Greenville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Greenville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Down Payment Assistance and Homebuyer Education
The city's 20% Down Payment Assistance Program would put $33,000 toward a home purchase for a household earning below 80% of area median income. The money is forgiven over 15 years if the buyer keeps meeting program rules, helping turn a renter into a homeowner.
Dickinson Avenue Corridor Business Support
ELKCO, LLC successfully rezoned a small commercial property on Dickinson Avenue to Downtown Commercial, aligning its zoning designation with surrounding properties and existing building layouts.
UDO Text Amendments and Modernization
City staff updated the UDO to incorporate new state laws regarding home-based businesses, added clarity on vegetation deadlines, and established operating standards for hookah cafes.
Westpointe Village Section 11 Phase 2 Preliminary Plat
The Commission approved a 34-lot single-family residential plat on the city's western side, maintaining the previously established neighborhood layout and street network.
East 10th Street Sidewalk Project Agreement
The city partnered with NCDOT to fill sidewalk gaps along East 10th Street, improving pedestrian safety and connectivity between neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Downtown Curfew Policy Concerns
Following violent 'teen takeovers' and massive crowds downtown, police successfully used emergency curfews and are now proposing a permanent Thursday-Saturday night curfew for minors to protect public safety.
Downtown Public Safety and Crowd Management
Following a recent early-morning shooting and ongoing weekend crowd congestion, the police department and city council discussed enhanced patrols, lighting, real-time monitoring, and policy tools to manage downtown nightlife safely.
Small Business Participation Framework Post-State Law Changes
The city is replacing its former minority and women business enterprise program with a new race- and gender-neutral small business framework following state legislative repeals.
Public Housing Drug Activity and Neighborhood Safety
A local resident voiced serious concerns regarding ongoing drug use, smoking, and lack of enforcement at Carolina Code public housing. Council members acknowledged the complaint and encouraged ongoing communication with city officials.
Lake Ellsworth Dam Flood Mitigation and Safety Study
The city is applying for a $500,000 federal grant to study the condition of the Lake Ellsworth Dam and its pipes. Because the city owns the dam and it is classified as a high-hazard structure, engineers need to evaluate it before heavy traffic corridors like Dickinson Avenue are affected.
Downtown Boutique Hotel Development
The Pitt County Convention & Visitors Bureau reported strong 2025 tourism spending of $332.47 million and outlined collaborative marketing initiatives, sports tourism expansion, and convention sales.