Public Meetings - Greenville, North Carolina

The Greenville City Council met on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor P.J. Connolly and included a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. The agenda was approved unanimously (6-0). The primary focus was the recognition of three outgoing council members—Will Bell, Rick Smiley, and Mayor Pro Tem Rose Glover—who were honored for their years of service. Public comments were brief, and the meeting adjourned after a round of farewell remarks. Consent Calendar No consent calendar items were presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Jesse Smiley (spouse of Councilmember Rick Smiley) expressed thanks to the council for loaning her husband and noted she would have him back home. - Yukonda Don (representing the Greenville ENC Alliance) thanked the council for their vision and support of economic development. - Mildred Council (former council member) congratulated the outgoing members, especially Rose Glover, and praised the new city manager, Mr. Cowan. She reflected on shared service and past accomplishments. - An unnamed speaker urged those remaining on council to continue their good work. Special Recognitions & Farewell Remarks - Councilmember Will Bell was recognized for his advocacy of small businesses, downtown development, infrastructure, and ECU students. He reflected on achievements such as the lowest tax rate in 50 years, new downtown hotel, and street resurfacing. He thanked his wife for support. - Councilmember Rick Smiley was recognized for his decade of service (since 2013), leadership on boards including Uptown Greenville and the Shepherd Memorial Library, and his cost-benefit analysis approach. He thanked his wife, Jesse Smiley, and said his service was an honor. - Mayor Pro Tem Rose Glover was recognized as the longest-serving council member in city history (24 years, since 1999). She received a plaque and was presented with the Keys to the City. She thanked her husband of 55 years, her pastor, staff, and all who supported her. She expressed pride in her service and confidence in the future leadership. - City Manager thanked the outgoing members on behalf of city employees and wished a happy Thanksgiving. - Council members (Robinson, Daniels, Blackburn, Bell, Smiley, and Mayor Connolly) each gave personal remarks of appreciation, sharing anecdotes and thanking the departing members for their mentorship, dedication, and friendship. Councilmember Blackburn noted Rick Smiley’s consistent focus on cost-benefit analysis and Rose Glover’s role as a community matriarch. Key Outcomes - The agenda was approved 6-0. - The meeting adjourned at an unspecified time following a motion by Councilmember Smiley and a second by Councilmember Bell; the motion passed 6-0. - No other votes or formal actions were taken. The meeting served as a ceremonial farewell to the three departing council members.

The Greenville City Council met on November 9, 2023, at 6:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognition of a retiring employee, public comments on a withdrawn zoning text amendment, appointments, a detailed discussion on a community solar project, approval of multiple public hearings, first reading of code updates, and a budget amendment. The council also voted to enter closed session. Special Recognitions - Calvin Burney, Public Works Department, was honored for his 24 years of service (1999–2023) as a seasonal leaf collector, grounds maintenance worker, and beautification specialist. He retired on November 1, 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 11 (withdrawn): Six speakers expressed strong opposition to the proposed text amendment that would have allowed fraternity/sorority houses on East Fifth Street. Maura York (President of Truna) called it spot zoning and asked the council to enforce current zoning and work with ECU for an alternative location. Bill Crew described disruptive experiences with a fraternity near his home. Dr. Andrew Moorhead noted costs to the city (tax-free conversions, increased crime risk, property devaluation). Jack Robertson (Cypress Glen representative) opposed spot zoning. Chris Mansfield (professor emeritus) urged against rezoning and warned of legal challenges. Mayor Connelly thanked them and reiterated that the item was withdrawn. - A citizen (Mr. King) asked about a bus route to the D&V area, noting the closest stop is a mile away. Deputy City Manager Graves was asked to follow up. Appointments - Boards and Commissions: Affordable Housing Loan Committee (on hold); Human Relations Council and Police Community Relations Committee appointed to Mayor Pro Tem Glover; Shepherd Memorial Library Board continued; Youth Council appointed Kajai Fu and Rihanna Knight (motion passed 6-0). - Mid-East Commission: Les Everett (regular) and Chris Kelly (alternate) appointed (motion passed 6-0). Consent Calendar - Item 4 (Boards & Commissions Policy amendment), Item 6 (Power Sales Agreement), Item 