Public Meetings - Greenville, North Carolina

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on October 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Chair John Collins presided. The invocation was given by Thomas Remington. The commission approved the agenda and the minutes of the September 15, 2026 meeting. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the agenda as presented. - The minutes from the September 15, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Regarding Rezoning Request (ELKCO, LLC): - Steve Spruell, representing the property owner, spoke in favor of the request, noting it aligns with the land use plan and has staff support. No opposition was voiced. Regarding Preliminary Plat (Westpointe Village Section 11 Phase 2): - Audrey Lynnshine, a resident of Candlewick Estates who has lived in the area for 53 years, expressed concerns about drainage and flooding in the surrounding area. She requested information about the plat location and was directed to the agenda packet. - Alicia Franco, a resident of Westgate, asked about the entrance location for the new development, whether the area designated for a park would be affected, and the square footage and price of the homes. Commission members explained that the entrance is existing (off Stantonsburg Road) and that the park parcel to the south is not affected; the plat is an administrative review and the board cannot regulate home prices or sizes. Regarding Text Amendment: - No public comments were made. Discussion Items 1. Rezoning Request – ELKCO, LLC (0.1586 acres from CDF to CD): Staff presented the request for a property on Dickinson Avenue adjacent to Jack Brown's Burgers. The existing building nearly covers the parcel. The CD zone has no setbacks, parking, or vegetation requirements, which is appropriate for the site. The request is consistent with the Horizons Plan's Urban Edge designation. Staff recommended approval. The board had no questions and voted unanimously to recommend approval. 2. Preliminary Plat – Westpointe Village, Section 11, Phase 2 (34 single-family lots on 7.358 acres): Staff presented the updated preliminary plat for a previously approved development. The plat was re-submitted because it had expired after five years. The minimum lot size in the PUD is 4,000 square feet. The street pattern and number of lots remain unchanged; only cul-de-sac dimensions were adjusted to meet current code. Commission member Sale asked about minimum lot sizes. Staff clarified the access is via existing entrances off Stantonsburg Road. Public comments raised concerns about drainage, traffic, and missing park land. Commission members reiterated that this is an administrative compliance review and they cannot impose conditions on prices or lot specifics. The plat was approved unanimously. 3. Text Amendment – Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Changes: Staff presented a series of amendments including: updating home occupation definitions to comply with new NC General Statutes (renaming them \"home-based business\" and \"home-based business, no impact\"), allowing manufacturing and sale of goods in residences, increasing allowable floor area to 50% and employees to two plus the resident, permitting on-site sales, and removing the cap on customers for no-impact businesses (subject only to city occupancy limits). Also added definitions for \"digital broadcast studio,\" \"domestic violence center,\" \"goods,\" and clarified deadlines for vegetation installation (December 31). New standards permit hookah cafes as accessory uses in certain commercial districts with a special use permit, subject to a half-mile separation distance and other state-regulated ventilation and fire code requirements. Staff stated the amendment aligns with economic development goals. Board member Newton asked if selling cupcakes would be allowed; staff confirmed it would be, subject to health department regulations. The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. Key Outcomes - Rezoning for ELKCO, LLC: Approved (unanimous aye). The property at Dickinson Avenue is rezoned from CDF to CD. - Preliminary Plat for Westpointe Village Section 11 Phase 2: Approved (unanimous aye). The plat includes 34 single-family lots with the same street pattern and access as originally planned. - Text Amendment to UDO: Recommended for approval (unanimous aye). The amendment will go to the City Council for final adoption. Key changes include new home-based business regulations and hookah cafe accessory use standards. All motions passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned.

