OurTown

NEWSLETTER
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | April 27-May 1, 2026
Calling all princes and princesses…
Families are invited to enjoy a charming morning outdoors
at the upcoming Tea Party in the Park, a free, drop -in event
designed especially for young children and their caregivers.
This casual gathering offers a relaxed and playful
atmosphere perfect for little ones to explore, play, and
enjoy time together.
The event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hankins Park. Open to children
from birth to age seven, attendees are welcome to stop by
at any time during the event.
Guests can look forward to a variety of fun activities
including face painting, inflatables, games, and more, along
with light refreshments such as tea, juice, cookies, and ice
cream.
No registration or fee is required—just bring your little ones
and enjoy a sweet morning in the park! For questions, call
910-300-6401 or email recreation@burgawnc.gov.
We still have spots available
for weeks 3 and 4, but
registration will be closing
soon, so be sure to sign your
kids up if you haven’t already.
Camp is now open to children
ages 6 -13 (originally
advertised as 7-12).
Give your child a summer
they’ll never forget! Our
Parks, Recreation & Tourism
staff is excited for this year ’s
camp, packed with exciting
activities, new friendships,
outdoor adventures, games,
and creative fun designed to
keep kids active, engaged,
and smiling all day long.
Last call for
Summer Camp!
For camp details and to
register, visit:
burgawnc.gov/camp
Street Dance ~ Friday, May 1st at 6 PM
Handmade, Homemade, & Homegrown Vendors
Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM-4 PM
Downtown Burgaw | Rain or shine!
The Town of Burgaw is a proud sponsor of the
Pender Spring Fest
It’s almost tea time!

Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
NOTI CE OF SPECI AL MEETI NG
May 4 | 9:00 AM
Town Council Special Meeting: Work Session
Burgaw Town Center
May 7 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Regular
Meeting
Burgaw Visitor Center
May 7 | 5:00 PM
National Day of Prayer
Courthouse Square
*Note time change
May 9 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Tea Party in the Park
Free for ages 0-7
Hankins Park
May 12 | 4:30 PM
Town Council Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
May 16 | 7:00 PM
Adult Prom
Advance tickets required
Historic Train Depot
May 19 | 8:30 AM
Coffee & Conversation
Burgaw Town Center
May 20 | 12:00 PM
Senior Lunch & Learn
Burgaw Town Center
May 21 | 5:30 PM
Planning Board Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
May 21 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Summer on the S quare Concert
Courthouse Square
May 25
Town offices closed in observance of
Memorial Day
All are welcome to join us as we come together
to pray over our nation and community.
NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURES
The following street closures, requested by the Pender Spring
Fest Committee, have been approved by the Burgaw Town
Council. To ensure public safety and assist with traffic flow
throughout the event, law enforcement personnel will be present
in and around the designated closure areas.
• Wright Street from Courthouse Avenue to Fremont Street
will be closed from 3:00 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026 until
4:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
• Wright Street from Wilmington Street to Fremont Street will
be closed from 5:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 2,
2026.
• Fremont Street from Wright Street to Walker Street will be
closed from 5:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 2,
2026.
Notice is hereby given that the Burgaw Town Council will hold a
Special Meeting (Work Session) on Monday, May 4, 2026, at
9:00 AM, at the Burgaw Town Center, located at 108 E.
Wilmington Street, Burgaw, North Carolina. This meeting shall be
open to the public, and all interested parties are encouraged to
attend.
The purpose of this meeting is to conduct a work session to allow
Council Members to engage in general discussion and
informational review. Agenda items include: Review and
discussion of quasi -judicial hearing procedures applicable to
Council Members, and budget related discussion, if needed.

