Morganton and Drexel set resolutions for the new year

More than a year after Hurricane Helene reshaped priorities across Burke County, the City of Morganton and the Town of Drexel are heading into the new year focused on recovery, infrastructure, and attracting long-term growth.

From Catawba Meadows restoration to the boardwalk rebuild, staff at the City of Morganton have their work cut out for 2026.

Technically, the city’s new financial year starts on July 1, when the new budget goes into effect, but the first part of the year will be dedicated to ongoing projects, according to the city’s Public Information Officer Jonelle Sigmon.

No. 1: CATAWBA MEADOWS RESTORATION

Catawba Meadows Park restoration is among the city’s top priorities. With unusable softball and baseball fields that were damaged by Hurricane Helene flooding, some sections of the park have been quiet. The parks and recreation department’s maintenance buildings will also have to be replaced. The storm stripped one building down to its foundation, while another remains structurally unsound.

The two buildings will be replaced by one larger maintenance facility, which will be built with the help of a $4 million grant from FEMA. In addition to the repairs at Catawba Meadows, fields at the Catawba River Soccer Complex will also have to be repaired. The field repairs are combined in one large project, with design work underway throughout much of 2026.

The city chose McAdams as its engineering firm for the field project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2027. The project’s first few months will focus on surveying and data collection, followed by eight to nine months dedicated to final city approvals, bidding, and construction.

No. 2: BOARDWALK REPLACEMENT

Morganton’s recreation projects all help bolster the local economy, bringing people from the area and beyond the region to its businesses. The rebuild of the boardwalk connector is among the most vital to the local business community. The boardwalk, which connects the Catawba River Greenway at the River Village Shopping Center, was destroyed as a result of Hurricane Helene.

The project was out for bid until 2 p.m. Jan. 2, according to the city’s website. The goal is to have the new boardwalk in place by spring. The city received $1 million from the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ), which is expected to cover about a third of the cost of the project.

No. 3: RAW WATER PUMP STATION

The raw water pump station, which was about 80% underwater during flooding from the hurricane, is getting an upgrade to improve its resiliency. The project is currently in the design phase with Garver Engineering, and once construction is complete, the facility’s electrical components will be relocated out of the flood zone.

The station’s emergency pump will be replaced, and an elevated employee walkway will be constructed to give operators access to the top of the station during a flood event.

No. 4: OPENING BETHEL PARK

Two projects on the city’s 2025 resolutions list have not been completed yet. Bethel Park, which was originally expected to open in the fall, is undergoing finishing touches. The walking track still has to be paved, but city officials say that the park is expected to open early this year.

No. 5: NORTH GREEN STREETSCAPE

The North Green Street Streetscape project, which was planned to start in the spring, has stalled. The city is struggling to get enough bids. The project went out to bid in December, but according to City Manager Sally Sandy, the city received only one bid from a contractor. The city needs at least three to proceed, forcing the city to once again advertise for bids.

The project was originally scheduled to go out for bid a year ago but was largely postponed due to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The project includes upgrades to dated water and sewer lines, underground placement of cable and electric, installation of mast arm traffic lights, and crosswalk replacements along a two-and-a-half block stretch from the East Union Street intersection to Fleming Place.

DREXEL’S RESOLUTIONS

Over in Drexel, the town’s resolutions include several projects designed to move the town forward. Drexel’s top five goals, according to Mayor Dennis Anthony, aim to make the town more attractive to visitors and industry.

No. 1: DREXEL INDUSTRIAL SITE WORK

First on the list is finishing the Drexel industrial site work, which, according to Town Manager Bill Carroll, will be accomplished very early this year. Completing the rough grading will mark the end of the town’s construction, he said. The site will then be ready for building development.

No. 2: COMMUNITY ART INSTALLATION

Next, according to Anthony, is community member Dan Hoyle’s art project installation in the downtown park. The project, titled “A Community of Hands” honors Drexel workers and their contributions to the town. From textile workers to prominent religious leaders, each of the seven stained glass panels will represent community members from the past to present who have made an impact on Drexel.

Hoyle said the goal is to have the project installed by early spring. He added that the project is a joint effort between himself, Metawood Design, the Town of Drexel, the Burke River Trail Association, and many others.

“We continue to raise funds for the project, build the actual art pieces, discuss landscape possibilities, and create signage,” Hoyle said, adding that more than 40 individuals have made donations.

“We still want to give everyone a chance to be involved,” Hoyle said. “A donor keenly interested in the ‘A Community of Hands’ art project stepped forward several months ago and offered to match all funds (raised) by midnight, Feb. 28. Together, we can build something that will honor those who came before us and will be a beautiful addition to our downtown area.”

No. 3: CONTINUED COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECTS

Two of the town’s resolutions revolve around the R.O. Huffman Center. Anthony said the town plans to install new signage at the community center and add a splash pad to attract more people to Drexel.

The community center recently underwent a series of renovations, including an improved banquet hall and new and improved bathrooms. The project is completed, with a ribbon cutting and grand opening coming soon for the Cranford Banquet Room. Carroll said the town will release the date to the public once it’s set.

No. 4: SELECTING A NEW ALDERMAN

The Board of Aldermen will hold its next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m., in the Cranford Banquet Room. At the meeting, Carroll said he expects that one of Drexel’s most pressing resolutions will be fulfilled.

Mayor Anthony noted that filling the board’s empty alderman seat is a top priority. The spot once held by Allen Reed was vacated after he resigned in early December due to ongoing health issues. The board organized a committee of three town residents and two aldermen to review applications.

The period for accepting applicants ended on Dec. 23. Carroll said Town Clerk Kristen Powell has only received one application, and the candidate will be interviewed by the committee on Monday. Carroll noted that as manager he is not involved in the process of appointing board members, and the board ultimately decides who to appoint.