The Greenville City Council met on October 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation by Council Member Robinson and the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers Jones and Stellia were absent. The agenda was approved with a modification to continue two public hearing items (rezoning and annexation of the Walton property) to the November 12 meeting at the applicant's request. Special Recognitions - The Greenville Tar Heel 8-10 All-Stars baseball team was recognized for their 13-1 tournament record, including wins over state champions from Georgia, South Carolina, and West Virginia. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoe Dixon spoke against the newly enacted downtown curfew for persons under 18, citing concerns about enforcement via ID checks and potential constitutional violations. She referenced an officer with a history of rights violations. - Venus Diamond, a 24-year-old resident, stated she is often mistaken for a minor and worried the curfew would subject her to ID checks by police, making her feel unsafe downtown. - Scarlett Edelman argued that the curfew gives police new authority to profile based on appearance and creates risks for adults without ID. - Trisha Workhaul of Bethel (north of the river) also opposed the curfew, suggesting the city instead build more recreational spaces like basketball courts and skate parks for youth, and criticized the surveillance-heavy approach. - No other speakers registered or came forward. Appointments - The Council made several appointments to boards and commissions, all approved 4-0: - Environmental Advisory Commission: Jalen Lampa - Historic Preservation Commission: continued - Human Relations Council: Tara Perez - Multimodal Transportation Commission: Lakesha Pittman - Pitt Greenville Convention and Visitors Authority: Chelsea Hill (city appointment; county appointments pending) - Planning and Zoning Commission: Lathan Turner - Police Community Relations Committee: Aileen Peacock (reappointed by Council) - Shepard Memorial Library Board: Rick Smiley and Elizabeth Sweetherty - Youth Council: continued Discussion Items - Item 5: Fair Market Values for Affordable Homes (703 & 705 W. 5th Street) – Director Tiana Barryman presented that two homes built by Pitt Community College students as part of the 50-in-10 initiative were appraised at $208,000 each. The city provides up to $40,000 down payment assistance, layered with state subsidies up to $65,000, reducing the mortgage requirement to about $103,000. The board discussed engaging suppliers for material donations and expanding the program. The motion to establish the fair market value at $208,000 each passed 4-0. - Item 6: Municipal Agreement with NCDOT for East 10th Street Sidewalk Project – Civil engineer Lynn Rayner presented a project to fill sidewalk gaps along East 10th Street between Oak Down Way and Parkside Drive, connecting River Hills neighborhood and commercial areas. The project is 80% funded by NCDOT block grant; the city pays 20% match. The schedule anticipates construction in spring 2028. Pedestrian crossings will be coordinated with a future NCDOT widening project at Port of Town Road. The motion to approve the agreement passed 4-0. City Manager's Report - City Manager noted the October 19 meeting has no agenda items; Council voted 4-0 to cancel it. City Attorney's Report - No report. City Clerk's Report - City Clerk Danielle was congratulated for earning her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation. Comments from Mayor and City Council - Councilmember Willis thanked staff for providing recycling bins to Farrington Trace, noted the Planning Academy, and highlighted October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, urging support for the Center for Family Violence Prevention (92 domestic-related calls since January). - Councilmember Robinson reminded residents to be patient during homecoming weekend, thanked the fire department for smoke detector assistance, and praised sanitation workers. - Mayor Pro Tem Foreman linked housing and food insecurity to increased domestic violence and juvenile issues. - Mayor Connolly requested staff to report on state regulations of smoke/vape shops and potential municipal regulations to protect youth. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned after a motion passed 4-0.

