CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
I am excited to report that as I complete my 3rd year as your district representative that we have seen empowering events for some of our neighborhoods, momentum and new growth in several areas of District 1. More of our neighborhoods, big and small are getting involved in many different activities. I encourage neighborhoods to participate in the Bicentennial plans for the city. I am creating a historical booklet on African Americans who served on the Greensboro City Council for this project. District 1 is one of the largest districts in Greensboro. Our District has the most diversity in race, income, and needs. In the document, What’s in District 1, we identify our parks, schools, neighborhoods, institutions, roads and demographics. This report helps us see who we are, what we have and who we serve. Call and ask for a copy at 373-2396. I realize I have put a lot of information in this report but it reflects the growth over the 3 years of what is and can happen for District 1, please use it and share it.
I want to thank everyone for your support during my re-election bid and the spring of this year as the council attempted to deal with the Greensboro Police Department situation. I want to assure you that the city manager, Mitchell Johnson and the interim police chief, Tim Bellamy and other city staff have been hard at work trying to resolve the issues that came up with the police department last year. I believe recommendations and policies will come out of this process to help the police department and the city do a better job of curtailing these kinds of problems in the future and make the city organization more focus on who and how we serve the citizens of Greensboro.
I would like to share with you some of my comments on the Truth and Reconciliation Report my full comments will be included on this site at a later date. As we try to figure out what is meant by truth and reconciliation I refer to someone who long ago said, “I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own disgust.” Any tragedy in a community is going to touch the lives of many people whether they want it to or not. And how that community responses to a tragedy, injustice, or celebration demonstrates the people’s willingness or unwillingness to deal with the situation. No one can deny that November 3rd, 1979 happened but we can not be stuck in time either. To the recommendations made by the commission, we should thank them for their hard work and conscientious thought to this process. There are many injustices that have happened in this country that have never been atoned for by the government that had a hand in them. That does not make it right, but it is real. To the extent that 26 years after Nov. 3rd that even this discussion is being held publicly indicates that there is acknowledgement of this tragedy in Greensboro. There is indeed more that needs to be done in there area of institutional reform in terms of race, sex, economics, education, housing and employment. But we can not deny that progress since 1979 has been made. The Voting Rights Act Reauthorization was passed in the US Congress this summer. Our own State Representative Alma Adams, an African American woman, led the charge for an increase in the minimum wage in NC and it passed this summer. Greensboro has had District City Council representation for over 22 years. We have had an African American woman as Mayor Pro Tem. NCBEMO will celebrate its 25th anniversary here in Greensboro on Oct. 14th one of its early members was the first District 1 City Council representative, the Honorable Earl Jones. Guilford County had its first African American County Manager, Mr. Willie Best, who served with honor and distinction, white students, like Joey Cheek have proudly represented his alma mater, a historically black school, Dudley High School. Greensboro is a magnet for diversity of all kinds.”
I hope we will continue to actively engage our neighbors, community and our government to be involved, to question and to expect the best we can give the city and get from the city. Proactive is better that reactive. We need to reclaim, recreate, and restore “the village” for our children and families. In the next year, we can look forward to more retail and home developments in east Greensboro. There are going to be economic development opportunities on South Elm St, at the Depot, on South Elm-Eugene St. as well as in other parts of the city. I encourage you to call Ben Brown, asst. city manager for economic development and find out how the city can help you start a business or qualify for contracts at 373-2002. If you see a problem or have an interest that you feel I can help with, please call, write or come to city hall and let me know what you need. Any problem can be addressed if we know about it. We can not solve everything but we can try to do what we can. “When spider webs unite, the can tie up a lion….” Thank You.
(Bond Referendum Info Not included)
1. Economic Development
Developing a 5-year Strategic Redevelopment Plan for District 1 to give a better focus on needs for the district.
2. Equity of Services
Mailed and distributed hundreds of Greensboro city maps and other informational materials to schools, churches, visitors bureau businesses, community watch programs and individuals. Met regularly with Channel 13 management suggesting ways for station to more effectively disseminate information helpful to residents.
95 responses from Community Relations on behalf of District 1 constituents.