7 (Police forfeiture funds for equipment/software), and Item 8 (tax refunds $100) were approved 6-0 after Item 5 was pulled for discussion. Discussion Items - Item 5: Community Solar Project – GUC General Manager Tony Cannon explained the 0.5-megawatt solar farm near the wastewater plant. Residential subscribers would receive a credit of 5.9 cents/kWh (avoided cost) versus the standard rate of 9 cents/kWh, resulting in a marginal increase of $2–$5 per month for a typical $100 bill. Subscriptions limited to 5 panels per customer initially. Councilmember Blackburn praised the program as progressive and self-contained. The ordinance was approved 6-0. - Item 9: Abigail Trails Phase 2 Annexation – 9.6363 acres, anticipated 35 two-family lots with $12.255 million estimated tax value. No public speakers. Approved 6-0. - Item 10: Bluemax Rentals Rezoning – Rezone 0.43 acres from OR (Office-Residential) to CH (Heavy Commercial) to unify the zoning of the parcel. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public opposition. Approved 6-0. - Item 12: Code Updates (First Reading) – Lead Code Enforcement Officer William Lauer presented updates to Title 9 (Inspections & Code Enforcement) and Title 12 (Weeds, Vegetation & Nuisances) to align with state statutes, update penalties (first violation $100, second $250, third+ $500), and clarify procedures (e.g., abandoned structures, pest elimination, graffiti). Councilmember Robinson expressed concerns about pollinator-friendly vegetation and urban meadows. The first reading was approved 6-0; final adoption scheduled for December after a public hearing. - Item 13: Budget Ordinance Amendment 4 – Director Byron Hayes outlined adjustments including $300K for firefighter grant, $500K for Gas Smith improvements, $77K in recreation park donations, $70K for housing training program, $500K for Greenfield Terrace, $240K for ShotSpotter, and $171K for police forfeiture funds. The city’s operating fund budget increased to $175.7 million. Approved 6-0. Mayor Connolly thanked Hayes for his service. Key Outcomes - Item 11 (fraternity/sorority text amendment) was withdrawn by the applicant and removed from the agenda without a vote. - All other public hearing items (9, 10) and the budget amendment passed unanimously (6-0). - First reading of code updates passed 6-0; final vote in December. - Council voted 6-0 to enter closed session under NCGS 143-318.20(11) to consult with an attorney and discuss economic development incentives. Council and Mayor Comments - Councilmember Robinson and Mayor Connolly recognized Veterans Day and encouraged attendance at a Saturday ceremony. - Councilmember Bell thanked candidates and cautioned the media about factual reporting. - Councilmember Blackburn thanked voters, noted the 14% turnout, and commented on the environmental impact of balloon releases, referencing a whale death caused by a mylar balloon. - Councilmember Daniels announced a small business assistance grant program (Nov 14) and a shred event (Nov 18), and congratulated Ivory Muborn as Ayden’s first African American mayor. - Mayor Pro Tem Glover expressed gratitude to her husband and prepared for retirement. - Mayor Connolly thanked the community and outgoing council members, and looked forward to working with the new council.

The Greenville Board of Adjustment convened at 6:00 PM on October 26, 2023, to consider three old business items (proposed decisions) and four new business public hearings. All items were approved with conditions. The board voted unanimously on each matter, with voting members varying per agenda item. Approval of Minutes - The minutes from July 27, 2023, and August 24, 2023, were approved unanimously. Old Business - Gaskins Land Surveying, P.A. (Variance Denied) – BOA 23-17: The board unanimously adopted the proposed decision and order denying the variance. Voting members: Evans, Cohen, Purdle, Worrell, Bass. - Desai Partners, LLC (Special Use Permit Granted) – BOA 23-20: The board unanimously adopted the decision granting a special use permit for a fast-food restaurant. Same voting members as above. - Richard P. and Meredith Rizzuti (Special Use Permit Modified) – BOA 23-22: The board unanimously adopted the decision modifying the existing special use permit. Voting members: Evans, Lilly, Cohen, Purdle, Worrell. New Business – Public Hearings 1. Hookah Café – Ibrahim Abulabda (Special Use Permit) - The applicant sought a special use permit for a hookah café at 605-B SE Greenville Blvd. Staff reported two existing hookah lounges in Greenville and stated the location meets the 1/4-mile separation requirement. The applicant described a coffee/smoothie and hookah café with no alcohol or food, hours 12 PM–10/11 PM. No opposition. Staff recommended approval with conditions (fire code compliance, no live entertainment, no outdoor activities, etc.). The board voted unanimously to approve with staff conditions. 