On October 7, 2026, the Greenville City Council held a workshop meeting at City Hall. Council approved the agenda with the addition of a closed session item. Presentations and discussions focused on the Pitt County Community Development Department’s tourism update, a new small business participation policy, and downtown safety concerns following a recent shooting. Presentation: Pitt County CDD Update - Rachel Whitman, President of the Pitt County Community Development Department, presented a tourism economic impact update. She reported $332 million in visitor spending for calendar year 2025, supporting 2,100+ jobs with $75 million in payroll, $10 million in local tax revenue, and saving each Pitt County resident $122 in taxes annually. - Whitman outlined five organizational pillars: internal stakeholders, partnerships, destination marketing, sports tourism, and conventions. She highlighted the African American Cultural Trail’s fifth anniversary, a new coffee trail, a partnership with ECU to reimagine the visitor center, and the Little League tournament marketing campaign that generated 3.8 million impressions. - Councilmember Robinson, the council’s liaison to the CDD board, praised Whitman’s leadership and announced proposed bylaw amendments to add representatives from East Carolina University and Pitt Community College to the board. Council expressed support for the expanded collaboration. Small Business Participation Policy - City staff presented a proposed small business participation policy to replace the former MWBE program, which was repealed by recent state law (Session Law 2026-41). The new policy is race- and gender-neutral and focuses on awareness, access, education, and engagement. - Council members expressed disappointment at the loss of the MWBE program but committed to ensuring equitable opportunities through intentional outreach and communication. Discussion included using qualified census tracts to target assistance, maintaining the small business technical assistance program, and coordinating with Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) on any joint changes. - Next steps: incorporate council feedback, finalize the policy, meet with GUC, develop an implementation plan, and create updated branding. Downtown Safety Discussion - Police Chief K Z Thomas reviewed a September 27 shooting incident downtown (three non-life-threatening injuries; arrests made quickly). He attributed the incident to large crowds blocking sidewalks, which hindered police response. He presented photos showing crowded sidewalks with officers present. - Immediate police response: increased officer presence, light towers for visibility, message boards, use of utility vehicles for patrol, real-time crime center monitoring on Saturday nights, proactive enforcement of sidewalk code violations. - Council discussed underlying factors: the city’s 500-foot rule concentrating nightlife activity in a small area, alcohol consumption, underage drinking, and lack of alternative venues. Councilmember Michael suggested a need to reconsider the 500-foot rule. Others called for consistent enforcement, parental accountability for juveniles, and coordination with ECU on student discipline. - Ideas included livestreaming public cameras to increase transparency and accountability (Chief Thomas had contacted a webcam service), and a "mama bear" approach to parent accountability. - Chief Thomas noted that officers recovered five guns downtown even during a relatively quiet fall-break weekend. He emphasized that the increased downtown presence is supplemented by overtime and does not reduce policing elsewhere. - Council acknowledged that downtown has long had a persistent culture of disorderly behavior, not just isolated incidents, and stressed the need for honest public communication while also promoting downtown as generally safe. Councilmember Stone recounted a positive experience downtown recently. - Upcoming concerns: Halloween weekend with a football game potentially exacerbating crowds. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved with the addition of a closed session item (to discuss private business). - Council directed staff to finalize the small business participation policy and return for formal consideration. - Council will continue discussions on downtown safety, including possible amendments to the 500-foot rule and sidewalk enforcement ordinances. - Chief Thomas will continue enhanced downtown patrols and evaluate effectiveness. - No formal votes were taken on the presentations; discussions were for feedback and future action.

The Greenville City Council met on October 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, approval of consent agenda items, consideration of a grant application for dam evaluation, budget ordinance amendments, and councilmember reports. Consent Calendar - Approved items 1–9 en bloc: Second reading of the Youth Protection Ordinance; dedications of rights-of-way and easements for Brook Hollow Section 5 Phase 1B, Lynndale East Section 5 Phase 2, and Towns at Davenport Farms Phase 1; permanent drainage easement release with Golden Hotels, Inc.; on-call engineering and architectural services contract to Kimley-Horn; interlocal agreement with Pitt County for Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant; resolution supplementing prior approval for limited obligation bonds; and various tax refunds over $100. Motion passed 6–0. Public Comments & Testimony - Natasha Ruffin, a resident of Lake View Terrace (Carolina Code housing), expressed frustration with ongoing drug activity and smoking in her unit and common areas. She stated she had reported the issues to the landlord and housing authority but problems have worsened. She asked the council to reinforce drug-free policies. Councilmember Robinson thanked her and assured follow-up. Discussion Items - New Business Item 10: PROTECT Program Grant Application – Civil Engineer Daryl Norse presented a resolution to apply for a U.S. DOT PROTECT planning grant (FY 2024–2026) for evaluation and design of repairs to Lake Ellsworth Dam. The dam is classified as a high-hazard dam, owned by the city, with three overflow pipes in poor condition. Dickinson Avenue (average daily traffic 18,500 trips) is immediately downstream. The grant would be $500,000 with 100% federal share for planning, feasibility analysis, and design to make the dam more resilient. Councilmember Hardy questioned the cost and timeline; Norse explained no imminent failure, but repair construction funding requires a shovel-ready design. Motion passed 6–0. - New Business Item 11: Budget Ordinance 3 – CFO Jacob Joyner presented amendments to multiple funds: recognizing $2,000 in donations for Cops & Barbers and backpack giveaway; appropriating $2 million from Occupancy Tax reserve for sports complex capital costs; appropriating $1.3 million in CDBG and HOME grants to the Housing Fund; adding 2 FTEs to the Sanitation Fund for litter patrol; and reallocating appropriations for stormwater capital projects (total grants $28 million, net decrease of $1.5 million in Stormwater Capital Fund). Total operating budget becomes $211.1 million. Motion passed 6–0. Councilmember Comments & Reports - Councilmember Robinson reminded of Free Boot Friday and ECU homecoming, and recognized Scout Lucy from Troop 46G working on a citizenship merit badge. - Councilmember Scully thanked police, fire, and sidewalk improvement crews. - Councilmember Willis announced National Night Out on October 6 at Five Points with food trucks, K9 officers, bounce houses. - Councilmember Hardy noted Woodlawn Park groundbreaking, Town Common opening in December, and upcoming student engagement sessions on minimal housing standards; next workshop will feature ECU chancellor and SGA president. - Councilmember Jones recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month. - No reports from the City Manager, City Attorney, or City Clerk. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (Items 1–9) approved 6–0. - Resolution for PROTECT grant application (Item 10) approved 6–0. - Budget Ordinance 3 (Item 11) approved 6–0. - Meeting adjourned.

The Greenville Board of Adjustment held a public hearing on September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers to consider a request for a special use permit from Sarah Grimes (though the applicant identified herself as Sarah Bryans during the hearing) to operate a child daycare facility at 3004 S. Memorial Drive (tax parcel 00840). The board unanimously approved the permit subject to staff recommended conditions. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting by a voice vote with all members in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in opposition to the application. The public hearing was opened and closed without any public comment. Discussion Items - Special Use Permit for Child Daycare Facility (Sarah Grimes): - Staff presented the request. The property is zoned heavy commercial and the future land use designation is commercial, consistent with the comprehensive plan. Notice of the hearing was posted on September 9, 2026, and published in the Daily Reflector on September 12, 2026. - The applicant, Sarah Grimes (who stated her name as Sarah Bryans), testified that she has operated a licensed child care center since 2012, expanding in 2017 and 2022. She currently serves 40 children on a full-day basis and seeks to expand with this new facility. - Staff outlined the special use criteria: daycare is defined as care for six or more children for up to 18 hours per day; outdoor play area of 100 sq ft per child enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high; minimum lot size increased by 100 sq ft per child over five; playground equipment must be in rear yard; and compliance with state licensing and building codes. - Staff recommended that the request can meet all development standards required for issuance of the permit upon proper findings by the board. - The board had no questions or discussion beyond the staff presentation and applicant testimony. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Board member McNair moved to approve the finding of facts and the petition with staff recommended conditions. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes). - Effective Date: The special use permit takes effect upon the Chair's signature, which was anticipated to be that evening. - Next Steps: The applicant must comply with all city code requirements, state licensing (NC DHHS), and building/fire codes before operation begins. Note: There is a discrepancy between the agenda (which lists the applicant as Sarah Grimes) and the transcript (where the applicant introduces herself as Sarah Bryans). The board did not address this discrepancy, and the motion referred to the petition as filed.