Our Town | Page 3
The Town of Burgaw Planning Department would like to remind and inform the public about what “quasi-judicial”
means and how it applies to local decision -making. A quasi-judicial hearing is similar to a court proceeding, where the
Town Council must act impartially, consider sworn evidence and testimony, and apply existing laws to the specific case
at hand. These decisions cannot be based on opinions or public pressure, but instead must be grounded in facts
presented during the hearing. In Burgaw, the most common type of quasi -judicial hearing involves Conditional Use
Permits, where specific property uses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet established standards.
What does “Quasi-Judicial” mean?
A closer look into the world of Planning & Zoning
Defined by NC
General Statute
Under NC GS 160D -102(28), a
Special Use Permit (formally
referred to as Conditional Use
Permit) is defined as:
A permit issued to authorize
development or land uses in a
particular zoning district upon
presentation of competent,
material, and substantial
evidence establishing compliance
with one or more general
standards requiring that
judgment and discretion be
exercised as well as compliance
with specific standards.
In simple terms
Let’s break it down
A Conditional Use Permit
allows a use that is not
automatically permitted by
right, but may be approved if
the applicant demonstrates —
through a quasi -judicial
process—that it meets
established standards in the
ordinance.

Our Town | Page 4
The following item will be heard for
consideration at the Burgaw Town Council
Meeting on May 12, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM
(or thereabout ) at the Burgaw Town Center,
108 E. Wilmington Street, Burgaw. All
interested parties are invited to attend. Written
and oral comments welcome.
Agenda Item 1: Consideration of a preliminary
plat for a major subdivision (Quasi -Judicial) on
an existing R -12, residential district for a 75 -lot
single-family detached residential development
located south of Henry Brown Road (SR 1343)
and north of NC HWY 53. The property can be
further identified by parcel identification
numbers: 3219 -52-6844-0000 and 3219 -63-
4200-0000. Assigned Staff: Ron Meredith,
rmeredith@burgawnc.gov, 910.663.3451
Coffee &
Whether you ’re looking to stay informed, connect
with others in the community, or simply enjoy a cup
of coffee and great conversation, all are welcome to
attend. This casual morning gathering offers an
opportunity for town staff, community partners, and
residents to come together to share updates,
exchange ideas, and discuss upcoming events and
projects happening throughout the community. Big
thanks to Brown Dog Coffee for generously providing
coffee for the event.
Connecting neighbors. Sharing ideas.
Building community.
May 19th at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center
Conversation
N O T I C E O F P U B L I C H E A R I N G

Our Town | Page 5
More Than a Town: How Burgaw Serves Its
Community and Beyond
Mayor Dawson’s Latest Blog on the Town Website
In the Town of Burgaw, we take pride in being more than just a place on the map —we are a community that
cares deeply about the people we serve, both within our town limits and throughout the surrounding areas
of Pender County.
The Town of Burgaw provides a range of municipal services designed to support the health, safety, and
overall quality of life for those within our incorporated boundaries. Like all municipalities, our jurisdiction is
defined by our town limits, and services such as water, public safety, and infrastructure are delivered
accordingly.
For example, Burgaw ’s municipal water system serves customers who are connected to our infrastructure.
These services are available to residents and businesses within town limits, as well as to some properties
outside the town limits that have established connections to our system by annexation or such. This reflects
our commitment to being a reliable resource not only for our residents but also for our neighbors.
At the same time, properties located outside of Burgaw ’s municipal boundaries fall under the jurisdiction of
Pender County. Residents in these areas typically rely on county-provided services or private systems, such as
wells for water and septic systems for wastewater. This structure ensures that services are delivered
efficiently and responsibly by the appropriate governing body.
But while boundaries help define how services are provided, they do not define our sense of community.
Burgaw proudly serves as the county seat and a small hub for the county —a place where people from across
Pender County and beyond come together to experience small -town charm and big -hearted hospitality.
Whether it’s enjoying local restaurants, exploring unique shops, or attending community events and festivals
on our historic courthouse square, Burgaw offers something for everyone.
From seasonal celebrations to local dining and retail, our town plays an important role in supporting the
broader community’s lifestyle and economy. We welcome visitors, neighbors, and friends from all corners of
the county—and we are proud to be a place where connections are made and memories are created.
Understanding the distinctions between town and county services helps ensure clarity, but it also highlights
something even more important: the spirit of partnership. The Town of Burgaw and Pender County work
hand in hand to serve our shared community, planning thoughtfully and collaborating to meet both current
and future needs.
At the end of the day, Burgaw is more than a jurisdiction —it’s a destination, a gathering place, and a
community that truly cares.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Mayor Dawson

