City of Greensboro Meeting Minutes - Final

City Council Work Session

Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2:00 P.m. - 4:00 P.m.

Plaza Level Conference Room

300 West Washington Street

Greensboro, NC

Present:

• Mayor Nancy Vaughan, 
• Mayor Pro-Tem Yvonne Johnson, 
• Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter, 
• Councilmember Sharon Hightower, 
• Councilmember Nancy Hoffmann, 
• Councilmember Hugh Holston, 
• Councilmember Zack Matheny, 
• Councilmember Tammi Thurm, 
• and and Councilmember Goldie Wells 

Also Present:

• Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson, 
• City Attorney Chuck Watts, 
• and and Deputy City Clerk Victoria Howell 

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A.

Call To Order

These City Council Work Session minutes are a general account of the January 25, 2024 meeting. For full details of discussions, the meeting video can be located on the City of Greensboro website at https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings.

This City Council work session of the City of Greensboro was called to order at 2:00 p.m. on the above date.

Mayor Vaughan confirmed Councilmembers in attendance; and stated Councilmember Wells would be participate via Zoom.

B.

Presentations

B.1

2024-13 Downtown Parking Plan 

Assistant City Manager Nasha McCray introduced the item and recognized staff for a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP). 

Transportation Director, Hanna Cockburn made a PPP; spoke to downtown parking; highlighted goals; core values; council priorities; spoke to a car optional city; to parking demand; highlighted outdated policies; investments; inequitable public parking; safety concerns; and spoke to utilization of parking plan. 

Transportation Manager, Stephen Carter continued the PPP; spoke to recommendations; to operations; and to funding.

Ms. Cockburn continued the PPP; outlined the need for signage; increased equity; compliance; spoke to long term parking; and to plan adoption. 

Discussion took place regarding a parking study; meters, vouchers, and plaque parking; parking enforcement and fees; pay stations; Economic Development; and downtown business'.

Councilmember Matheny requested staff to provide an update on the Westin Hotel; the February 1 parking deck; and to research Green Bean area parking investments. 

(A copy of the PowerPoint Presentation is filed in Exhibit Drawer G, No. 3, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

B.2

2024-64 Policy Initiatives: Housing 

Deputy City Manager Chris Wilson provided an overview of the item. 

Senior Manager Housing and Neighborhood Development, Cyndi Blue made a PPP; spoke to four primary housing GSO goals; to affordable housing; to neighborhood reinvestments; highlighted implementation timeframe; recommended funding; spoke to the Regency Inn development site; and to affordable rental housing implementation. 

Discussion took place regarding the home buyer assistance program and expansion; community outreach; the eviction diversion program; emergency shelter needs; permanent supportive housing; funding options; property taxes; a one-year guarantee income program; rehab properties; and Pallet Homes.

Councilmember Thurm requested staff to provide an update on the abandoned buildings ordinance.

Discussion continued regarding a partnership with Guilford County; Step-up America; upcoming Strategic meetings; and homelessness. 

Councilmember Hightower requested staff to provide a breakdown of the housing loan preservation funds; and to inform the community of the down payment assistance programs. 

(A copy of the PowerPoint Presentation is filed in Exhibit Drawer G, No. 3, which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)

C.

Adjournment

Moved by Councilmember Holston, seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried by affirmation.

The City Council Adjourned at 4:09P.M.

 

___________________________                        ____________________________

Nancy Vaughan, Mayor                                       Victoria L. Howell, Deputy City Clerk