Greenville City Council Meeting – December 22, 2025

Although the regularly scheduled meeting for December 22, 2025, was cancelled by a unanimous vote at the end of the preceding December 11, 2025, council meeting, the following summary captures all proceedings from the December 11, 2025, city council meeting that are included in the official transcript. The December 11 meeting was presided over by Mayor P.J. Connolly and included all six council members—Foreman, Willis, Jones, Hardy, Scully, and Robinson—along with city staff and the city attorney. The meeting lasted approximately 3 hours and covered a wide range of legislative, planning, and policy items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Girl Scout Troop 3003 (8th and 11th graders) attended as part of a government badge activity; no formal public comments were made.
• Professor McNair introduced his East Carolina University sociology class, who observed the meeting as a field observation exercise.
• No other members of the public spoke during the 30-minute public comment period.

Consent Calendar

• All items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously (6‑0):
  • Resolution to abandon a portion of drainage easement (Linkson Farms Phase 10).
  • Conveyance of right‑of‑way for NCDOT Project U‑2718 (Evan Street/Old Tar widening).
  • Acceptance of real property from Boveet USA for GUC electric substation and utility easements.
  • Contract award for 2025‑2026 stormwater pipeline on‑call project.
  • Contract award for design, property acquisition, and CEI for Trafogler Drive stormwater improvement.
  • Various tax refunds over $100.

Discussion Items

Annexation & Rezoning – Mills Road / Wolf Pitt Road (Items 9 & 10)

• Petitioner: RDP Management Consulting and Houses BPR. Requested annexation and rezoning of 119.163 acres from Pitt County RA (Rural Agriculture) to RS9 (Single‑Family Residential).
• Presentation by City Planner Chris Kelly: The property is southeast of the city, near Hope Middle School and D.H. Conley High School. Anticipated yield: 340‑350 single‑family lots with an estimated tax value of $112.125 million. Traffic analysis showed current Mills Road capacity at 28%; with development it would increase to 32% (705 additional trips per day).
• Public Testimony: Patty O’Daniel, a resident of Mills Road for 20 years, expressed concerns about traffic congestion during school drop‑off/pick‑up, stormwater flooding, and the pace of development. She asked for more methodical planning.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers Hardy and Scully noted traffic issues near schools. The city manager clarified that NCDOT would require dedicated turn lanes and that the road capacity analysis showed ample room. Councilmember Robinson underscored the need for infrastructure (fire stations, parks) funded by new tax revenue. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Willis, seconded by Councilmember Robinson, and passed 6‑0.

Rezoning – NC 43 North, 0.937 acres (Item 11)

• Petitioner: Robert Forbes Jr. and James Forbes. Requested RA20 to CG (General Commercial) for a property historically used as a recording studio and formerly a country store/gas station.
• Presentation: City Planner Kelly noted the property is under one acre, would generate 82 net new trips daily (less than 1% increase on NC 43), and is consistent with the future land use map. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval 7‑1.
• Public Testimony: James Forbes and Robert Forbes (co‑petitioners) spoke in favor, noting the property deed restrictions prevent residential use due to past fuel storage. They referenced nearby housing developments (Ironwood, Carolina Cross) that would benefit from a small commercial node.
• Vote: Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Foreman, second by Councilmember Robinson; approved 6‑0.

Text Amendment – Bar 2022 & Microbrewery Standards (Item 12)

• Presenter: Chief Planner Shantae Gooby. Objective: Loosen restrictions on Bar 2022 use (increase max size from 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft, allow in more commercial districts with special use permit) and allow microbreweries to obtain mixed beverage permits (max size 8,000 sq ft), plus add 500‑ft separation from single‑family zones.
• Background: Past tensions over alcohol establishments; the 500‑ft rule was created to manage quality of life. The current amendments are incremental changes based on three years of experience.
• Public Testimony: Bill Bridges, owner of Pitt Street Brewery, spoke in favor. He noted a 40% revenue drop from 2018‑2019 levels due to road construction and changing consumer preferences (craft beer down, mixed beverages up). He raised concerns about security personnel requirements for amplified music after 11 p.m. Staff agreed to review and refine the security guard language to avoid ambiguity.
• Discussion: Councilmembers expressed support for allowing bars beyond downtown to spread density and improve downtown retail diversity. The 500‑ft spacing and special use permit process were seen as adequate safeguards. Motion by Councilmember Scully, second by Councilmember Hardy; approved 6‑0.