Our Town | Page 6
Burgaw Parks, Recreation & Tourism Activities and Events
Shake off the winter blues and enjoy a night of
music, dancing, and springtime fun at Burgaw’s
Adult Spring Prom on Saturday, May 16, 2026,
at 7:00 PM at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot.
This 21+ event will feature music by Acclaimed
DJ, hors d ’oeuvres by Diamond Catering, and
beverages from Burgaw Brewing. Tickets are
$30 per person and include three drink tickets,
refreshments, and full access to the evening ’s
entertainment.
Make plans to dress up, grab your friends, and
enjoy a lively night in downtown Burgaw.
Register online at burgawnc.gov/prom.
Adult Prom is May 16th
Tourism Development Authority
Please visit the town website at burgawnc.gov
for more information and to download an
application. Applications may also be picked up
at Town Hall, 109 N. Walker Street. Completed
applications must be submitted to the Town
Clerk at 109 N. Walker Street, Burgaw.
NOW ACCEPTING
APPLICATIONS
We’re excited to introduce the artist behind the upcoming
mural at Hankins Park—Natalie Robinson!
Based in Greensboro, Natalie is a traveling muralist known for
creating vibrant, inspiring public art across the country. Her
work has been commissioned by major brands and featured
in cities across the U.S. and internationally.
You may have already seen some of her work close by in
Carolina Beach (pictured).
We look forward to seeing her vision come to life here in
Burgaw.
Music, Dancing & Spring Vibes!
As a reminder, the Town of Burgaw Parks, Recreation &
Tourism Department proudly hosts this monthly Lunch & Learn
series for seniors, providing opportunities to stay informed,
engaged, and connected. Be sure to stay on the lookout for
upcoming sessions and topics throughout the year!
Registration is now open for
May’s Senior Lunch & Learn
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department is pleased to
announce that registration is now open for the May Lunch
& Learn program —an opportunity for local seniors to
enjoy a free meal while connecting with valuable
community resources.
This month ’s session will feature a presentation by
members of the Civic Credit Union team, offering helpful
insights and information in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Attendees will enjoy a complimentary catered lunch while
learning from knowledgeable speakers right here in the
community.
The program will take place on May 20th at 12:00 PM at
the Burgaw Town Center. Participation is open to residents
ages 55 and older, with space limited to 40 participants.
Once capacity is reached, a waitlist will be available.
Those interested are encouraged to register early by
visiting burgawnc.gov/register. For assistance with
registration or questions, please contact the Burgaw Parks,
Recreation & Tourism Department at 910 -300-6401 or
email recreation@burgawnc.gov.

Our Town | Page 7
Burgaw Parks, Recreation & Tourism Activities and Events

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Council Members
Bill George
William Rivenbark
Michael Pearsall
Myra McDuffie
Town Manager
James H. Gantt
Town Clerk
Kristin J. Wells
Town Attorney
Norwood P. Blanchard, III
Town Hall
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-2151
mail@burgawnc.gov
www.burgawnc.gov
Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday
PUBLIC WORKS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
NUMBER
PHONE # 910-470-0457
This phone is only answered after
hours, between 4:30 PM - 7:30 AM,
and is for water and sewer
emergencies only . Unless Public
Works has been given prior notice
from Town Hall, Public Works
cannot turn your water on due to
non-payment shut off.
Utilities
663-3445
Parks & Town Events
300-6401
Human Resources
663-3444
Permitting & Inspections
663-3452
Public Works Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Connect with us!
Town Council Meetings
Second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM
Public Forum/Public Hearings at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Planning Board Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Tourism Development Authority Meetings
First Thursday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Meetings
Second Monday of February, May, August,
November at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Beautification Committee Meetings
First Friday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
CURRENT MEETI NG
SCHED ULE
All meetings listed above are open to
the public; oral and written
comments always welcome.
Meeting agendas can be found on the
town’s website at BurgawNC.gov.
Notices for cancelations and special
called meetings will be posted on the
town’s website and weekly
newsletter when necessary.
For questions or assistance, please
contact the Town Clerk at 910-663-
3441 or kwells@burgawnc.gov.