| Did You Know? |
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The Greensboro City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday, January 27, beginning at 5 pm in the Council Chamber of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro. The purpose of the meeting is to consider a resolution in support of Lindbrook Development Services' request for an economic development incentive grant and property conveyance on S. Elm Street.
Are you an active senior with a competitive spirit? Register for the Greater Greensboro Senior Games and SilverArts Competition. The event, which will be held in April and May, gives area athletes and artists, ages 55 and better, an opportunity to showcase their talents in a variety of events including swimming, dance and jewelry making. Registration runs from February 1- March 18. Sign-up at the Smith Senior Center, 2401 Fairview St. or call 375-2237 for more information.
Interested in starting your own business? Join fellow entrepreneurs for a lesson in how to write a business plan on Tuesday, January 27, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Central Library, 219 N. Church St. You'll learn the major parts of a business plan and how to make an effective document for securing a loan. Call 373-2471 for more information.
In honor of Black History Month, the Greensboro Historical Museum will present "The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers with Ernest Hooker," on Saturday, February 7, at 2 pm. The event will feature inspirational stories of legendary African-American soldiers. It will be held at the Historical Museum, 130 Summit Ave. Admission is $2. For more information call 373-2043. |
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| City Council Action Wrap-Up |
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Right to protest petition could be reinstated.
Greensboro residents' exemption from the right to file protest petitions over rezoning issues has caused much debate in our community. At its meeting on Wednesday, January 21, City Council discussed the issue in depth and agreed to consider adding that issue to the legislative agenda.
The protest petition provides that five percent of property owners in an area can protest a rezoning on nearby property. When that occurs, a supermajority of Council must vote in favor of the rezoning if it is to occur. Greensboro was exempted from the law in 1971.
The protest petition, which is granted under state law, says if five percent of property owners in an area sign a rezoning petition, a supermajority of Council must say yes to approve it. Greensboro was exempted from the law in 1971.
To get the ball rolling on restoring the petition, Council requested that the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress and real estate industry representatives develop a compromise version of the petition for consideration in February. If Council approves that version, it will be sent to the state legislature as part of the City's legislative agenda.
At its meeting, Council also:
- Voted to delay a decision on a proposed five-story, $3.6 million building at 324 S. Elm St. until its February 3 meeting. The project, which is proposed by LindBrook Development Services, met strong opposition from other downtown businesses because the developer wants to lease part of a City parking lot for outdoor dining. Current business owners say they can't afford to lose any parking. Council will hold a special meeting on the issue on Tuesday, January 27, at 5 pm (see "Did You Know" on right for more details).
- Voted to continue a rezoning request for a new self-storage facility on Fleming Road. Residents in that area oppose the request because it would place the facility in the middle of a single-family home neighborhood. Council directed the developer to meet with residents to resolve issues before a decision is made on the matter.
To view the entire meeting or past meetings, visit City Council's video archive page. |
| Greensboro's Finest Play Important Role in Obama's Inauguration |
GPD served as security during historic event.
While we watched with eager anticipation as history was made with the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American president of our nation on January 20, 50 of Greensboro's finest were experiencing it up close and personal.
The Greensboro Police Department was one of only a few police departments across the country chosen to provide security assistance during the Presidential Inauguration. Even though it was a history-making moment, GPD didn't get distracted. "I didn't think about the historic significance because I was doing my job," said Corporal Steve Evans. "But later it hit me. I was actually there."
GPD was charged with providing security along the parade route and being on the lookout for any dangerous situations. It was a big job, but the officers were glad to be a part of it. "It was a great experience," said Officer Trent Walker. "We really represented the city. I think Greensboro residents would be proud."
This marked the second time that GPD participated in a presidential inauguration. "To be chosen twice for such an honor really speaks volumes about the caliber of officers we have on our force," said GPD Chief Tim Bellamy.
All expenses for this trip were paid for by the Inaugural Committee. |
| The Big Freeze |
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The winter storm that hit our area Monday night, January 19, into Tuesday morning, January 20, left our city looking like a winter wonderland. The Center City Park water fountain (above) was frozen solid during the big freeze. |
| New Loading Zone Ordinance in Effect |
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Law establishes two new loading zones.
Starting Monday, January 26, the Greensboro Police Department will begin enforcing a new loading zone ordinance. The ordinance, which was revised by the Greensboro City Council in November, names two new loading zones:
- a 60-minute zone for commercial trucks weighing 15,000 pounds or more, and
- a 30-minute zone for vehicles that are loading and unloading
The ordinance was designed to provide parking for large commercial delivery trucks to prevent them from parking in the middle of the streets, causing safety and traffic hazards. Violators will have their vehicles ticketed or towed at their expense. |
| See Graffiti? Report it to 373-CITY |
Do your part to keep Greensboro beautiful.
The City of Greensboro is streamlining its approach to eliminating graffiti in an effort to remove it quickly and wants you to help. Don't worry, the City's not asking you to pull out your gloves and paint remover. It's asking you to help by making a simple phone call.
Graffiti on public and private property without permission is illegal. If you see graffiti, even gang graffiti, report it to the City's Contact Center at 373-CITY (2489). The only time graffiti should be reported to the Greensboro Police Department is if it is an act in progress.
The City is asking the public to get involved in cleaning up graffiti because the presence of it in the community sends the message that nobody cares. It can attract other forms of crime and street delinquency, drain tax dollars for clean up and decrease property value.
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