As a member of the Wayne County Historic Association, I have stood and watched helplessly as beautiful historic structures and homes have been needlessly razed to a pile of rubble. These buildings are our heritage and an endangered species. I believe in preserving them if at all possible. We need to have joint cooperation between Goldsboro city government and the Historic Association as well as other organizations interested in the preservation of these ageless icons. Each one holds a wealth of timeless history.

I propose, as last resort, if the building must come down, that the City of Goldsboro or the Wayne County Historic Association, disassemble, salvage and store as much of the structure as possible for future use. Columns, posts, pillars, mantles, molding, fixtures, panel doors, German Lap siding and any other item that has historic significance. These can be warehoused in donated space, and can be sold or used in the refurbishing of another condemned structure to keep it from meeting the same dismal fate. There are a lot of items in these buildings that they just don’t make anymore.

After all salvageable material is removed, the structure razed and the lot is cleared, I propose that the lot be donated to Habitat for Humanity. This organization is very active in Wayne County and doing wonders throughout the city. In return, Habitat will build a home for a deserving family. This is a win-win situation, as Goldsboro streets will maintain structural integrity and not have empty abandoned lots with weeds collecting scattered litter, it will also create and maintain a solid tax base

In my political endeavors over the last 2 elections, I have met with and talked to people that live in the projects. Subsequently I realize that there are a lot of decent people there that don’t deserve to be there. Most are average taxpayers in a subsidized situation, which means that just as soon as they get a rate increase in their social security check, they get a rate increase in the rent. If they happen to get a better paying job, they are penalized and have to pay more for the privilege of living there.

They live in a catch 22 situation and it is impossible for them to get ahead. Habitat can solve that problem .....one family at a time. And Goldsboro can help.

Also, by having this precedence, it would prevent manipulation, by those who can, to needlessly condemn as many properties as possible and then buy the empty lots up for $1,000.00 or so with the hopes of reselling or leasing them to beds and breakfasts or other businesses, after they push the vote to have the Civic Center placed Downtown.

Elected officials should be exempt from doing business with the city, using inside information to achieve financial gain.

Let’s work together to preserve our historic structures, let’s create descent housing for deserving families.

Let's Make It Happen!