The Greenville City Council and Greenville Utilities Commission held a joint meeting on September 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public comment period and a presentation on recommended changes to health and dental plan benefits for plan year 2027. Both bodies unanimously approved the agenda, minutes from a prior meeting, and the benefits recommendations. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: The City Council approved the agenda by a 6-0 vote; the Utilities Commission also approved unanimously. - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 20, 2026 joint meeting were approved unanimously by both the City Council (6-0) and the Utilities Commission. Public Comments & Testimony - Ms. Harold (speaker, identified as a farmer in the REA district) urged the city and utilities to install solar panels on municipal buildings (e.g., libraries, fire stations, schools). She stated that solar panels saved Tarboro $25 million over a 10-year period, and noted that a contact of hers could provide a design for the city. She expressed support for solar energy as a cost-saving measure, citing examples from her own farm and her sister's home. Discussion Items - Presentation on Plan Year 2027 Health and Dental Plan Benefits: Joe Harton of Marsh Consultants presented recommendations to address an initially projected 28% increase in health insurance costs (from $21 million to $27 million). Key points included: - Actuarial adjustments: A normalization of high-cost claims (99 claims over $50,000 accounted for 45% of total claims) reduced the increase from 28% to 18% (national average for similar employers is 14–16%). - RFP process: Cigna was retained after a competitive bidding process with Aetna, Blue Cross NC, and United Healthcare. Cigna offered the best provider discounts (roughly 2% better than the next carrier), minimal disruption, and $750,000 per year in administrative cost savings. - Plan design changes: Enhanced and core PPO plans were adjusted but remain above benchmark; the HSA plan saw only IRS-required deductible changes. Overall, the plans remain competitive. - Employee contribution increase: A 15% increase in employee contributions was recommended. Examples given: single HSA employee would see a $1.16 bi-weekly increase; a family on the enhanced plan earning over $61,000 would see a $55 bi-weekly increase. - Dental plan: A 2.3% contribution increase was recommended, with minimal per-paycheck impact (cents). - Council and Commission Discussion: - Councilmembers and commissioners questioned the sustainability of cost trends, the potential for future increases, and the need for employee communication. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for staff's work in reducing the original 28% increase to 18%. - Commissioner Shaw noted that medical advances (e.g., cancer treatments, joint replacements) may continue to drive cost increases. The consultant acknowledged that trends may not return to previous norms and that further opportunities (e.g., prescription drug plan bidding) could be explored. Key Outcomes - The City Council voted 6-0 to approve the health and dental plan recommendations for plan year 2027. - The Greenville Utilities Commission voted unanimously (voice vote, motion carried) to approve the same recommendations. - The consultant and staff will execute an employee communication and enrollment process to explain changes and options. - The meeting adjourned after the votes.

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The commission considered two major items: a rezoning request for 195.99 acres along Stantonsburg Road and a preliminary plat for Brook Hollow Section 5, Phase 6 & 7. Both items were approved after public hearings and commission discussion. Consent Calendar - Agenda approved unanimously. - Minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony Rezoning Request (Walton North Carolina, LLC) - Scott Anderson (applicant's engineer, Corporate Consulting Group) spoke in favor. He stated the property needs to be annexed to access a sewer pump station built by Greenville Utilities in 2018. He noted the rezoning to RA20 matches the current county zoning character and that a traffic impact analysis will be completed prior to development. - Randy Butler (property owner across Stantonsburg Road) expressed concern about sewer and taxes. He was assured that only the applicant's property would be annexed and that his septic system and tax status would not change. - Trish Saeter (resident of Candlewick neighborhood) spoke in opposition, citing concerns about drainage. She stated the neighborhood already has poor drainage and feared additional runoff from the development. - Anita Patterson (Candlewick resident) also opposed, highlighting water drainage issues and referencing flooding from Hurricane Floyd. She noted that existing ditches do not drain properly. - Carnell Moy (property owner on Edward Drive) questioned the lack of a completed traffic study and expressed concern about potential property tax increases due to rising assessments. - Bruce Dunham (Candlewood