Greenville City Council Meeting - August 14, 2025

The Greenville City Council met on August 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, public comments, appointments, and several public hearings on rezoning, annexation, a grant amendment, and funding for affordable housing. Council members also discussed noise enforcement, traffic safety, and housing affordability. Votes were taken on all items, with most passing overwhelmingly.

Special Recognitions

• The Public Information Office received two 2025 NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards: first place for the "Greenville Eats" video program and second place for the 250th anniversary campaign.
• Chief Brock Davenport was honored for his retirement after 26 years with Greenville Fire Rescue. Under his leadership, the department grew from 120 personnel and 4 stations answering under 9,000 calls annually to 171 personnel, 7 stations, and over 21,000 calls in 2024. The department achieved accreditation in 2019 and 2024, and its ISO rating improved from Class 3 to Class 2 in 2019 and to Class 1 in 2025—placing Greenville Fire Rescue among less than 1% of fire departments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luther Davis (Cypress Glen resident) expressed concern about loud vehicle mufflers and requested better enforcement of the noise ordinance.
• Wayne Meads (Cypress Glen resident) echoed the noise complaint, noting that the ordinance is not enforced and that ignoring it worsens the problem. He also commended the council for addressing speeding.
• Kathleen Tootle (Cypress Glen resident) described the noise as a health hazard and suggested solutions used elsewhere, such as public awareness campaigns (e.g., "Be Proud, Not Loud" signs) and decibel meters to target enforcement. She left materials with the clerk.
• Lori Stallings (Executive Director, Cypress Glen) stated that Cypress Glen houses about 320 residents (soon 400) and employs 250 staff. She asked the council to enforce the noise ordinance to help residents enjoy peace and quiet.
• David Edwards (Golden Road resident) presented photos and video of repeated flooding. He said a hydraulic study identified an undersized drain pipe over a decade ago, but the city and DOT dispute responsibility. He expressed frustration that stormwater fees have not been used to fix the problem and urged the council to take action. The mayor and council members expressed sympathy and commitment to finding a solution.

Appointments

• Council unanimously approved the following appointments (all votes 6-0):
  • Environmental Advisory Commission: Darone Dancy
  • Multimodal Transportation Commission: Virginia Ramsey
  • Planning and Zoning Commission: Thomas Remington
• Appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Authority (resident commissioner seat), Recreation and Parks Commission, and Youth Council were continued to future meetings.

Public Hearings & New Business

Item 4: Rezoning of 23.888 acres at Dickinson Avenue Extension and Allen Road (RA20 to R6)

• City Planner Chris Kelly presented: The property is near the Speedway, currently zoned RA20 (could yield 60-70 single-family lots). Proposed R6 (high-density multifamily) could yield 330-340 units. Traffic impact: current zoning generates 660 trips/day; proposed generates 2,292 trips/day (net +1,632). Allen Road widening (two to four lanes) is set to begin fall 2025, estimated 18-24 months completion. The Property is in the Greensmill Run watershed. Staff recommended approval, and the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval on July 15, 2025.
• Applicant representative (Amanda) described two neighborhood meetings (May 19 and May 29) with low attendance and no opposition. Developer Marcus Wheathour (Hillpointe, LLC) stated the project will include 288 two-bedroom, two-bath units (1,100 sq ft) and 48 three-bedroom townhouses. Rents estimated at $1,525 for two-bedroom and $1,800 for three-bedroom—$200-$100 less than comparable market. Construction timeline: 18 months, with full lease-up in 26 months, after road widening. The developer emphasized quality and security features.
• Councilmember Foreman shared feedback from neighbors in Cobblestone, Brookhollow, Teakwood, and Allen Ridge. While supportive of development, they preferred duplexes or single-family homes (consistent with existing housing) and expressed concerns about two-bedroom units attracting young renters and construction timing with road widening.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Blackburn noted the road will be done before the development is built out (3-5 years). The city attorney reminded that rezoning to a general use district (R6) allows all uses permitted in that district, not just the applicant's specific plan.
• Vote: Motion to approve by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Willis. Passed 5-1, with Councilmember Foreman dissenting.

Item 5: Annexation of the same 23.888-acre Hillpointe property

• Chris Kelly presented: The property is in the preferred growth area, in Council District 2. Estimated tax value of development: $55,275,000. If annexation is denied, the city can still provide sewer under the charter.
• Public hearing: No speakers; applicant deferred to previous presentation.
• Vote: Motion to approve by Councilmember Robinson, second by Mayor Pro Tem Daniels. Passed 5-1, with Councilmember Foreman dissenting.

Item 6: Resolution Authorizing Amendment to Partnership Development Grant Agreement with NC Biotechnology Center for Project Lucky

• Assistant City Attorney Scott Dixon explained: The city previously entered an agreement with NC Biotech and Patheon/Thermo Fisher for job training. The amendment extends the grant end date from September 14, 2025, to December 31, 2027, and reallocates funds for updated training (including virtual reality). No change in dollar amount. The city administers the grant as a pass-through. Dixon confirmed Thermo Fisher has created over 100 jobs above the required amount.
• Public hearing: No speakers.
• Vote: Motion to approve by Councilmember Willis, second by Councilmember Blackburn. Passed 6-0.

Item 7: 2025 HOME Investment Partnership Fund Commitment for Multi-Family Rental Housing Development (Turnberry Trace)

• Neighborhood & Business Services Director Tiana Berriman presented: The city uses HOME funds to support affordable rental development. Two prior commitments (Park Ridge Trace and Lindbeth Place) are pending state awards. A call for developers in July yielded one response from Taft Mills for Turnberry Trace, a 72-unit senior (55+) affordable housing project. Staff recommends an additional $285,000 subsidy to close the gap, on top of the $715,000 approved in April.
• Dustin (Taft Mills) noted construction has begun. Total development cost: ~$17 million. Rents range from $550 to $990. The project is age-restricted (55+), similar to the successful Farrington Trace Senior, which leased up in three months. The developer is local and committed to the community.
• Council discussion: Councilmember Blackburn praised the quality of Taft Mills' developments. Councilmember Robinson highlighted the local developer's track record. Councilmember Foreman noted the project addresses affordability for essential workers. The mayor noted that the senior designation is appropriate.
• Vote: Motion to approve by Mayor Pro Tem Daniels, second by Councilmember Blackburn. Passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning (Hillpointe): Approved 5-1 (Councilmember Foreman dissenting).
• Annexation (Hillpointe): Approved 5-1 (Councilmember Foreman dissenting).
• Grant Amendment (Project Lucky): Approved 6-0.
• HOME Funds (Turnberry Trace): Approved 6-0.
• Appointments: Three appointments approved unanimously; several continued.
• Council comments on noise enforcement: Councilmember Blackburn proposed a public information campaign with clear signs, stricter enforcement, and possible inclusion of muffler checks in vehicle inspections. Mayor noted the police chief is working with the DA's office. Councilmember Robinson suggested increasing fines for noise violations. The police chief was available in the foyer to discuss efforts.
• Upcoming meeting: Mayor Pro Tem Daniels announced a DOT-led town hall on the Allen Road widening on August 18, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 PM at Lake Forest School.