelling – Joe Garnett, Community Standards Manager, presented a case timeline from 2021. The dwelling (built 1920) was found dilapidated (repair cost >150% of building value). Heir Norma Jean Williams requested additional time (six months to a year) due to a $10,793 water bill and uncooperative heirs. Neighbor Marshall Pickett reported a homeless man with a violent history living under the carport. Council directed staff to secure the property with temporary fencing and no‑trespassing orders. The ordinance was approved unanimously 4‑0; second reading waived.
Thalian Hall Renovations (R3A / O3B) – Shane Fernando, CEO of Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, reported that the capital campaign reached $11 million toward a $25 million goal, including a $2 million match from New Hanover County Endowment met 16 months early. The expansion will double usable space and capacity (projected attendance from 100,000 to 200,000 annually). Deputy City Manager Mary Vigue detailed the City’s $2.95 million portion: fire suppression (∼60% of building lacks sprinklers – $1.9 million), Princess Street portico structural repairs ($700,000), elevator replacement (36‑years‑old – $450,000), and Third Street portico improvements. Funding consists of $550,000 already budgeted, interest earnings, and debt financing. Council approved the resolution (7‑0) and ordinance (7‑0; second reading waived).
Kerr Avenue Trail Project (R5A / O5B) – Senior Project Engineer Kim Gordon presented a 0.7‑mile multi‑use path from UNCW to commercial areas north of Market Street. The project received a $2,681,347 NCDOT Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG‑DA), requiring a 20% local match ($670,337 already appropriated). Eight pedestrian/cyclist accidents occurred since 2019 along the route. Utility relocation costs are high (∼$30,000–$40,000 per pole). Construction is targeted to begin August 2027. Council approved the resolution (7‑0) and ordinance (7‑0; second reading waived).
Vehicle Mitigation Barriers (O6A / R6B) – Deputy City Manager Thom Moton explained the purchase of 560 advanced‑security barriers (53 lbs each, rapid deployment) and seven transport trailers for $1,635,684. The barriers will replace trash trucks for downtown events, reducing risk and improving aesthetics. Funding sources: Municipal Services District (one trailer), Parking Fund, and General Fund. Councilmember Santaguida confirmed the barriers are intended as first‑choice traffic control. Council approved the ordinance (7‑0; second reading waived) and the resolution (7‑0).
Additional Announcements – Councilmember Santaguida congratulated David Joyner and Cannon Kennedy (MLK Center) on their 40 Under 40 recognition. Mayor Saffo celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Municipal Golf Course (ranked #10 public course in America) and the United Way Jerry Day (raised over $50,000).
With everything, I know. I think you got some sleep, though. Oh, up the page. Yeah. It always feels that way, even though it's been going on for years. But it always feels like whenever it comes up, it's like, okay. You're gonna lose the money if you make any bad comments. Hello? How are you? Good. So soon. So soon. Call the meeting order, the William to City Council. Like to welcome all those who are here, all those who are watching us at home. Thank you for taking an interest. In your government, at this time I'd like to introduce Reverend Jody Greenwood, who's the pastor of the church of the servant for the invocation and ask if everyone was stand remaining standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. All holy one, we give you thanks for always being in the midst of us. We also give you thanks for these elected leaders of the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, who are gathered together this evening to consider matters and make decisions on behalf of all who live, work and travel here. Help them alongside all our residents to work together to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, and help create a place where peace and equity may prevail. Finally, in part to these entrusted public servants, the spirit of wisdom, kindness, and justice that they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people. Amen. We have a presentation this evening. I'd like to recognize Marilyn Cantarella, who is the chair person of the Sister City Commission proclamation naming September the 22nd, 2026 as Sister Cities International Day. We have it right there. Okay. Sure, everybody come on down. So we got Sister Cities. You're gonna read it, right? City Wilmington, North Carolina Proclamation reads, whereas in 2026, Sister Cities International is celebrating 70 years of promoting global citizenship and civic diplomacy, fostering cooperation among cities and communities worldwide and building international bridges that support peace. And whereas founded by President Dewite D. Eisenhower as a presidential initiative on September the 11th, 1956, the organization aims to encourage community-led global relationships, fostering cultural understanding, and reducing conflicts. And whereas Sister Cities International currently includes 400 U.S. cities, counties, and states with partnerships in over 1800 communities across a hundred and forty countries on six continents. And whereas Wilmington, North Carolina proudly participates in the global network through Sister City Partnerships in Deng Dong, China, Doncaster, England, Bridgetown Barbados, and Say Pedro, Belize. And whereas numerous city, county, and state governments engage in these international relationships, VIA, the Sister Cities International, fostering educational, economic, cultural, municipal, and humanitarian exchanges that benefit all communities. And whereas Sister Cities International Day encourages Americans and global citizens to celebrate community connections, highlighting our collective potential to promote peace, progress, and prosperity for a better world. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and council of Wilmington do hereby proclaim September the 22nd, 2026 as Sister Cities International Day in the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, encourage all citizens to celebrate this beautiful event. So on behalf of the City of Wilmington, uh Maryland, I want to thank you because you have been serving in this capacity for many, many years, and you've bridged a lot of uh international travel uh around the world with a lot of people to bring them to Wilmington and you go to them. So we say thank you very much to you and the entire committee. So I'm gonna turn it over to you. Well, thank you to Mayor and Council for your continued support of the mission of Sister Cities writ large, because it really is the concept of we're one world. And I think you believe that, you all do. So I'm happy to serve as chair of this commission and um and hope that future chairs will continue to recognize the honor and the privilege of doing it. So we are celebrating our 40th anniversary in Wilmington, Sister Cities International turned 70. We're turning 40 this month, and we're celebrating on Monday, and in honor of that, we worked with the community college to develop a short film, and tonight we're gonna show you just a little clip. Uh we were gonna do a trailer, but then we thought you might not come on Monday. So we were being very sly. Um, but anyway, um, I think you'll be very surprised to see at the work Wilmington has accomplished um in 40 years. And I hope it continues, and I hope you all will continue to support it from the bottom of your hearts.