New schedule puts more officers on the street at critical times.

At its March 6 meeting, City Council approved the use of $887,500 in federal forfeiture funds to buy and outfit additional police cars for a new patrol schedule to begin May 1. The new schedule, which replaces rotating schedules with fixed shifts for most officers, requires additional vehicles since more officers will be on the street at certain times. Federal forfeiture funds are proceeds from the sale of assets and money taken from drug investigations.

The schedule change is the result of a study conducted by a committee of police officers last year. In addition to improving officer morale, police look to the new schedules to increase their visibility throughout the city, reduce response times, improve traffic enforcement, and reduce crime. 

Friendly Avenue Streetscape Update

The completed project will result in reduced speeds and easier turning for drivers.

In the past few years, traffic volume on Friendly Avenue has increased by 23 percent from Westridge to Holden Road. The Friendly Avenue Streetscape project, approved by voters in the 2000 bond referendum, is designed to slow traffic and make turning easier along this stretch of road. The project is well underway and consists of widening Friendly Avenue, installing curb and gutter, and adding a sidewalk and grass median with trees.

To date, construction is complete on the north side of Friendly Avenue from Westridge to Rodman Road. Construction on the south side is underway. After completing the south side, operations will switch to the north side from Holden to Rodman. The outside lanes on both sides will then be opened for traffic, and median construction will begin. The roadway will then be resurfaced and lanes marked with striping. The anticipated completion date for the project is October 2007, despite delays caused by utility crews being diverted to the southern coast following Hurricane Katrina. This will be followed by the planting of trees in the median.

Council & Greensboro Partnership Working Together

Groups work together to make Greensboro a vibrant community that attracts businesses.

City Council members met on February 27 with the Greensboro Partnership, the principal economic and community development organization in Greensboro, to learn more about each other’s roles in promoting economic development and jobs. City staff provided information about guidelines for the $10 million economic development bond and the draft city / county water and sewer agreement. Partnership members explained their various roles and functions from the Chamber of Commerce, Action Greensboro, and the Economic Development Alliance.

Both groups emphasized their commitment to working together to strategically develop a vibrant community that creates, expands and attracts business while advancing the quality of life for all.  Participants were pleased with the outcome and hope this will lead to more collaboration in the future.

March 11-17 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina. Visit www.greensboroready.com to learn how to prepare yourself, your family and your business for weather emergencies.

Questions or comments about this newsletter should be addressed to: Nancy Lindemeyer, Communications Manager, 373-2105 or email.