Highlights from Bladen County Board of Commissioners

Josh Sabo from the Heartland Continuum of Care and several agencies update the Council on how they serve Springfield.

Plans for a major parcel in RTP are debated. Duke University requests rezoning of a number of properties near downtown.

Topics Covered: New Cell Phone Policy | Recent Community Engagement Events | Urban Forestry Grant Internship | Recruitment and Residency Policy | Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day | Learning Partner Agreements and Emergency Camera Agreements

Citizens continue to show disgust over the handling of unhoused citizens, while the council considers funds for an elevator and other expenditures.

Topics Covered: Five-Year Strategic Plan | New School Enrollment Process | Transportation Data Updates | Contract Negotiations | School Closure Rumors | Public Comments on Funding and Leadership | Inspector General Report | Office of Student Protection Updates | Internal Auditor Report

City personnel provide an overview of the utility service activities including current state and future plans.

After proclamations and discussions of federal priorities, questions were raised about why the County Manager went on leave with no explanation.

Labor pitches in to help Springfield build a home, there are serious concerns raised about the location of proposed homes for unhoused vets, and the community continues to wrestle with cultural issues in the police department.

Durham is growing. The council considers several annexation requests to bring more housing to the community.

Springfield District 186 Board Meeting Summary: * Monthly Superintendent’s Student Roundtable Update * Community Engagement Reading Program - Look It's My Book * Community Engagement Reading Program - Real Men Read * Nonprofit Education Support - Compass for Kids and United Way * Student Physicals and Immunizations October 1st Deadline * Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits Report for the 2023-2024 School Year * Deficit Reduction Plan - Finding $9 Million Between Year One and Two * Deficit Reduction Plan - Options with 15% Fund Balance Goal * Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2025 Budget * Alternative Education Options for Students and Security in Schools

The Springfield City Council hears concerns over police behavior.

The meeting included announcements of many upcoming events celebrating different parts of our community. There's also a celebration of a major sustainability grant.

The council considers a significant annexation for a new development in southwest Durham.

Citizens show outrage over a proposed ordinance on homeless camping.

This Committee of the Whole meeting focused on housing investments, with careful attention being given to how funds are being allocated and the need for community involvement.

This short public meeting included recognition of work being done on supplier diversity and the addition of legislative goals for the NC Association of County Commissioners.

The board heard a number of public comments opposing the plan to move Durham School of the Arts, but most of the public portion of the meeting was focused on welcoming the new Superintendent and his entry plan.

Community leaders updated the council on efforts to end homelessness, the potential for civil unrest as a result of police practices, and concerns about how a new entrance exam for the fire department is hurting recruitment.

The council focused on next steps for redevelopment of the last remaining parcel of city owned land downtown, the former police department HQ at 505 West Chapel Hill Street.

In the County Board's first meeting after the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey by a county deputy, many residents shared their frustration and their proposals to avoid a recurrence.

The Board honored veterans, local athletes, and the county staff. They also celebrated progress on maternal health. A batch of amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance was also raised.

Along with a passionate call for acceleration of progress on the east side, this short meeting mostly included announcements, follow-ups, and a few resident concerns raised for prioritization.

The council focused on some contentious zoning issues, particularly a development in Southeast Durham that several concerned residents spoke against.

At this Work Session, the Commission focused on problems with vacant properties and received a budget update from the new Finance Director.

The council considered residents' objections to a zoning variance for an industrial site near a neighborhood. They also heard an update on economic development efforts.

Tonight's meeting focused on two economic development awards for tech companies doing cutting-edge work in Durham. Both have plans to grow their workforce, with opportunities for employees in a variety of levels and roles.

On this short, holiday week meeting, potential sign size increases were the main topic. Several project and community updates were also provided by the city staff and Police Chief.

Springfield turned out to speak on the council's proposed changes to bar closing times. That was the only matter with debate at tonight's meeting. This reel features key points from most of the public speakers.

After much debate in prior meetings, the council shares their final views and then votes on the budget. They also consider a bond referendum proposed for November's election. The relatively chill vibes may make one wonder, "Is this the real Durham City Council?"

The council made wide ranging comments during announcements ahead of their business agenda. The main business discussions focused on how to support local nonprofits and a substantial rezoning near RTP.

Immigration and local radio station diversity tops concerns shared at Tuesday's Springfield City Council meeting.

The council focused on Aura 751, a project the Planning Commission recommended be denied. Listen to what's changed since then, why nearby residents remain concerned, and what the council members think.

Emotions run high as the council debates a new approach to help The Springfield Project, a non-profit, acquire property on the east side. Stay tuned for the surprise ending.