resident) opposed, detailing flood damage during Hurricanes Floyd and Florence and asking how runoff would be managed. Preliminary Plat (Brook Hollow Section 5, Phase 6 & 7) - No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. Discussion Items 1. Rezoning Request (Walton North Carolina, LLC) - Staff Presentation: Chante Gooby (staff) presented. The property is currently zoned RR (Pitt County jurisdiction). The requested RA20 zoning is consistent with the future land use plan (Traditional Neighborhood Low to Medium Density). Under current zoning, the site could yield 300–325 lots; under RA20, 550–575 lots. Traffic counts: current ADT on Stantonsburg Road is 3,800 trips; full build-out under proposed zoning would add 2,300 trips, reaching about 40% of road capacity (14,000 trips/day). The property is in the Greensmill Run watershed, requiring 25-year detention for stormwater. No special flood hazard area or jurisdictional buffers, but potential wetlands exist. Staff recommended approval. - Commission Questions: Commissioners asked about a previous landfill rezoning nearby and about the lift station capacity. Scott Anderson confirmed the existing pump station is adequate. - Public Comments: See above. After public hearing closed, a commissioner allowed one additional question from Anita Patterson about pump station adequacy. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner noted the city is growing and the rezoning is already considered residential. Concerns about drainage and traffic were addressed by the applicant's promise to meet stormwater ordinances and conduct a traffic study at plat stage. - Motion: To recommend approval of the rezoning as consistent with the comprehensive plan, adopting the staff report. Passed unanimously (all ayes, no nays). 2. Preliminary Plat (Brook Hollow Section 5, Phase 6 & 7) - Staff Presentation: Malcolm Johnson (staff) presented. The plat covers 22 acres, proposing 120 lots (60 duplex buildings) in an R6 zone. A portion of the property lies in the 100-year floodplain, which will be placed in conservation. The site was originally approved in 2004 for multifamily; this phase brings back duplexes. Staff recommended approval. - Commission Questions: No questions from commissioners. - Public Comments: None. - Motion: To approve the preliminary plat. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Rezoning (Walton North Carolina, LLC): The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning from RR to RA20 for 195.99 acres. This recommendation will go to City Council along with an annexation request. - Preliminary Plat (Brook Hollow Section 5, Phase 6 & 7): The commission voted unanimously to approve the preliminary plat for 120 lots (60 duplex buildings) on 22 acres. - The meeting adjourned without further business.

The Greenville City Council met on September 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included agenda adjustments, public comments, appointments, consent agenda, several public hearings, and other business items. Key topics included stormwater drainage improvements, a downtown hotel rezoning, a large residential rezoning, a commercial rezoning denial, annexations, code enforcement ordinance updates, transit fare proposals, and a youth curfew ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes, easement release, assignment of economic development agreement, 2027 meeting schedule, budget schedule for FY 2027-2028, police department grant funds for BikeSafe and traffic safety, lease agreement for golf cart fleet replacement at Bradford Creek, contract award for Golden Road drainage improvement project, and various tax refunds greater than $100. (Motion passed 6-0 with special emphasis on item 13.) Public Comments & Testimony - David Edwards urged council to approve the Golden Road drainage contract, citing decades of unresolved stormwater issues. - Christy Dixon advocated for a moratorium on data centers, citing AI risks, lack of public input, and environmental concerns; she also noted the Environmental Advisory Board's work on a tree ordinance. - L. Hendrickson, Preston Joyner, Jay Lampa, Jason (speaker), and Cassidy Mayo criticized police conduct, particularly Officer Jennifer Umblett, calling for her decertification and improved de-escalation training. They also raised concerns about a pattern of violence and lack of accountability. - Lewis Hornbuckle and Venus Simon urged keeping bus fares free to support vulnerable populations, citing cost-of-living challenges and the need for safe, accessible transit. - Mary Ann Blackburn requested a citywide prohibition on Flock cameras, arguing they violate privacy and enable surveillance without oversight. - Don Cavallini read a statement from Ms. Johnson describing a traumatic police encounter and calling for accountability. - Mike Corner expressed frustration that Sawyer's Fun Park items (18 & 19) were continued at the last minute, noting many residents had made arrangements to attend. - Gwen Stewart, Hugh Bryan, Louise McRoy, and Jerry McRoy opposed the Sawyer's Fun Park rezoning and annexation (items 18 & 19), citing