recreation center, 35,000 square feet, opening at the beginning of 2025,” Hughes mentions. This new center will provide more programming and events and serve as an American Red Cross shelter during evacuations. THE FUTURE I-42 AND TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS New Bern’s strategic location and infrastructure projects are set to boost its connectivity and economic prospects. A notable project is the construction of the I-42, a future interstate connecting Raleigh to the port city of Morehead City. Odham emphasizes the importance of this development: “From a business economic development standpoint, that’s going to be tremendous.” The I-42 will enhance transportation efficiency, making New Bern an even more attractive location for businesses and residents. New Bern’s regional airport is undergoing a $29 million renovation project. Hughes highlights the significance of these upgrades: “Our regional airport is finishing a renovation project, which includes a terminal expansion and interior transformations. This has made us more attractive to other airlines, and we’ve recently signed a new airline partner, Breeze Airways, in addition to our long-standing partner, American Airlines.” GROWING DEMAND FOR HOUSING New Bern has experienced a surge in housing demand in recent years. Odham highlights this trend: “Local and national builders have constructed hundreds of homes and hundreds more are under contract and construction.The demand is a clear indicator of New Bern’s growing appeal as a desirable place to live.”The influx of new residents has spurred a wave of development that is reshaping the residential landscape of the city. Colleen Roberts elaborates, “We have plans for a thousand new homes in our area, both now and in the future.This is significant and spans a wide range of pricing, which is very beneficial. Our aim is to accommodate various demographics, from young families looking for starter homes to retirees seeking 52 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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