2. Parking Variance – Credit Sense Home Investors, LLC (Variance) - The applicant requested a variance of one parking space (from required four) for a duplex at 109 Paris Avenue. A licensed surveyor (expert witness) testified that only three spaces could be accommodated due to lot constraints, and a fourth space would be unusable or require additional variances. Staff recommended approval. The board unanimously found all four variance criteria met (unnecessary hardship, peculiar property condition, hardship not self-created, consistency with spirit of regulation) and approved the variance with conditions. A 4/5 vote (6 of 7) was required; all 7 voting members (Lilly, Evans, Cohen, Purdle, Worrell, Bass, McNair) voted aye. 3. Mobile Home – Clayton Homes (Special Use Permit) - The applicant sought a special use permit to place a double-wide mobile home at 64 Briley Road. The property is zoned RA20 and is in compliance with the future land use plan. Staff recommended approval. An email from Leon Hopkins (heir to adjacent property) was received but the board voted (unanimously) not to consider it because it was hearsay and not under oath. The board unanimously approved the permit with conditions (compliance with fire and building codes). 4. Fraternity/Sorority House – William Joseph Davis, IV (Special Use Permit) - The applicant sought a permit to operate a fraternity or sorority house at 431 W. 5th Street. The property is a historic 1905 home (former administrative office for city schools and later a battered women’s shelter). The applicant’s attorney described the proposed use for 18 residents, with parking for 22–25 vehicles. Supporters included an ECU faculty member (testified to responsible Greek life oversight) and two real estate experts (who testified the renovation would enhance property values). No opposition. Staff recommended approval with conditions (site plan approval and building code compliance). Two board members disclosed ties to nearby Greek organizations but were allowed to remain after motions passed. The board unanimously approved the permit with conditions. Key Outcomes - All five applications (three old business decisions and two variances/three special use permits) were approved with staff-recommended conditions. All votes were unanimous. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2023 (no cases currently on the agenda, pending confirmation). - The meeting adjourned after announcements.

The Greenville City Council met on October 19, 2023, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured a special recognition for retiring City Manager Ann Wall, unanimous approval of most consent and public hearing items, and a contentious debate over a future land use map amendment for a RaceTrac Petroleum site, which was ultimately tabled. The council also approved a motion to cancel the October 23 meeting. Special Recognition - Council unanimously approved a resolution (vote 6-0) honoring City Manager Ann E. Wall for her 36 years of local government service, including 6 years as Greenville City Manager. The resolution highlighted her leadership during crises (storms, ransomware, pandemic, civic unrest), creation of the Greenville ENC Alliance, the Good Neighbor Initiative with ECU, and the Little League Softball World Series. Wall expressed gratitude to the council, staff, and city employees. Consent Calendar - Resolution Approving Lease Agreements for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Properties – Approved unanimously (6-0) without discussion or pull. Appointments - Council appointed or reappointed members to multiple boards and commissions, all votes 6-0: - Board of Adjustment: Sterling Ruffin - Human Relations Council: Tom Farley, Logan Harris, Procopio Serrano, Ty Lika Harris - Multimodal Transportation Commission: Dr. Caitlin Levine, Robin Little - Planning and Zoning Commission: Kimber Stone - Police Community Relations Committee: Stacey Ruffin, Sonny Bass, Diane Coolick (direct appointments) - Shepherd Memorial Library Board: Chris Alfers - Youth Council: Charles Farley, Carson Farley, George Huo, Morgan Wesley, Alexis Gilford, Michael Brody Public Comments & Testimony - No registered speakers were present for the public comment period; no public comments were made. Discussion Items - Item 5: Rezoning of 12.81 acres at Tipton Road from R9S to OR (High Density Multi-Family) – Staff recommended denial, citing conflict with the future land use plan (low-to-medium density residential and a city-initiated single-family protection effort). The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval (5-1). Councilmember Daniels expressed support, noting developer outreach to neighbors. The motion to approve passed 6-0. - Item 6: Rezoning of 13.5267 acres on West Gum Road from RA20 to IU (Unoffensive Industry) – Staff recommended approval, finding compliance with the land use plan; Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The applicant, Steve Spruell (North State Steel), noted the unanimous planning board vote. Councilmember Robinson