Burgaw proposes $52M courthouse expansion amidst zoning considerations

The Pender County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) held its second day of retreat on March 21, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the proposed construction of a new courthouse in Burgaw. The estimated cost for the project has risen from $45 million in 2023 to between $50.5 million and $52 million due to inflation and other factors.

The proposed courthouse would feature an 81,300 square foot addition and consist of three stories, which would notably alter the historic courthouse grounds. Currently, the zoning regulations in Burgaw restrict courthouse construction to a B1 area, which is limited to the downtown region. This zoning limitation has prompted discussions about the need for potential rezoning to accommodate the new courthouse in a different location.

Stakeholders in Burgaw have been engaged in conversations regarding this issue, and there appears to be a willingness to explore options for construction outside the designated B1 area. This flexibility could open up new possibilities for the courthouse project, which is crucial for meeting the growing needs of the community.

The discussions at the retreat highlight the ongoing efforts by the BOCC to address infrastructure needs while considering the historical context of the area. The next steps will involve further negotiations with local stakeholders to determine the feasibility of rezoning and advancing the courthouse project.