New Bern Municipal Service District Advisory Committee May 19, 2026

The City of New Bern's Municipal Service District Advisory Committee held a meeting on May 19, 2026, primarily to receive an informational presentation from Stonehaven Site and Sound regarding a proposed wireless downtown audio system. The presentation detailed the technology, installation phases, costs, and potential coverage areas for the system, which aims to provide modular, wireless sound coverage across key downtown locations such as City Hall, Bear Plaza, James Reed Lane, Front Street, and Craven Street. The system also supports emergency announcements and scheduled messages, with an estimated total project cost of approximately $85,000 to cover all phases. Committee members discussed installation logistics, warranty terms, power requirements, and potential impacts on existing business sound systems. No formal votes or contract awards were made during this meeting; the presentation was for informational purposes only, with further evaluation planned after a site visit to a similar installation in Monroe, North Carolina. The next meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2026, where further discussion and recommendations are expected.