Ride-alongs with Planning Director, field services, waste management, fire and police.
3. Encouraging & Empowering Communities
District Community Meeting in March
Dessert with the District Rep in July
Participated in Truth and Reconciliation events
Working with Warnersvillle Community on JC Price School
Lunch with school Principals of all schools in District 1
One City One Book, attend Friends of the Library Events
Attended the Youth Leadership Program and Women’s Equality Day, sponsored by Human Relations.
Rode in Christmas and 4th of July Parades.
Spoke to youth camp at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
They contributed 7,200 man hours to needy projects in July. Attended 19 National Night Out Celebrations
Attended GetDown! Town for college students
Grand opening of Joseph’s House for Homeless Youth http://josephshouse.net/ 336-389-9880
Housing Summit 2006 contact Greensboro Housing Coalition for more information 336/691-9046
Kick off of GTA Southern Connecter to Walmart
4. Community Program
School visits; participating in programs for schools, weekly television shows History and Culture and, on parenting, cable Channel 8, Mondays at 7 pm
Black United Fund of NC helping Grassroots organizations with funding and technical assistance. 274-7806.
Participating in Church & Music Program; Design and Distribution of Cancer Survival Tee Shirts for Men and Women Attend community watch and Neighborhood Association Meetings
In the Area of Boards and Commissions
Here is the list of the persons who have agreed to give of their time and talents to serve as representatives on boards and commissions from District 1. We want to thank them and support them in their efforts. Attend a board meeting, all meetings are open to the public.
ABC Board 1 Ms. Ruth Forney
Board of Adjust 1 Mr. Hugh Holston
Bicentennial Commission Ms.Rosalee Brewer , Mr.Otis Hairston, Jr. , Ms. Jacquelyn Kpeglo
Ms.Carolyn Moore
Community Resource Board Ms. Brenda Cogdell, Tonya Clingskill
Community TV Board Ms.Ruth Revels
Guilford Co. Parks & Rec Ms. Olga Wright
Historical Preservation Com Ms. Andrena Coleman, Ms. Donna Kelly
Human Relations Commission Ms. Lightsey Kimberly, Mr. Abdel Nuriddin
Library Board 1 Mr. Anthony Dillard
Parks & Recreation Com. 1 Mr. Randy Scott , Ms. Wilson Cheryl
Planning Board 1 Mr. Daron Sellars
RUCO Board 1 Mr. Tuck Ron
Transit Authority 1 Mr. Philbert Neal, Ms. Rhoda Randolph
Water Authority 1 Ms. Ruby Jones
Com. Status of Women Ms. Dottie Alston, Ms. Shirley Foster , Ms. Marietta Gaines
Redevelopment Commission Ms. Portia Shipman
Zoning Commission Ms. Cassandra Rogers
If you are interested in serving on a Greensboro board or commission, you must reside inside the City limits of Greensboro. For information about boards and commissions, you can log onto our website at
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/CityGovernment/boardsandcommissions/serving.htm
or you may contact the City Clerk’s Office:
Juanita F. Cooper, MMC City Clerk
Ph. 336/373-2397 Fax. 336/574-4003
Email: juanita.cooper@greensboro-nc.gov
In the Area of Waste Management
Residential Recycling - Recycling is good for the environment; it cuts down on air pollution, save trees for valuable uses like lumber, and also conserves energy. Did you know that recycling is also good for the economy? There are approximately 530 recycling businesses in North Carolina, employing more than 14,000 people. A 20% increase in the recycling participation rate will create about 500 more jobs in this state. The more people participating in Greensboro’s recycling program, the more cost effective it is to provide that service. Recyclable materials should be placed inside your brown 90-gallon container. Garbage should not be placed inside the brown container. Doing so will result in the container not being serviced. Recyclable materials in the City of Greensboro’s program include #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard (NO pizza boxes), chipboard, glass food and beverage containers, empty aerosol cans, newspaper, magazines, and mixed paper. All lids must be removed and trashed. Remember the 3 R's: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Tour Greensboro’s Recycling Center. To schedule an appointment, call 373-2053
Keep District 1 Clean and Green ! Report dumping, junked and abandon vehicles; stop littering. 373-2723
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal - We now take your (electronic) E-Waste -- for free! Call 373-2196.
