Good evening Mayor, council members. My name is Ian Sibley from Southside Neighborhood. I have been a member of the Community Advisory Team for this project since its inception, representing the interests of more than eighty property owners plus business and residential tenants.

Through all the discussions and consultations, support for this project has been consistently unanimous and I am not aware of any detractors among my neighbors.

Right now, regardless of what business is actually going on in the area in question, its current condition and appearance is working against the ongoing positive development of the City - the key thing that drew myself and many of my neighbors to invest and live here.

The common perception of the area is that it is neglected and decaying. Who would want to live near it or open a business there? No-one that I know.

The prospect of the redevelopment going ahead is exciting. The prospect that the area will be allowed to continue to decline is alarming.

We already have the example of Southside where a very bad area was transformed into a successful and award-winning residential & commercial neighborhood. It was done right. It now contributes money, employment and people who care. And although you can see this effect extending out from Southside, it won't reach the part of South Elm St that is the subject of this plan because of the barrier that Lee St represents.

The transformation of Downtown, which includes Southside, the Greene St streetscape and the many businesses that have opened on South Elm St north of Lee St, must not be allowed to stall. This is very much a matter that the City Council should be concerned about.

It is vital for the continuing health, appeal and growth of Downtown and ultimately the whole City of Greensboro that this plan be adopted.

--- Original Message --- From: "Curry, Dan"
Sent: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 08:39:34 -0400
Subject: City Council delays action on S Elm Street Plan

The City Council last night delayed action on the South Elm Street Redevelopment Plan until their December 5th meeting. The Council appears to support the overall objectives of the Plan but has concerns about how eminent domain is to be used should it become necessary and what the role should be of the City Council in that situation.

We expect to discuss this issue with the Redevelopment Commission at their Nov. 14th meeting and brief the City Council on possible alternatives at the City Council briefing on November 28th.

In the meantime we are continuing to work on negotiated purchases of property, pursuing a brownfield agreement with the State, and other tasks. We will keep you informed as further information is available.

Dan Curry, AICP
Deputy Director & Development Manager
Dept. of Housing & CD
PO Box 3136
Greensboro, NC 27402-3136
(336)373-2751 (336)412-6315 - fax