The Greensboro City Council held its regular business meeting on December 16, 2025. The meeting began with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key actions included adopting a resolution for National Homeless Persons Memorial Day, approving a major mixed-use development agreement for Southgate Market, enacting land development ordinance amendments, and authorizing economic development incentives. The council also heard extensive public comment addressing policing, housing conditions, transit service, and homelessness, and dealt with an emergency building condemnation earlier that day.
We will begin the meeting with a moment of silence. I think we have seen many things that are going on globally and locally, so if we could have just a few moments of silence, thank you. Thank you. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And Miss Black, would you uh lead us in the pledge, please? And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. We ask at this time that you please silence any and all electronic devices. The City of Greensboro strongly encourages input from all residents, and the council chamber serves as a welcoming and safe environment for all. Speakers may address specific consent or business agenda items with three minutes allocated for remarks. For zoning matters, a 15-minute presentation period is provided for both proponents and opponents, followed by a five-minute rebuttal period for each side. Speakers may not transfer their time to others, and the presiding officer will determine the speaking order based on the number of speakers. And based on the number of speakers, the mayor may modify the time allotted to each individual. All handouts must be given to the city clerk for distribution. Approaching the dais is not permitted. All speakers are expected to adhere to the established rules of decorum. Any inappropriate or disruptive conduct will result in immediate removal. A first removal carries a three-month suspension from in-person participation. A second violation results in a six-month suspensions, and a third violation or any instance involving physical altercations results in a 12-month suspension and may also subject the individual to criminal charges. Those suspended from in-person participation will retain the ability to attend virtually via Zoom, ensuring their right to free speech. I am going to read this resolution. Whereas December 21st, 2025 marks the first day of winter and is the longest night of the year. Whereas the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council have designated December 21st, 2025 as National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Whereas, in the season of generosity and sharing, citizens of Greensboro are encouraged to commit themselves to promoting expression and compassion and concern for all, particularly during the winter months. They pose extreme hardships for citizens who are less fortunate and without homes. Whereas homelessness continues to be a serious challenge for many Greensboro citizens who have the right to adequate food, housing, clothing, safety, and health care. Whereas homelessness significantly increases one's risk of illness, injury, and death. Whereas the homeless memorial services will take place in the city of High Point on Tuesday, December 16th, and the walk of remembrance will take place in the city of Greensboro on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, to honor those who have passed away in 2025 as a result of their homelessness. Whereas by joining together and remembering our neighbors, we can honor their lives by working to provide solutions to end homelessness within the city of Greensboro. And now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Greensboro that December 21, 2025, is hereby named National Homeless Persons Memorial Day in Greensboro, to remember those who have died homeless and to encourage citizens to come together to celebrate their lives by working to resolve the factors that lead to homelessness within the community. Adopted this the 16th day of December 2025. I will move the resolution. Do I have a motion seconded by Mrs. Thurm? Um we do a recorded vote. All right. Council, please vote. And that carries nine to zero. Thank you all so much. Is there anyone here from urban ministry or who might want to accept the resolution? We will get this to them, so thank you, Council. Now we will move on to our public comment period. This is a time reserved for speakers from the floor on non-agenda items, and it provides an opportunity for members of the public to be heard. We will listen, and if any comments or requests necessitate action, the city clerk, the city manager, and staff will outline the steps for an appropriate response or follow-up. Please ensure that your contact information is left with the city clerk. We had suggested, or I had suggested actually that we keep it to 30 minutes because it's a business meeting, but however, having heard from several of my council members, we will not. We will continue as usual. And after Mr. Pearsall, Mr. McKinney, then Laverne Lamb, if you would make your way over to the windows, please.