In the Area of Libraries
Starting at the end of September customers at Central Library and the Glenwood Branch will have free access to the internet over a wireless network. Part of an initiative sponsored by City Council Member T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, the network will provide convenient access for visitors to utilize wireless devices such as laptops and PDAs.
“Since providing free access to information is an integral component of the Library’s mission, wireless internet is a natural addition to the services we provide,” notes Director Sandy Neerman. “Many libraries throughout the country offer wireless to their customers and we are excited to bring this service to Greensboro.” Also pick up a copy of “Internet Super Heroes meet the Internet Villains” for your children at the library. Additional information about the Library can be found at www.greensborolibrary.org.
Greensboro Bicentennial Commission
The Greensboro Bicentennial Commission is hard at work planning the commemoration and celebration of the city’s 200th birthday in 2008. A key component in planning the Bicentennial is the commission’s public forum, was held Tuesday, August 29th . Another pivotal element in this phase of Bicentennial planning is the development of our logo. Local artist Harry Blair and the PR committee gathered input from the community before designing a logo incorporating the Greensboro leafy G with the phrase, Greensboro @ 200. The logo was presented to City Council on August 15th. and Zana Wall, the Bicentennial Commission’s new executive director was introduced to Council. After the forum, the commission will collate information gathered from the public to move forward in planning activities, projects and a commemoration piece that will mark the city’s 200th birthday for years to come. We’ll develop budgets for the celebration elements and continue our fundraising efforts. To get involved call (336) 373-3200 130 Summit Avenue Greensboro, N.C. 27401 Zana.Wall@greensboro-nc.gov
In the Area of Housing & Community Development
Glenwood Neighborhood Planning – HCD staff will be completing an initial data collection and analysis study of the area in August. Initial discussions have been held with key members of the Neighborhood Association, Greensboro Police Dept., representatives from the Grove Street study team, and the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress. Additional meetings will be held with neighborhood leaders in the next few months to agree on a planning process that would begin in Glenwood in the fall. Contact Jeff Sovich at 433-7264.
Design/Build Project Underway in Glenwood – Through a partnership between the City of Greensboro and UNC-Greensboro, students in an Urban Studio class in the Interior Architecture Dept. at UNC-G will be designing and building a replacement home for owners of a home on Dillard Street. The project will be completed during the fall semester. Contact Cyndi Blue at 433-7376.
Ole Asheboro Neighborhood Revitalization – New development work will begin in Ole Asheboro in 2007. Lots are still available for purchase for construction of single family homes. Contact Barbara Harris at 373-2509.
Ole Asheboro Bond Funds - These funds will primarily be used to complete neighborhood revitalization activities in the Ole Asheboro neighborhood just south of downtown. The funds will be used to acquire dilapidated properties, undertake rehabilitation of properties, upgrade public utility systems and prepare sites for new development. Contact Dan Curry at 373-2751.
South Elm Street Redevelopment Plan Completed – The Redevelopment Plan for the South Elm Street Brownfield area has been prepared and is available for review at www.southelmstreet.com. This Plan will be going through a public hearing process starting in late August. Contact Barbara Harris at 373-2509.
Need Help with Home Repairs? HCD offers assistance to homeowners and rental property owners with the rehabilitation and repair of deteriorated housing units. Low and moderate income homeowners can receive either a loan or grant depending on household income level. Rental property owners who agree to rent units to low and moderate income households can also receive a loan. Funds are also available to install facilities for the physically disabled. Contact Abby Feinstein at 373-2109.
Lead Paint Remediation Funds Still Available – If you own a housing unit built before 1978, you may have hazardous lead paint conditions present. Contact Leigh Marquess at 373-2754 to find out if you qualify for assistance from the City for the testing and remediation of this hazard.
In the Area of Law Enforcement
ML King Dr. and Randleman Rd. Initiative ongoing
Attended 19 National Night Out locations 3 were apartment complexes. I was very proud of the number of neighborhoods that participated this year.