spot zoning, traffic, noise, property value impacts, and a history of noncompliance. They requested denial and a moratorium on repeated applications. Discussion Items Appointments to Boards and Commissions - Council made appointments to the Environmental Advisory Commission (Dr. Joe Leskovich), Human Relations Council (Lakisha Bishop, Summer Badman), Multimodal Transportation Commission (Lena C. Johnson), Youth Council (Christian Blake, Amelia O'Hagan, Zoe Orman). Several other appointments were continued. (All votes 6-0.) Public Hearings and Votes - Item 15: Rezoning for hotel at Evans and Reade Circle – Approved 6-0. The 1.08-acre site would be rezoned from CDF to CD to allow a 100–120-room hotel with on-site parking. Staff recommended approval. - Item 16: Rezoning for 42.07 acres off Charles Boulevard – Approved 6-0. The property would be rezoned from Office to four residential tracts (OR, R6, R6S, R15S), allowing 150–175 multi-family units and 115–135 single-family lots. Staff recommended approval; a speaker from Sound Rivers requested conditions to protect the floodplain and stream. - Item 17: Rezoning for 2.43 acres at Howell and McClellan – Denied 6-0. The request to rezone from R6 to CG was inconsistent with the land use plan; staff recommended denial. - Item 20: Annexation for O'Reilly Auto Parts – Approved 6-0. The 1.025-acre site on North Memorial Drive will be developed as a retail store with an estimated tax value of $2.5 million. - Item 21: Annexation for Randy Wong property – Approved 6-0. The 2.034-acre site on Frog Level Road contains a single-family residence; annexation is for sewer connection. - Item 22: Code enforcement ordinance updates – Approved 6-0. Repeal and replace multiple titles to strengthen enforcement, including a 48-hour life safety repair requirement, clearer definitions for unfit housing, and a simplified $100 civil penalty structure. Staff noted alignment with council goals. - Item 23: CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report) – Approved 6-0. The report covers CDBG and HOME program expenditures for 2025-2026, including 716 households assisted. - Item 24: National Register nomination for Higgs House – Approved 5-0 (Councilmember Scully recused). The property at 1112 Dickinson Avenue was recommended for listing. Other Business - Item 25: Transit fares and benches/shelters update – Approved 6-0. The proposal reduces the full fare from $1.25 to $1.00, with electronic fare collection, fare capping ($3 daily, $12 weekly, $40 monthly), and free transfers within 60 minutes for app/card users. Paratransit fare set at $2.00. On-demand microtransit fare set at $2.00, increasing to $3.00 in January 2028. Benches and shelters installation faces right-of-way challenges; microtransit expansion considered for areas lacking infrastructure. - Item 26: Youth Protection Ordinance (first reading) – Approved 6-0. Establishes a downtown curfew for juveniles under 18 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 PM to 6 AM, with exceptions for parental accompaniment, school activities, work, emergencies, and constitutional activities. Second reading required. - Item 27: Budget Ordinance Amendment 2 – Approved 6-0. Adjusts multiple funds, including $300,000 for affordable housing, $150,000 for GUC energy improvement, $470,000 for CDBG/HOME grants, $658,998 for facility maintenance, and $161,760 for Golden Road drainage. Adds 3 FTEs for custodial services. Total operating budget becomes $211.1 million. - Item 28: Grant application for low/no emission buses – Approved 6-0. Authorizes application to FTA for $589 million competitive grant to replace 4 diesel buses with compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. City share is $641,000 (60% general fund, 40% vehicle replacement fund). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda and all appointments approved unanimously. - Public hearings resulted in: hotel rezoning approved (6-0), Charles Boulevard residential rezoning approved (6-0), Howell/McClellan commercial rezoning denied (6-0), three annexations approved (6-0), code enforcement updates approved (6-0), CAPER approved (6-0), historic nomination approved (5-0). - Transit fare reduction to $1 approved (6-0). - First reading of youth curfew ordinance approved (6-0); second reading at a future meeting. - Budget amendment approved (6-0). - Grant application for CNG buses approved (6-0). - Items 18 and 19 (Sawyer's Fun Park rezoning and annexation) were continued to November 12, 2026, at the applicant's request, drawing criticism from speakers.

The Greenville City Council met on August 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Conference Room 337. The meeting included a call to order, roll call, approval of the agenda, a 30-minute public comment period (with each speaker limited to three minutes), a closed session to discuss personnel matters under North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.11(a)(6), and adjournment. No minutes or transcripts are available for this meeting, so no additional discussion items, votes, or decisions are documented.