Greensboro City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025
Greensboro City Council Meeting - November 18, 2025
The Greensboro City Council met on November 18, 2025, in the Katie Dorsett Council Chamber. The meeting included ceremonial resolutions, public hearings, adoption of the South Greensboro Plan, several zoning and annexation items, and a contentious debate on amendments to the Minimum Housing Standards Commission's powers and duties. All council members were present, and votes were 9-0 except where noted.
Consent Calendar
- Items G1-G14 were approved in a single vote, 9-0, with the exception of item G12, which was highlighted by Councilmember Hightower.
- G12 – Resolution authorizing the purchase of property at 301 YY Humble Road for $87,100 from Mr. Hassan for future park expansion at Brown Community Park. Hightower noted the partnership with the county and the property's unique utility for the park. The entire consent agenda passed 9-0.
Ceremonial Items
- E2 (Postponed from E3) – Resolution honoring Carla D. Munden for her civic and community contributions. Moved by Mr. Holston, seconded by Dr. Wells, passed 9-0.
- E1 – Resolution honoring Rabbi Fred Gutman, accepted by Rabbi Coran. Moved by Mrs. Hoffman, seconded by Mrs. Thurm, passed 9-0.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Brenda Barksdale (Randman Road area resident) – Requested an update on a traffic light at Randman Road and MetaView, citing six deaths at the intersection. City Manager Trey Davis confirmed NCDOT installation is expected before end of year.
- Sally Stevens (Tri-Ed Meat Company owner) – Spoke in favor of adopting the South Greensboro Plan, emphasizing the need for revitalization, safer traffic, and better business upkeep on Randman Road.
- James Bass Knight (Randman Road Community Association) – Expressed support for the South Greensboro Plan and urged its adoption to begin revitalization.
- Nancy Link (1005 South Josephine Boyd Street) – Initially opposed the rezoning for Domus HP 1 LLC but later asked council to allow it, provided the city commits to traffic management. She criticized zoning commissioners for dismissive attitudes.
- Casey Thomas (1041 South Josephine Boyd Street) – Spoke in favor of the rezoning to prevent a worse development, but urged traffic management investment, noting the street ranks second in the city for pedestrian injury risk.
- Brenda Barksdale (second appearance) – Thanked council for the traffic light update.
- Angela Nichols (Village Walk tenant) – Described mold, rodent, and infrastructure issues at her complex, requesting stricter code enforcement.
- Multiple speakers (through item H1, minimum housing commission) – Opposed the amendment to reduce the commission's powers. Speakers included:
- Bill Furlow (Minimum Housing Standards Commission member) – Asked council to reject the amendment, noting the commission has been ineffective and needs strengthening.
- Malaya Imes (Eviction Court Watch leader) – Urged delay of the vote, citing tenants' reliance on the commission for accountability.
- Tracy Furman (Commission member) – Argued the amendment was punitive and urged a 'no' vote.
- Lewis Pitts – Called the amendment an “outrage” and said it would remove the commission's power to study rental rates.
- Arya Rose (Renter) – Asked to delay the vote until the new council is seated.
- Albina Ray (Canvasser) – Opposed the amendment, describing poor living conditions and accusing council of disdain for low-income residents.
- Sammy Schwartz (Landlord and volunteer) – Asked council to support the commission.
- Charlene Grattan (Former Village Walk tenant) – Testified about a rat infestation and urged accountability.
- Terrell Dungey – Criticized council for not acting on known problem properties and urged delay.
- Jason Hicks – Accused council of not listening to constituents and requested the vote be postponed to the next council.
Discussion Items
- H1: South Greensboro Plan (Public Hearing and Adoption) – Long-range planning manager Russ Clegg presented the plan, covering 8 square miles from I-40 to I-85. The plan aims to promote prosperity, safety, and inclusivity, with specific transportation, park, and urban form recommendations. Public input included five meetings (20-40 attendees each), focus groups, and neighborhood association visits. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption. The plan builds on the Randman Road Phase 2 plan. Councilmember Hightower moved to adopt the plan, seconded by Dr. Wells. The motion passed 9-0.
- H2: Rezoning at 1018 and 1028 South Josephine Boyd Street – Request to rezone from R5 to CDRM18 with conditions (no vertical development within 75 feet of the right-of-way; maximum 47 units). Staff recommended approval, noting consistency with the comprehensive plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, but the proposal required a plan amendment. Developer Nick Blackwood described adjustments made after neighborhood feedback. Speakers: Nancy Link (initially opposed, then asked for traffic management) and Casey Thomas (in favor). The motion passed 9-0.
- H3-H10: Annexation and Rezoning Requests – Several properties were annexed and rezoned (to R3 or CDRM12 or CDR5), each with staff recommendations and Planning and Zoning Commission approval. All passed 9-0 with consistency statements.
- H1 (Chapter 11 Amendments): Minimum Housing Standards Commission Powers – The council debated amendments to remove the commission's authority to study rental rates and to accompany inspectors on property visits. City Attorney Camille Jones explained that studying rental rates is not within the commission's expertise and that the state (GS 42-14) prohibits municipalities from controlling rent. Quasi-judicial rules prevent commissioners from visiting properties and then ruling on those cases (ex parte communication). Councilmember Hoffman expressed support for renting rate studies by experts. Councilmembers Holston and Thurm emphasized education for tenants. Councilmember Hightower stressed the need to follow state law, while Councilmembers Wilson and Goldie noted the city's limited authority due to RUCO and state preemption. City staff noted that receivership is a state law (Chapter 38) and requires a vacant property. Councilmember Pinder asked about enforcement; staff explained the three-month process and the current $10/day fine (increased from $100/day by prior council). City Attorney’s office is reviewing fines. The amendment passed 8-1 (only Councilmember Holston voted no).