Stop the Violence – Domestic violence is an almost silent crisis in our community. In 2005, there were 14,700 domestic call responses by the police department. There was not part of the city untouched. The cost to the city to respond to this number of calls is estimated at about a million dollars which at budget time equates to 32 officers. In the devastation it does to families, to children, to businesses in loss work time, there is no dollar amount. In 2006, we have to this date had 10,300 calls with 1 fatality associated with domestic violence. I am launching a call to the community to address this concern. The first meeting for the community is being held on September 21st at the Community Foundation. The resources available in this community for this problem need to be more focused on assisting people in crisis due to domestic violence. If you wish to get involved call the Commission on the Status of Women at 336/373-2038.
Crime Watch - In the second quarter of 2006, District 1 had an increase in burglaries and auto break-ins. Here are some tips to remember to help citizens protect their property from the police department. http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/Departments/Police/Prevention/
Burglary Prevention: Good dead bolt locks on exterior doors, good locks on windows, good exterior lighting. Keep foundation plantings cut below window level. If away for several days, make arrangement for newspaper and mail pick up. Consider interior lights on timers. Let neighbors know so they can keep watch. (get to know your neighbors!) Mark valuables with identifying number (i.e. Driver’s License Number), consider an alarm system.
Auto B&E: Don’t leave valuables in plain view. Never leaving vehicle running unattended. Park in well lit areas. Use removable face plate sound systems. Consider an alarm system. Report suspicious persons or activity in parking areas.
“What can I do to keep my child from joining a gang?”
Today many communities-maybe even yours-are facing serious problems with gangs. As a member of the community, you may feel helpless against gangs, but there are things that you can do in conjunction with the Greensboro Police Department to prevent or reduce gang problems. And as a parent there’s a lot that you can do to keep your own children from joining gangs.
Many gang members say they joined because the gang offered them support, caring and a sense of order and purpose, all the things most parents try to give their kids. The odds are that the better you meet these needs, the less need your children will see for gangs.
Here are some parenting skills that are especially important:
• Talk with and listen to your child. Spend some special time with each child.
• Put a high value on education and help your child do his or her best in school. Do everything possible to prevent dropping out.
• Help your kids identify positive role models, especially people in your community.
• Do everything possible to involve your children in supervised, positive group activities.
• Praise your children for doing well and encourage them to do their very best, to stretch their skills to the utmost.
• Know what your children are doing and with whom. Know about their friends and their friends’ families.
• Address the issues; it is important to discuss with your child gangs and the problems they create.
• Talk with other parents and share knowledge that will help spot problems sooner than you can on your own.
If you suspect gang activity in your area, contact the police immediately. Gangs often lead to crime problems, and the police should be made aware of any potential problem areas.
Sergeant P. McAdoo-Rogers
G P D Eastern Operations, Central Division Community Resource Team Desk (336) 373-2570; Fax (336) 373-2268 pam.rogers@greensboro-nc.gov
A word about animals- If you have loose dogs, cats or other critters call 641-5990 or 5991. Guilford County has had one of the highest numbers of rabies this year with 23 cases so far. Do not touch wild animals like raccoons or bats call for help immediately. Make sure your pets’ shots are up to date. For more information contact the Guilford County Health Dept. at 336/641-7777 www.co.guilford.nc.us
In the Area of Transportation
GTA is on the Move! The Greensboro Transit Authority has gotten off to a good start with the implementation of its new university and college service, HEAT. The new service, which was launched on August 8, 2006, serves seven area universities and colleges with an estimated total of 60,000 students. Students from participating institutions of higher learning, which include Bennett College for Women, Elon University School of Law, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, are able to access the HEAT service and all other GTA fixed route service on a fare free basis. Students at all other institutions have to pay the required fare.
