Greensboro City Council Meeting – September 16, 2025: Zoning and Affordable Housing Approvals
Greensboro City Council Meeting – September 16, 2025
The Greensboro City Council met on September 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber. All nine council members were present. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda included consent calendar approvals, public hearings on zoning and annexation, and votes on two major affordable housing land sales. Key decisions were the sale of 2701A North O. Henry Boulevard to DHIC Inc. for $350,000 (approved 8-1) and the sale of 101004-1028 John Demory Drive to Prosperity Alliance for $270,000 (approved 9-0). Several zoning continuances were granted to the October 21 meeting. The meeting adjourned after council comments and board appointments.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda (items G1–G15) was approved 9-0 after pulling G12, G14, and G1/G2 for discussion.
- G12 (Graffiti Ordinance Changes): Assistant City Manager Harold explained the consolidation of graffiti regulations into Chapter 17 (nuisances) and a change from a $50 fine to charging property owners the cost of remediation plus 10%. A council member suggested partnering with youth diversion programs for graffiti removal.
- G14 (Budget Adjustments): Councilmember Holston recused himself. Item approved 8-0.
Public Hearings
- Continued Items (H1–H3, H7–H9, H14–H19): All continued to the October 21 City Council meeting. H1-H3 (McConnell Road) required re-advertising; H7-H9 and H14-H19 were continued without further advertising. Councilmember Hightower noted H1-H3 had been continued since February, and urged resolution by October.
- H4–H6 (5511 Burlington Road): Annexation and zoning for 2.85 acres. Applicant amended conditions to prohibit bars, nightclubs, drive-throughs, and many other uses, limiting development to shops and offices. Speaker Dr. James Joseph (friend of applicant) described a neighborhood meeting that resulted in the additional restrictions and neighbor satisfaction. Public hearing closed; annexation and zoning approved 9-0 with statements of consistency.
- H10–H11 (1143 Pleasant Ridge Road): Annexation and PUD zoning for 57.99 acres. Speaker Nick Blackwood (developer) presented a plan for 75 single-family lots, 60 townhomes, 250 multifamily units, and up to 28,000 sq ft commercial. A community meeting of 5–10 attendees was generally supportive. Approved 9-0.
- H12–H13 (4265 Hamburg Mill Road): Annexation and zoning for 1.502 acres from county RS40 to city CDRM5. Staff and Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. Approved 9-0.
Discussion Items & General Business
- I1 – Sale of 2701A North O. Henry Boulevard to DHIC Inc. for $350,000: Cynthia Blue (Assistant Director for Housing) presented a two-phase affordable housing development: 54 senior units (phase one) and 60 family units (phase two), with income targets at 30%, 50%, and 60% of area median income. Total development cost ~$30 million. The city invested approximately $3.5 million in the site. Councilmember Matheny objected to the 90% discount on property (tax value $1.487M vs. sale price $350,000), lack of prior updates, and concentration of LITEC housing in East Greensboro. Speaker Jason Hicks (online) opposed, arguing the sale perpetuates poverty and is a poor use of taxpayer funds. Councilmembers Hightower, Wells, Hoffman, Pinder, and others supported the project, citing the need for senior housing, DHIC’s 51-year track record (never sold a property), and the long-term community benefit. The developer noted the project will rely on 9% LITEC credits (not guaranteed), with site control expected by December 2025 and construction potentially in service by December 2028. Vote: 8-1 (Matheny opposed).
- I2 – Sale of 101004-1028 John Demory Drive to Prosperity Alliance for $270,000: Cynthia Blue described a plan for 15 single-family homes (4 one-story, 11 two-story) targeting 80% and 60% AMI, priced at ~$244,000–$260,000. True Homes Foundation will provide $21,000 per unit subsidy. Additional down payment assistance from NCHFA and First National Bank. Councilmember Hightower championed the project as attainable homeownership for East Greensboro. Approved 9-0.