thanked the airport commission for community engagement. Approved 6-0. - Item 7: Rezoning of 0.09 acres on Roosevelt Avenue from R6 to CDF (Downtown Commercial Fringe) – Staff recommended approval, citing compliance with the West Greenville Revitalization plan. Approved 6-0. - Item 8: Rezoning of 5.158 acres on Old Fire Tower Road from RA20 to OR (Office-Residential) – Staff recommended approval as a transitional use. Councilmember Blackburn asked about floodplain; none present. Approved 6-0. - Item 10: Amendment to allow standalone car washes in MCG and MCH zoning districts – Staff recommended approval. Councilmember Smiley moved to deny, arguing no justification for adding non-medical uses. After debate (Councilmember Bell noted other non-medical uses exist), the denial motion failed 2-4. A motion to approve then passed 4-2 (Councilmembers Smiley and Blackburn opposed). - Item 11: Amendment to the Future Land Use and Character Map for 3.405 acres from Office/Institutional to Commercial (for RaceTrac Petroleum) – This was the most debated item. Staff recommended approval; Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The attorney for RaceTrac (William McKinney) and the property owner (Powell Dew) spoke in favor, noting the declining demand for office space and the property's undeveloped nature. The landowner stated the adjacent mobile home park is stable and had been recently invested in. Councilmember Daniels expressed concern for residents of the mobile home park and moved to table the item for 60 days to allow the applicant to hold a community meeting with residents. After a complex series of votes (including a motion to reconsider), the tabling motion passed 4-3 (Mayor Connolly broke the tie). A subsequent substitute motion to approve with direction to hold meetings also passed. The final outcome: the item is tabled for 60 days, with the applicant directed to conduct a community meeting, mail notices to residents of the mobile home park and adjacent duplexes, and bring the request back to council. Key Outcomes - Special Recognition: Resolution honoring City Manager Ann E. Wall approved 6-0. - Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0. - Item 5 (Tipton Road rezoning): Approved 6-0, despite staff denial recommendation. - Item 6 (West Gum Road rezoning): Approved 6-0. - Item 7 (Roosevelt Avenue rezoning): Approved 6-0. - Item 8 (Old Fire Tower Road rezoning): Approved 6-0. - Item 10 (Car wash in medical districts): Motion to deny failed 2-4; motion to approve passed 4-2. - Item 11 (RaceTrac land use map amendment): Tabled for 60 days (4-3) after a motion to reconsider passed 4-3. The applicant was directed to hold a community meeting with mailed notices to residents of the mobile home park and adjacent duplexes, and to provide proof of meeting (e.g., sign-in sheet). - October 23 meeting canceled: Approved 6-0. - City Manager's Report: Ann Wall thanked the council and staff; council members gave farewell remarks.

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Vice Chair Kevin Faison presided. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, postponement of three preliminary plat items, action on a rezoning request, and an update on a text amendment regarding bar separation requirements. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (September 19, 2023): Approved unanimously. - Postponement of Items 3, 4, 5 (Preliminary Plats): Items 3, 4 (Stroud Engineering) and 5 (Baldwin Design Consultant) were continued to the November 21, 2023 meeting by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Luke Sheeley (Kimley Horn & Associates, representing the developer) spoke in favor of the rezoning request (Item 2), stating it is consistent with surrounding uses and that the property should have uniform zoning. No oposition was expressed. Discussion Items - Item 2: Rezoning Request by Blusmax Rentals LLC (0.43 Acres at Southwest Greenville Boulevard west of Frontgate Drive from OR to CH): Staff presented that the property is curently split-zoned (OR and CH); the rezoning would unify the parcel as CH, consistent with the comprehensive plan. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved the recommendation to the city council (unanimous). t- Item 6: Update on Text Amendmend to Delete 00-Foot Separation Requirement for Bars: Staff reported that after the commission initiated the amendment, the city council heard it in September 2023 and tabled it indefinitely. Commission members discussed possibe misuderstanding of the origial assignment (studyng expansion of BAR 2022 vs. rmoveing the separation requirement citywide) nd expressed frustration with lack of action. The commission took no furter action and the item died. Key Outcomes - Rezoning Recommendation (Item 2): The commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the city council. - Text Amendmend (Item 6): No further action; the item remans tabled by council. - Meeting Adjourned after a moton to aadjourn (unanimous).