Public Art Placement – Down East Sculpture Exhibition (Item 15)

• Presenter: Representative from Emerge Gallery. Four sculptures proposed for city property: “Orbital Motion” (by ECU artist) at Cotanche/Reed; “Constellation” (by PCC faculty) at Jarvis Street Greenway; “Ordinances” (by Durham artist) at Harding Greenway; “Industrial Complex” (by Connecticut artist) – location to be determined. The exhibition is a low‑cost rotating program.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (6‑0).

Downtown Greenville Partnership Contract (Item 16)

• Presenter: Executive Director Troy Dreyfus. Reported on 2025 accomplishments: events (Pirate Fest set records, returned $43,000 to city), beautification (alleyway renovation, planter boxes), and marketing (podcast, social media growth). Requested continuation of annual $100,000 funding.
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Connolly praised downtown progress. Councilmember Willis raised concerns about students of color feeling unwelcome downtown; Dreyfus offered to invite her to monthly bar owner meetings to discuss inclusion.
• Vote: Motion by Councilmember Scully, second by Councilmember Robinson; approved 6‑0.

Purchase of Additional Affordable Homes from Pitt Community College (Item 17)

• Presenter: Program Manager Renee Skeen. Request to purchase two student‑built homes for $98,000 and $85,000 as part of the 50‑10 affordable housing initiative. Homes are 3‑bed/2‑bath, ~1,300 sq ft, located on Cherry & Davis Streets and near 5th Street.
• Support: Dr. Maria Farr (PCC President) and Craig Goes (Greenville Toyota) spoke about the program’s educational and community benefits. Councilmembers praised the partnership and low cost.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (6‑0).

Land Acquisition for Sports Complex (Item 18)

• Presenter: Don Othigan, Executive Director of Recreation, Parks & Capital Projects. Request to purchase two parcels totaling 127 acres near Sunnyside Road and Highway 264 for $1,941,650. The site would support a 12‑field baseball/softball complex, with potential for walking trails and playgrounds.
• Background: Feasibility study completed; due diligence confirmed site suitability. The acquisition will be funded from the sports complex project account (approved in September).
• Council Discussion: Councilmember Robinson highlighted the economic impact of tournament sports (up to 300 teams). The mayor noted momentum with the ECU North Rec Complex transition.
• Vote: Motion by Councilmember Scully, second by Councilmember Jones; approved 6‑0.

Donation of Real Property for Park & Public Safety (Item 19)

• Presenter: Don Othigan. RDP Management Consulting LLC is donating ~40 acres at 0 Wolf Pitt Road (tax parcel 4923) to the city for a future park, fire station, and/or police substation. The appraised value is ~$108,000.
• Vote: Unanimous approval (6‑0).

Budget Ordinance Amendment #5 (Item 20)

• Presenter: CFO Jacob Joyner. Amendment impacts multiple funds:
  • Facility Improvement Fund: +$200,000 for repair/maintenance.
  • Special Revenue Grant Fund: +$70,000 for firefighter assistance grant.
  • Donations Fund: +$3,500 for cops & barbers turkey giveaway.
  • Transit Fund: +$837,000 (100% grant) for fleet expansion.
  • Grant Fund: +$1.25 million for COPS 25 grant (8 additional sworn officers for 3 years). Overall operating budget increases to $203.7 million.
• Vote: Motion by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Hardy; approved 6‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Cancellation of December 22 Meeting: On a motion by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Jones, council unanimously voted to cancel the December 22, 2025, meeting.
• All other consent and regular agenda items were approved unanimously (6‑0).
• No items were denied or continued.
• Next Steps: Staff will refine text amendments for bar/brewery security language; city will proceed with land closings, budget implementation, and planning for the sports complex and new park/fire station site.