The service is also opened to the riding public at a nominal base fare of $1.00 per trip for adults. Most capital and operating funds for this service are being provided by a federal grant, jointly administered by the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. Participating schools help subsidize the cost for their students to ride the service on a fare free basis. The service adds six (6) new routes to the GTA system, including one evening and weekend route. Also at GTA, several new enhancements are being made to the system, one of which will begin in September 2006. A South Town Connector will be implemented to offer passengers a one-seat ride without the need to transfer through the depot. It will serve the long-requested Wal-Mart Super Center and other fine stores at Elmsley Square, as well as the new Hemphill branch public library. One other change anticipated to the service effective January 2007 is the implementation of a 30-Minute all day service. This will allow the riding public to travel with greater ease and should also reduce the problem with overcrowded routes. GTA is definitely on the move! For your convenience, buses operate from 5:15am to 11:30pm on most routes. For route information call 373-CITY (2489) or visit your public libraries.
BEAT HIGH GAS PRICES – Look at alternative transportation –PART –Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation - Express Bus Service connects High Point, Winston-Salem and the PTI Airport area and now to Mount Airy and Boone. Call 336/662-9253 or www.PARTnc.org
Alamance Church Road Sidewalk Update
The Greensboro Department of Transportation has followed-up on my request to determine the feasibility of sidewalk construction on Alamance Church Road from the end of existing sidewalks to Willow Road. GDOT’s review confirmed that sidewalks in this location would improve pedestrian safety and access but also found that: Sidewalk installation behind the existing ditch is not feasible; reworking the ditches to accommodate back-of-ditch sidewalk installation appears to be infeasible due to the poor condition of the existing ditches and their placement; Sidewalk installation requires curb and gutter installation along this section of roadway.
The review recommends that sidewalk improvements be incorporated into a roadway improvement project that would incorporate this part of the roadway and potentially the rest of the corridor out to the Urban Loop. However, funding a project of this type would require inclusion in a future city transportation bond program or the creation of a project by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. An Alamance Church Roadway Improvement Project would make a good candidate for the next transportation bond program, expected to come for voter consideration in 2008.
Randleman Road Sidewalk Update City Staff recently reviewed the status of the sidewalk project for the west side of Randleman Road from Farragut Street south to Rocky Knoll Road. The goal was to find opportunities to deliver the project faster. These results were positive in that the project will be broken into three phases to get as much sidewalk on the ground as soon as possible.
Phase I: Creek Ridge Road south to the vicinity of Long Street – approximately 1700 feet. The expectation is to include this section on the Fall 2006 sidewalk construction contract.
Phase II: Farragut Street to Teague Street – approximately 1200 feet. This section crosses I-40. One pole has to be moved out of the sidewalk by Duke Power to partway down the embankment towards the highway. This requires an NCDOT right of way encroachment agreement. It is anticipated that this section would be added to the Spring 2007 sidewalk construction contract if NCDOT grants the agreement in time.
Phase III: The rest of this roadway section, including Long to Rocky Knoll approximately 2000 feet. Most of this is on the southern part of the corridor where significant right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations are required. A section between Teague and Creek Ridge is linked with the Creek Ridge Road widening project in terms of needed construction activities. The anticipated schedule for construction is for this to be included on the Fall 2008 construction contract. Sidewalks to elsewhere on Randleman Road will be considered as candidates for the next set of priority sidewalk projects to be created by the City.
Sidewalk Issues - Need a sidewalk where you want to walk? Call and let GDOT know if you see a sidewalk that needs repaired. Contact GDOT’s Planning Division at 373-2921 to inquire about your sidewalk needs. Sidewalks encourage people to get out and walk -- and makes walking safer.
Downtown Parking Study - Goals:
1. Develop a reusable computer model to evaluate the growth
and parking needs in the Central Business District (CBD)
2. Evaluate the need for ordinance and enforcement changes
related to residential and commercial growth in the CBD.
3. Develop a marketing plan for parking services and
operations.
Highlights of Study:
Off-street Public Parking Inventory- Parking Decks and Lots– 86% of off-street public inventory (3,277 spaces)
On-street Public Parking Inventory Metered and Time Restricted parking – 14% of Public Parking (1,573 spaces)
Parking Industry Standard – 2 hour parking- Greensboro – 2-hour metered or time restricted parking – 81% (19% other)
Utilization- Public Parking Decks and Lots– 55% during peak hours (12pm)
Issues: Future Developments
Presently, no parking supply/demand deficit in the CBD
Identified Congested Parking Areas Bellemeade Village – shows deficit of 514 spaces with mixed-use application of project unless developer provides parking. Developer plans to provide 2 parking deck structures plus on-street parking throughout the village area.