The Greenville City Council held a workshop on October 9, 2023, at 4:00 PM in City Hall Conference Room 337. The meeting focused on capital improvement project presentations from the Police Department, Fire Rescue, and Recreation and Parks, followed by a discussion of proposed updates to the city's code enforcement and nuisance ordinances. Council approved the agenda 6-0. No formal votes were taken on the capital projects or ordinance revisions; the ordinance will return for public hearings in November and December 2023. Discussion Items Capital Projects Presentations Greenville Police Department (Chief Soles) - Presented four capital priorities: body-worn and in-car cameras, communications center expansion, a law enforcement training center, and a new police/fire rescue headquarters. - The department has used body cameras since 2009; current systems need replacement. Requested 200 body cameras and 80 in-car cameras. Annual cost is $100,000; a federal earmark may cover the full purchase. - Communications center equipment is past end-of-life; renovation and expansion estimated at $500,000. - Training facility (indoor range, classrooms) estimated $12 million; scale may increase with inflation. Chief Soles expressed a preference for a city-owned facility but is open to partnerships with Pitt Community College and the county. - Headquarters building, occupied since 1996, is outgrown; leasing substations has helped. Council discussed potential joint training facility with the county and college. Greenville Fire Rescue (Chief Davenport) - Highlighted station eight (priority) in the Frog Level/Davenport Farm Road area to address growth and response times. Land acquisition funds are allocated; construction expected to take 24 months and cost $10 million (similar to station seven). - Renovations needed at stations one (1995), three (1987), and four (similar) to provide individual sleeping quarters and gender-inclusive bathrooms. Total cost estimated $3–4 million. Chief Davenport noted that facilities are a key factor in recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce. - Response time analysis shows stations should have a 4-mile travel distance; station eight would reduce response times to growing areas. Recreation and Parks (Don – Director) - Presented short-term (1–5 year) projects from the 2023 Community Recreation and Parks Master Plan, totaling $33 million. Major projects include: - Wildwood Park bridge and boardwalk connecting to River Park North: $2.2 million (partially funded). - Town Common bulkhead replacement: $22 million (design underway; updated cost in January 2024). Councilmembers expressed concern over the high cost. - River Oaks Tennis Center lighting and resurfacing: $400,000. - Two new mini parks (District 4 and District 5): $845,000 each. - Sports Connection batting cage renovation: $700,000. - J.C. Park administration/arts expansion: to accommodate doubled program participation. - Braft Creek Soccer Complex field lights and parking: $1 million. - Other improvements at Elm Street Park, Braft Creek Golf Course, and Paramore Park. - Council discussed alternatives such as expanding existing parks rather than building new mini parks. - Don stated that Woodlawn Park improvements are in the facility improvement program (next 2 years), while East Side Park is a medium-term (6–10 year) project. Code Enforcement and Nuisance Ordinance Updates William Lowry (Lead Code Enforcement Officer) - Proposed to repeal and replace Title 9, Chapter 1 (Inspections and Code Enforcement) and Title 12, Chapter 3 (Weeds, Vegetation, and Other Public Health Nuisances) to align with current state laws and update procedures. - Key changes: merge state codes into one section, update definitions, add administrative liability language, increase penalties (first violation $100, second $250, third $500 within a year), add carbon monoxide detector requirements, clarify pest elimination responsibility (owner unless tenant-caused), allow for chronic violator designation, and update appeals process. - Next steps: two readings in November and December 2023 with public hearings. Council Discussion on Urban Meadows - Councilmember Blackburn advocated for allowing urban meadows/naturalized lawns to support pollinators and reduce environmental harm from traditional lawns. She requested flexibility in code for native landscaping. - Mayor Connolly and Councilmember Smiley opposed, arguing that existing neighborhood standards should be respected and that such changes are best addressed at development stage. Councilmember Robinson noted that most code enforcement complaints come from neighbors. - Councilmember Bell raised concerns about lack of proactive code enforcement in certain areas (e.g., Content Street), urging officers to walk and inspect rather than just drive by. The city manager promised follow-up on specific locations. Key Outcomes - Agenda approved (6-0). - No votes on capital projects; presentations serve as foundation for upcoming budget discussions. - The code enforcement ordinance revisions will be brought back for first reading in November 2023 and second reading in December 2023, including a public hearing. - Staff will follow up on specific code enforcement complaints raised by Councilmember Bell regarding properties on Content Street and other areas.