- I2-I14: Remaining Business Items – Included approvals for:
- I2 & I3: $2 million for Greensboro Housing Authority’s Arbors at South Crossing infrastructure and bond issuance (passed 9-0).
- I4: $627,699 contract for White Street Landfill repairs (passed 9-0).
- I5 & I6: $13.78 million for Southeast Feeder Main and $14.97 million contract for Contract Three (passed 9-0).
- I7: Resolution supporting Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority master plan (passed 9-0).
- I8: $789,500 for Tanger Center Founders Room renovations, funded from venue revenues (passed 9-0).
- I9 & I10: $302,724 for Coliseum/Tanger Center cabling and fiber, and $294,855 in bond fund amendments (passed 9-0).
- I11: $1.68 million for Bog Garden boardwalk replacement (passed 9-0).
- I12 & I13: Salary for ABC Board General Manager and authorization to exceed working capital limit (passed 9-0).
- I14: $11.46 million bid for street resurfacing (Blythe Construction) (passed 9-0).
- Board and Commission Appointments – Reappointment of Eric Arlen to the Community Sustainability Council and appointment of Greg Drumwright to the Minimum Housing Standards Commission (replacing Christina Singleton) (both passed 9-0).
Key Outcomes
- South Greensboro Plan adopted (9-0).
- Rezonings and annexations for six properties approved (all 9-0).
- Minimum Housing Standards Commission amendment (removing power to study rental rates and accompany inspectors) passed 8-1 (Holston opposed).
- Arbors at South Crossing infrastructure funding ($2 million) and bond issuance approved (9-0).
- Tanger Center renovations approved; funding confirmed as venue-generated revenue (9-0).
- Street resurfacing contract for 20 streets awarded to Blythe Construction for $11.46 million (9-0).
- Two commission appointments approved (9-0).
- Next meetings: December 1, 2025 (regular) and December 2, 2025 (swearing-in of new council).
Meeting Transcript
And welcome to the November eighteenth, twenty twenty-five meeting of the Greensboro City Council. We are in the Katie Dorset Council Chamber. Let the record reflect that all members are in attendance. We will begin tonight's meeting with a moment of silence. In order to speak at tonight's meeting, individuals must sign up to speak by six PM. If you have signed up online, please let the courier know that you are in attendance. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for their remarks. For zoning matters, there is a fifteen-minute presentation for both proponents and opponents of the rezoning and a five-minute rebuttal for each side. Speakers cannot relinquish their time to others, and the speaker order is determined by the presiding officer. Depending on the number of speakers, council may adjust the time allocated for each person. Any handouts must be given to the courier for distribution. Any inappropriate or disruptive behavior will result in immediate removal from the meeting. Individuals who are suspended will still have the option to participate virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech is preserved. Zoom participants, and I don't believe we have any this evening. Um shall not speak until they are called upon. By statute, council members must vote on all items unless there is a direct financial interest, or if they serve on a board of a nonprofit receiving funding from the city on a particular item. All votes will be moved and seconded, and the presiding officer will announce the vote total. We have a consent agenda for items G1 through G14, which are a grouping of agenda items that are voted on with one single vote to expedite what is believed to be routine and non-controversial. Any council member may withdraw an item from the consent agenda due to a conflict of interest or for the purpose of voting no. 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 today's meeting, we may take a short recess around 7 30. The city has been requested to postpone item E3, which is a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Jim Melvin to the December 1st City Council meeting. May I have a motion? Moved by Mr. Matheny, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem. All in favor say aye. Aye. And that passes 9 to 0. We do have two ceremonial items. We are going to start with item E2, which is a resolution honoring the exceptional civic and community contributions of Carla D. Munden. Mr. Holston. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And before I begin, I will say that Carla Munden is also at this very same time, has a scheduled uh celebration out at Grandover, so she's unable to make it. But I'm going to read the resolution in her absence. This is a resolution honoring the exceptional civic and community contributions of Carla D. Munden. Whereas Carla D. Munden, Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive of Lincoln Financial Group, has exemplified leadership, integrity, and service throughout her distinguished career. Her expertise in corporate governance, finance, and philanthropy has elevated institutions and improved the lives of residents across Greensboro. Whereas Ms. Munden, a Greensboro native and distinguished veteran of the United States Navy Reserve, has exemplified an enduring commitment to education and economic empowerment. She continues to demonstrate this commitment through her steadfast support of nonprofit organizations, dedicated mentorship of students, and sustained investment in future generations. Whereas she served the community through impactful leadership roles with organizations such as the YWCA of Greensboro, Operation Excel, North Carolina ANT State University Board of Visitors, the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business at Elon University, the Complete Project Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, where she chaired the audit committee and was an inaugural donor to the Black Investments in Greensboro big fund, as well as hospice and palliative care of Greensboro and the Lincoln Financial Foundation Chaired Road Contributions Committee. Whereas Ms. Munden has extended her leadership nationally through service on the boards of the American Express American Express National Bank and the College of William and Mary Foundation, where she serves as trustee and vice chair of the audit committee and has endowed a scholarship and named a space to support underrepresented students. Whereas her philanthropic legacy includes more than 38 years of dedicated support to the March of Dimes, where she has been the largest nonprofit fundraiser in the triad for the past three years, as well as personal contributions to literacy and public remembrance through the donation of books to the Greensboro Public Library and the dedication of a public bench in honor of her parents. Whereas Ms.
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