Duration & Turnover
25% of all parkers overstay time limits
Poor turnover of parking spaces – possible ineffective enforcement, low meter rates and higher deck rates
Elm St. Retail/Entertainment Corridor – 23% violators – possibly downtown employees or merchants
Day-time and night-time parking issues in Elm St lots due to monthly parkers
Parking Deck / Lot Recommendations
Increase free time in parking decks; increase free time from 30 minutes to 1 hour; adjust parking deck rates; change parking deck rates to $0.50 per hour; make Elm/Greene & Elm/McGee lots 100% metered parking; move monthly parkers to other facilities and convert spaces to metered spaces – will address duration and turnover issues
On-Street Parking Recommendations
Tow or boot vehicles after 3 unpaid parking violations within a 90 day period and change City Ordinance to allow towing and booting. Notify current customers with outstanding debt that this is the policy and they will fall into the immediate towing category if found in violation in the CBD. Increase parking violation fines or graduated fine structure; change City Ordinance for parking fines increase; initial fine from $5.00 to $10.00; addresses duration and turnover issues. Add two Parking Enforcement officers to CBD; hire 1 additional officer in FY 2006-2007; Hire 1 additional officer in FY 2007-2008; install parking meters on Elm Street and in other high overstay areas. Install 175 new decorative meters in Downtown; Adjust parking meter rates FY 2006-2007 – Remain .25 cents per hour FY 2007-2008 – Increase to .50 cents per hour.
System wide Recommendations
Increase Marketing Distribute Parking brochures to Greensboro Visitors & Convention Bureau, DGI, Downtown’s Green Team, Police Parking Enforcement Use Channel 13 and Update parking website Increase signage September 2006 Implementation Parking Changes
For a complete listing of all current and planned transportation projects in District 1, please visit GDOT’s
web site at www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/gdot, or call
373-GDOT (4368).
In the Area of Parks and Recreation
Barber Park – Master plan development for Barber Park begins in 2007.
New rules are being considered for little league baseball for next year’s season give your input. Contact Bob Morgan, Asst. City Manager 373-2002
The Parks and Recreation Commission needs to hear your concerns or want to improve programs in your community, attend the Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings on the second Wednesday of each month in the City Council Chambers. contact the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department's Administrative Offices, 1001 Fourth St., Greensboro, NC 27405, or call (336) 373-2574.
What We All Can Do…
CITY PROVIDES MANY METHODS TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY
The City has many ways to gather resident input so we can better serve your needs. After all, a representative government works best in an environment of openly shared information and viewpoints. Currently, the City uses several methods to communicate with residents and to get resident feedback.
Government Works: A City Academy – A 10-week government education program that prepares participants for leadership on a City board or commission. As part of the learning experience, students meet with City department directors as well as all four City managers to provide feedback on the quality of life in Greensboro. City Academy students are chosen from all five City Council districts, ages, races, backgrounds and life experiences. For more information, call 373-7980.
Resident Advisory Board – This diverse group of residents helps the City communicate its messages more clearly and effectively. Before beginning a large initiative or project, the City notifies the Resident Advisory Board and asks what form of communication works best with each demographic represented. The Board helps the City reach its target audience and hone its message. If you would like more information on the Resident Advisory Board, call Community Relations at 373-2723.
City Contact Center – By calling the Contact Center at 373-CITY (2489), residents are connected to a City Services Representative who provides quick, correct information about all City services. Representatives can answer questions about a broad range of topics, such as when the White Street Landfill is open, how to have an old appliance picked up, how to properly recycle an outdated computer, how to obtain a business license, where to pay a parking ticket, and even how to contact a City Council representative. City Service Representatives are available to take calls from 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, and in most cases can provide an immediate answer. Residents who call the number after hours can leave a message and get a prompt reply the next business day.
