WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Wilmington City Council will meet Tuesday, Jan. 6, to consider several resolutions and receive updates on city projects, including homeless shelter strategy and multiple transportation initiatives.
Independence Boulevard Extension
The council will vote on a resolution opposing the proposed extension of Independence Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) released a draft environmental impact statement in September that identifies two elevated design options for the project.
The resolution cites concerns about adverse impacts on community cohesion, residential property values and resident displacement. The draft statement acknowledges the project would have disproportionate impacts on populations protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
City staff recommends approval of the resolution, which requests the project be removed from adopted plans and funding be redirected to other city projects. The city will continue to seek alternatives to address congestion on north-south corridors, such as Kerr Avenue or College Road.
Homeless shelter strategy
City and county officials will present an update on their strategy to address unsheltered homelessness. The strategy was developed in 2024 with input from individuals experiencing homelessness, service providers and community partners…