About the Appearance Commission

The New Bern Appearance Commission is an eight-member advisory board that is appointed by the Board of Aldermen, with each of the six wards represented, plus two at-large members.  This commission serves as the City of New Bern’s tree advisory board and plays an important part in securing our yearly Tree City USA Growth Award.  The Appearance Commission gives information and recommendations in relation to public tree plantings and other beautification efforts.

Some of the tree planting projects the Board has been involved with include:  the median tree planting on Martin Luther King Boulevard, tree plantings on Spencer Avenue, Greater Duffyfield, Cedar Grove Cemetery, the Riverside Community, and most recently the replanting of the First Street Entrance corridor.

The Appearance Commission also administers the annual Golden Bear Awards for excellence in landscaping, appearance and beautification for both residential and non-residential categories.  The judging of the properties concludes in late June with the winning property owners formally recognized by the Board of Aldermen in July with the awards presented by the Mayor.

The New Bern Appearance Commission meets the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Administration Building at:  1620 National Avenue.  All are welcome to attend.  Messages for the Appearance Commission may  be left with Robert Boyd, by calling 252-639-3931 Ext. 8614.