Storm Debris Assessment and Clean Up Continues

Structural damage to businesses and homes is estimated at 
$3 million.

Storms that ripped through northwest Greensboro late Thursday night caused an estimated $3 million in structural damage to businesses in the Triad Business Park and nearby homes. But David Jones, the City's chief building inspector, said that figure does not take into account the loss of building contents or the economic toll on the community.

"Most of these buildings in the Business Park are block and brick buildings, so the damage was mostly roof damage, except for the I.H. Caffey building, which had a structural collapse," Jones said. "So you really couldn't tell from looking at the outside of the buildings how much damage there was. That $3 million number could go way up when you consider the content damage and the economic impact to that area in terms of jobs."

Jones and other City inspectors began working in the wee hours of Friday morning to start assessing the damage and the dangers posed by structural issues and exposed electrical wires. Their efforts were only one aspect of a City-wide team effort that included police, fire, emergency management, street crews and others who were tasked with making the area safe for business and property owners.

Jones encouraged those affected by the storm damage to use caution when hiring contractors to assist with repairs.

"Just make sure that your work is being done by licensed contractors," he said. "By hiring a state-licensed contractor, you can make sure that your repair work is being done properly and that it meets the City's building code."

City crews have cleared streets that were blocked by trees and storm debris and will begin clean up and removal efforts today. At this time, the City does not plan to relax yard waste restrictions, but will evaluate such requests on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, call 373-CITY (2489).

Manager Presents 2008-09 Budget with No Tax Increase

Council requests a zero-increase budget due to current state of economy.

At a May 7 briefing session, City Council members agreed on budget reductions presented by the City Manager that, if approved in June, would ensure no tax increase for fiscal year 2008-09. Council directed the manager to prepare a zero-increase budget based on the current state of the economy. In preparing the proposed reductions, the Manager focused on maintaining adequate service levels, while keeping expenses down. In June, Council will vote on the final budget.

Officers to Receive Awards for Excellence

Awards will be presented May 15 at the Police and Citizens Appreciation Dinner.

Every day, police officers in Greensboro and throughout the country don their uniforms and head out into the streets to prevent crime, protect lives and property, and arrest those who violate laws. Their efforts often go unnoticed by average citizens; in fact, many of us don’t think about crime until it touches our lives.

But during one week each year – National Police Week – the public is called upon to recognize the dedication and commitment of officers who routinely make sacrifices for the public welfare. This year, National Police Week is May 10-17, and Peace Officers’ Memorial Day is May 15.

The Greensboro Police Department will honor the memory of officers who have died and recognize those who have made a difference in the community during a Police and Citizens Appreciation Dinner and Memorial Ceremony on May 15 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Greensboro.

During the banquet, a number of police officers and Greensboro residents will receive awards commemorating their work to enhance public safety in the city. Tickets are still available for the Appreciation Dinner. For more information, call Holly Smart at 378-6350.

> See a list of the awards that will be presented at the banquet.