- I3 – Bid for CVB Hockey Office Restroom Renovation ($656,600): Approved 9-0. Councilmember Hightower questioned the lack of MWBE goals; staff explained the engineer’s estimate was below $300,000 threshold, but the winning bidder is an MBE. The project achieved 4% MBE and 13% WBE participation.
- I4 – Coliseum Capital Improvement Fund ($770,000 for hockey improvements): Approved 9-0.
- I5 – Sole Source Purchase (Polydyne Inc., Cara Flock C 6257 Polymer): Approved 9-0.
- Boards and Commissions Appointments: Andrew Randall (Sustainability Council) reappointed; Taylor McCaskill (Minimum Housing Standards Commission) new appointment; JD Gallian (Board of Adjustments) reappointment; David Parrish (PTRWA) reappointment; Terry Savoy (Minimum Housing Standards Commission) new appointment. All approved unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- Consent agenda approved 9-0 (with pulled items handled separately).
- Zoning and annexation items H4–H6, H10–H11, H12–H13 all approved 9-0.
- Sale of 2701A North O. Henry Blvd to DHIC Inc. approved 8-1.
- Sale of John Demory Drive property to Prosperity Alliance approved 9-0.
- Renovation and purchase items I3, I4, I5 approved 9-0.
- Board appointments approved unanimously.
- Council comments highlighted the Folk Festival, Pride, library services, a water quality meeting (Sept 30 at East Market Street 7-Day Advance, 6 PM), early voting concerns (only 4 sites, 16.2% turnout in last election), and recognition of Major General Joseph McNeil and Bob McAdoo.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the September 16th, 2025 meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber. Let the record reflect that all council members are in attendance. We will begin tonight's meeting with a moment of silence. Thank you. Mrs. Hoffman, would you lead us in the pledge? Of the United States of America and to the Republic. For which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please silence any and all electronic devices. If you must make or receive a phone call, kindly do so from outside the chamber. The City of Greensboro strongly encourages resident input at our meetings. It is the goal of the City Council that the Katie Dorset Council Chamber is a welcoming and safe space for all community members. In order to speak at tonight's meeting, individuals must sign up to speak by 6 p.m. If you signed up to speak online, you must let the courier know that you are in attendance. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with up to three minutes allocated for their remarks. Zoning matters, there is a 15-minute presentation for both the proponents and the opponents of the rezoning and a five-minute rebuttal. The speakers cannot relinquish their time to others, and the speaker order is determined by the presiding officer. All speakers are expected to adhere to the rules of decorum. Any inappropriate or disruptive behavior will result in an immediate removal from the meeting. Removal will result in a three-month suspension from in-person participation. A second violation following the initial suspension will result in a six-month suspension. A third violation or any instance involving physical altercations will lead to a 12-month suspension and may also result in criminal charges. Individuals who are suspended will still have an option of participating virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech. Items removed from the consent agenda for discussion will be placed on the next business meeting agenda. Tonight's meeting does include closed captioning. Depending on the length of the meeting, we may take a short recess around 7 30. We're so happy that you are here. If you have any questions, we'd love to talk to you after the meeting or at any other time. Thank you so much for being here. Yes. And I do want to recognize Chancellor Martin. It is so nice to have you back in our chambers. I do think the item you're here for may be getting postponed, but I'll get to that in a moment. But thank you so much. It's great to see you. Um the applicant has requested to continue H1 through H3. H1 is a public hearing for an ordinance annexing territory into the corporate limits for properties located at portions of 3725 and 3739 and all of 3751 McConnell Road, 35.68 acres, Mary Bell Tuttle and others, and item H2, a public hearing for an ordinance for original zoning for portions of 3725 and 3739, and all of 3751 McConnell Road, Amanda Hodiern for Mary Bell Tuttle, Neil C. Tuttle, and others, and item H3, a public hearing for an ordinance for original zoning for a portion of McConnell Road right of way for the city of Greensboro. This is to be continued to October 21 City Council meeting with no further advertising. Do I have a motion? Moved by second moved by Mrs. Hoffman. No, she was I was sitting right next to her. She we haven't used that in a long time. So we we have a motion from Mrs. Hoffman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. All in favor say aye.
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