A special subcommittee of NC A&T State University's board recommended today that the university's board authorize administrators to continue discussions with the City of Greensboro to better understand the benefits of the Florida Street extension project. The recommendation, which was approved unanimously by the board around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, asks administrators to report back to the full board at its mid-summer retreat, when board members feel they will be better able to decide whether the extension should go forward.
The proposed extension would cut through a 2.7 acre portion of A&T's farm, an imposition that students, faculty and nearby residents resoundingly opposed at an April 5 subcommittee meeting. Today's meeting did not include an opportunity for public comment, and it did not appear that any audience members attended today's meeting to follow the issue. Opponents have said there is no need for the project at city-held public meetings as well, but city staff contend that the project will help expand economic development opportunities in historically-underdeveloped southeast Greensboro.
Board member Emerson Fullwood shared the subcommittee's report and recommendation, outlining the school's future plans for the farm — including a food processing center, a pavilion and a student-led farm — and calling it "vibrant," "core," and "central" to the university's objectives. Fullwood said the subcommittee generally sees the benefits of the project for the city but couldn't conclude that those benefits would outweigh the risks. The subcommittee recognized the extension of Florida Street from Lee Street to McConnell Road would enhance access, he said, but there were concerns about the impact of construction, safety implications and the loss of grazing pasture required.
A&T's board of trustees has the power to deny the city's request, which would nix the city's plans, Mayor Robbie Perkins has said. Even if the board gives permission after its summer retreat, the Greensboro City Council would still have to vote to approve the project, and it is unclear if there is enough support from council. If approved by both bodies, Fullwood said it currently scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2017.
The board approved the subcommittee's recommendation and added a motion to clarify the full estimated value of the farm land and buildings including consideration of acquiring replacement land. The land is worth an estimated $140 million, Fullwood said, but staff admitted the estimate was on the conservative side.
Read more about the issue in our April 10 article.
1 comment:
Eric, Remember my mention of the Greensboro Sportsplex plans on Franklin Blvd at the meeting with city officials last week. That is the real reason for the planned extension.
No one from the city denied it because the plans are real. I wasn't allowed to view city planning maps because the plans are real. The City Attorney's contention that someone might poison the water is a lie-- you cannot pour poison into a PRESSURIZED water line but you can pour poison into a city water tower which are unguarded, unattended and easy to find without maps.
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