The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission met on September 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered multiple rezoning requests, preliminary plats, text amendments, a land use plan amendment, and election of officers. Significant discussion occurred on a text amendment to allow fraternity/sorority housing on East Fifth Street, which was denied unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The July 18, 2023 minutes were approved as amended after a correction noted that the outcome (unanimous approval) was missing for item 3. Motion passed unanimously. - Continuation of Preliminary Plats: Items 6 (Dalton T. Jones Subdivision) and 7 (Davencroft, Section 4) were continued to the October 17, 2023 meeting at the request of the applicants. Motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2 – Unshakable Builders Rezoning: Marie Peaton (engineer) and DeWitt Newkirk (owner) spoke in favor, stating a meeting with neighbors had addressed traffic concerns. No opposition speakers. - Item 3 – North State Steel Rezoning: Steve Sproul (surveyor) and Carrie Vaughn (Vice President of North State Steel) spoke in favor. No opposition. - Item 4 – Derek P. Dunn Rezoning: Steve Janowski (Rivers & Associates) spoke in favor. No opposition. - Item 5 – Agrivest LLC Rezoning: Mike Baldwin (representative) spoke in favor. No opposition. - Item 8 – Creekside Subdivision Preliminary Plat: Scott Anderson (Ark Consulting) spoke in favor. One resident opposed, expressing concern that Forlines Road traffic would become dangerous without improvements. - Item 9 – Fraternity/Sorority Text Amendment: Jeremy King (attorney for applicant) spoke in favor. Several residents opposed: Maury York (President, Tar River University Neighborhood Association) argued the proposal would constitute illegal spot zoning and disrupt the single-family neighborhood; other residents (including Elizabeth Knott, Jennifer McKinnon, Dennis Chestnut, and others) cited noise, traffic, parking, and precedent concerns. - Item 10 – Car Wash Text Amendment: No speakers. - Item 11 – RaceTrac Land Use Plan Amendment: Tommy Fees (representative) spoke in favor. No opposition. Discussion Items - Item 2 – Unshakable Builders Rezoning (12.81 acres, R9S to OR): Staff presented that the request is not consistent with the Future Land Use Plan (which recommends low-to-medium density residential), but the developer had met with neighbors. The commission discussed the traffic and buffer concerns. A motion to approve despite plan inconsistency carried 6-1. - Item 3 – North State Steel Rezoning (13.5267 acres, RA20 to IU): Staff noted consistency with the land use plan. Chris West recused himself. The commission approved unanimously. - Item 4 – Derek P. Dunn Rezoning (0.09 acres, R6 to CDF): Staff explained the lot is not developable alone and must be combined with adjacent city-owned parcels. The rezoning aligns with the center city plan. Approved unanimously. - Item 5 – Agrivest LLC Rezoning (5.158 acres, RA20 to OR): Staff noted that the property is a "donut hole" surrounded by OR zoning and that the office designation in the land use plan is unlikely to materialize. Approved unanimously. - Item 8 – Creekside Subdivision Preliminary Plat (152 lots, 75.8 acres): Staff confirmed the plat met all requirements and had subdivision review board approval. Commission approved unanimously. - Item 9 – Fraternity/Sorority Text Amendment: Staff recommended denial, explaining the area is zoned single-family (R9S) and the amendment would conflict with the Horizons 2026 plan and neighborhood preservation strategies. The commission discussed spot zoning, and the city attorney clarified that the legality depends on reasonableness. All members voted to deny, citing the impact on the neighborhood and lack of public benefit. - Item 10 – Car Wash Text Amendment: Staff recommended approval, noting the change adds a permitted use in medical districts and aligns with economic diversification policy. Approved unanimously. - Item 11 – RaceTrac Land Use Plan Amendment (3.405 acres, OI to Commercial): Staff noted that the office demand is low and the property fronts a highway, making commercial use appropriate. A traffic impact analysis will be required. Approved unanimously. - Election of Officers: Alan Brock was elected Chair and Kevin Faison was elected Vice Chair for one-year terms. Key Outcomes - Approvals: - Item 2: Approved 6-1 (one nay from Alan Thomas? – recording indicates one opposed). - Item 3: Approved unanimously (Chris West recused). - Item 4: Approved unanimously. - Item 5: Approved unanimously. - Item 8: Approved unanimously. - Item 10: Approved unanimously. - Item 11: Approved unanimously. - Denials: - Item 9 (Fraternity/Sorority Text Amendment): Denied unanimously. - Elections: Alan Brock elected Chair; Kevin Faison elected Vice Chair. - Meeting Adjourned: Approximately 8:08 PM after all business.

Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were listed. Public Comments & Testimony - Greenville Church of God (first hearing): Amanda Bass, preschool director, presented the application for a half-day drop-in daycare for ages 2–5, with a maximum of 40 children. No public opposition was recorded. The board unanimously approved the permit with staff-recommended conditions. - Rizzuti Amendment (second hearing): Multiple individuals spoke: - Phil Dixon and Scott Dixon (attorneys for applicants): Argued the proposed change was a minor modification, not a rehearing, and that the hours restriction (8:30 AM–5:30 PM, Monday–Friday) unfairly limited the Christian study center's operations, especially for evening and weekend activities. They cited federal religious land use protections and noted that similar uses (fraternities, sororities) had no such restrictions. - Richard and Meredith Rizzuti (applicants): Explained they were unaware a condition could impose hour limits; they needed flexibility for Bible studies, evening study groups, and weekend events. They stated they would drop the Superior Court appeal if the condition was removed. - Elisha Squires (opponent, adjacent property owner): Requested a continuance due to ongoing parking issues on her street (separate from the board's jurisdiction). She cited increased traffic and anxiety from the center's operation. The board denied her continuance motion (no second). - Stuart Squires (witness for Elisha Squires): Spoke about traffic volume and quality-of-life impacts, noting 200–300 cars in a four-hour period. - Kia Thompson (opponent, standing granted): Lived across the street from the parking lot; expressed fears of returning to fraternity-era disturbances and noise. - Vanessa Polk (witness, no standing): Expressed sadness that residents' concerns seemed undervalued compared to the applicants' interests. - William Shiver (witness, no standing): Raised safety concerns for students at night due to increased crime later in the evening. - Vanessa Pope (affirmed standing): Not called to speak. Discussion Items - Procedural Debate: The board's attorney, Mr. Phillips, argued the request was a rehearing requiring six criteria to be met under res judicata principles. The city attorney, Mr. McGirt, and assistant city attorney, Mr. Alexander, countered that state statute (NCGS 160D-705(c)) allows modifications of special use permits without a rehearing. Staff presented examples of previous modifications (e.g., Dickinson Lofts) that were handled as simple amendments. The board initially voted to treat the application as a rehearing request, but later rescinded that motion to start fresh. - Continuance Request: Elisha Squires asked for a continuance to obtain legal counsel and resolve parking issues. The motion to continue failed for lack of a second. - Motion to Accept as Modification: The board voted 5–2 (with Mr. Worrell and Ms. Foreman dissenting) to hear the matter as a modification under NCGS 160D-705(c). - Evidence and Testimony: Staff reported that the deletion of hours was consistent with past board actions, noting that a more intensive use (tobacco shop) was not given hour restrictions. The applicants presented their case for flexibility, emphasizing the need for evening and weekend hours. Opponents cited traffic, safety, and disruption to the neighborhood. Key Outcomes - First Hearing (Greenville Church of God): Approved unanimously with staff conditions. Motion by Mr. Cohen, second by Mr. Worrell. All ayes. - Second Hearing (Rizzuti Amendment): - Motion to keep hours unchanged: Failed 3–4 (Mr. Lilly, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Purdle, Mr. Godley voted no; Ms. Evans, Mr. Worrell, Ms. Foreman voted yes). - Motion to strike Condition G (hours restriction): Passed 4–3 (Mr. Godley, Mr. Lilly, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Purdle voted yes; Ms. Evans, Mr. Worrell, Ms. Foreman voted no). The motion removed the condition that limited use of the house on Property 1 to Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. All other conditions remain in effect. - Directive to Draft Order: The board tasked attorney Phillips with drafting a written decision reflecting the contested facts, to be presented at the next regular meeting on September 28, 2023. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned after the vote.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM on August 15, 2023. However, the commission did not have a quorum; only fewer than five members were present. As a result, no business could be conducted. All agenda items, including rezonings, preliminary plats, text amendments, and the election of officers, were postponed to the next regular meeting scheduled for September 19, 2023. Key Outcomes - The meeting was adjourned without any votes or decisions due to lack of quorum. - All items on the August 15 agenda were rescheduled to the September 19 meeting.