Boards and Commissions – Serving on a board or commission offers a unique opportunity for meaningful involvement in civic life and a rare opportunity for public service. A total of 28 boards and commissions perform a variety of functions and provide a wide range of services to the City Council. Some boards, such as autonomous and quasi-judicial boards, are independent and operate outside the direct control of the Council. Some, such as examining and administrative boards, handle licensing and other specific administrative functions. Others, such as legislative and policy-making boards, are strongly advisory in nature and provide the Council with an important source of resident information and opinion. For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office at 373-2397.
Addressing City Council – A new format adopted last year allows residents to voice their concerns. City Council meetings now start at 5:30 pm instead of 6 pm to give residents more time to address the Council. Speakers from the floor are allowed up to three minutes each for the first 30 minutes of the meeting. Council begins its regular agenda at 6 pm and ends its meetings as close to 11 pm as possible. Additional speakers from the floor and Council comments are eliminated if the meeting extends to 11 pm.
Watch Council Meetings on cable Channel 13, Tuesdays at 5:30 pm with rebroadcasts on Tuesdays at 11:30 pm; Wednesdays at 10 am and 7 pm; Saturdays at 11am; Sundays at 7 pm. For more information, call 373-CITY (2489).
Look for needed information on the City of Greensboro Website – A redesigned website – www.greensboro-nc.gov – categorizes information for residents, businesses and visitors. The site includes features that adhere to standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it accessible to those with special needs. By using new web
technology, the City has developed a site that gives residents opportunities to provide feedback online. Visit us online today at www.greensboro-nc.gov Got a question or need help? This one number will direct you to any City services you may need. (336) 373-CITY
Keep Greensboro Beautiful… Ask about Greensboro NeighborWoods call 373-4769, Adopt a - Stream - 373-2812; Adopt a Street - 373-4165; Adopt a Park - 574-3547; Adopt a Median - 373-2967; or, Adopt a Stop - 373-2182 Great community and youth projects.
Visible House Numbers is vital for quick emergency response. Know what information to give when you call 911.
Do you have an evacuation plan or an emergency preparedness plan for your family? Find out about emergency kits or plan a neighborhood disaster drill. For more information call Marilyn Braun, Coordinator(336) 373-2742 (voice) (336) 373-2557 (fax)(336) 373-4153 (TTY) or go to : http://greensboroready.com
Support or form a Community Watch Group for your block or neighborhood. Contact Ann Gregory at 373-2636 for information on organizing a Community Watch program. Do not wait until you are a victim. Form or participate in your Neighborhood Association. Contact Donna Newton at 851-2748 for assistance and for schedule of meetings. Meetings held at the Central Library unless otherwise announced.
Encourage your children/grandchildren to turn off the tube and games and read. Need parenting classes? Contact the Sankofa Heritage Foundation at (336) 854-4172.
Looking for work? Unemployed or Underemployed? Contact JobLink Career Center at (336) 373-5922 or www.guilfordjoblink.com.
For men trying to get back on your feet ask about the Chess Men contact Nick Bright at 336/373-3013.
Participate in the Political Process. Register to vote. Be informed, and then vote. Vote November 7! Polls are open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Early voting begins October 19. Need an absentee ballot? Just call Guilford County Board of Elections: 641-3836
Do your own homework on candidates and issues. Be involved in Precinct and Party organizations. Help someone with their campaign. Serve on City and County Boards and Commissions. Contact your District representative to show interest in being appointed. Be a Poll Worker, volunteer or paid. Contact the Board of Elections at (336) 641-3836.
If you have been in prison, but have completed all your DOC requirements; you can register to vote. Let this be a part of rebuilding your life. Call the Board of Elections for more details at 641-3836.
Council Member T. Dianne Bellamy-Small
P.O. Box 3136 Greensboro, NC 27402
Voice Mail (336) 373-2286
(336) 373-2396 Fax: (336) 574-4003
3211 Delmonte Drive Greensboro, NC 27406
This newsletter was produced for your information by your Greensboro City Council District 1 Representative for the expressed purpose of imforming the citizens in District 1. Copies may be made.
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