06/03/2026
PROJECT UPDATE
After careful consideration, the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners has decided not to move forward with construction of the proposed Riverwalk project at this time. This phase of the project was a continuation of the existing portion that passes through Pearson Park and continues along Po***ck Street and Atlantic Avenue. Once completed, the project would create a multi-use trail connection between the Richard Caswell Memorial, the Kinston Community Center, and Pearson Park in downtown Kinston.
The primary challenge involved securing the necessary easements for the trail route. Despite extensive efforts, the County was unable to obtain agreement from all affected property owners through donation or negotiated purchase. As the project advanced, it became evident that eminent domain, which is the legal process allowing government to acquire private property for a public purpose with compensation to the property owner, would likely be required to secure the remaining easements.
The Board of Commissioners ultimately determined it would not pursue eminent domain for this project, consistent with the Board’s longstanding position supporting private property rights and its preference to acquire property through voluntary agreements whenever possible. The County remains appreciative of the property owners who partnered with us through land donations and cooperative negotiations.
Without a viable path forward for securing the remaining easements, the County could not responsibly advance the project into construction.
While disappointing, the planning and engineering completed to date leave the project substantially shovel-ready should future conditions change. The Board continues to recognize the value of the Riverwalk project as a quality-of-life investment for residents and remains supportive of pursuing opportunities in the future should circumstances allow. The Board of Commissioners also remains committed to advancing other projects and investments intended to enhance recreation, tourism, and overall quality of life, while continuing to make Lenoir County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
