Shootings overshadow council business
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on July 19, 2016 1:46 PM
Concern about shootings taking place across the nation overshadowed the regular business of the Goldsboro City Council Monday night.
Three people -- of different ages, backgrounds and points of view -- voiced their concerns about police and civilian shootings as well as the recent string of gun violence in Wayne County.
"I was personally disturbed about the shootings," said Caroline Clucas, a recent graduate of Wayne Early/Middle College High School. "I think it's time for us to come together as a community."
Clucas, disappointed with the lack of other community events across the state, decided to organize a community peace walk, which is planned Friday in downtown Goldsboro.
Clucas applied and was approved for a city permit to hold the event, which will be held from 4-6:30 p.m., starting at Cornerstone Commons.
"I'm so happy with what you're trying to do," said Councilman Antonio Williams.
The Rev. Keith Copeland, a member of the Goldsboro/Wayne Branch of the NAACP, said the violence has become a global issue and shared concern of the more recent fatal shootings in Goldsboro.
"We know that in our community, there is a lot of violence and crime," Copeland said. "It's not just certain lives, but all lives matter. Our organization has been set up to fight for civil rights for all people."
The local NAACP branch, which includes some members currently attending the national NAACP convention this week, plans to organize local events in future weeks.
Copeland said there is an interest to possibly have more than one event but some time after Friday's event in downtown Goldsboro.
"We're planning some community events to promote unity," Copeland said. "We feel it's something that's not just one event, but there needs to be several events."
Everlena Eason, a member of Walking by Faith Ministries, also told the council she is organizing a unity prayer walk.
"My heart is for everyone to come together," Eason said. "It's not a march. It's not a protest. It's not a rally. We want it to be effective, not just for that day."
The event is planned on July 30 starting at 9 a.m. at Dillard Middle School. The prayer walk is an effort to bring together area residents, churches, government officials and the community.
Mayor Chuck Allen said he hopes that the widespread violence doesn't happen in Goldsboro, but there are continued efforts to increase communication throughout the city.
"We're trying to have dialogue," Allen said. "We don't have all the answers. We're open to suggestions. We're all here to be on the same team.
"I think one thing we need to pay attention to is all lives matter. This is a time to communicate and be inclusive."
Councilman Bevan Foster said he has talked with the Goldsboro police chief and expressed an interest in increasing community policing, which may help reduce mistrust and build relationships.
"I think, as a nation, we need to realize that we have to work out our differences," said Councilman Mark Stevens.
Williams offered condolences to the family of Sonya Darden, who was fatally shot Friday in her Goldsboro home. Her son, Shontionne Darden, 31, has been charged in the murder.
"In the wake of these tragedies, marches and rallies calling for justice and peace are taking place nationwide, including several scheduled for Goldsboro," Williams said. "While I encourage you all to get out and peacefully voice your concerns. I want to also stress that our involvement and participation must extend beyond that.
"As citizens, we have the responsibility to do our part to ensure our youth (and) community have access to programs, people and solutions that encourage them to be productive members of society."
During the council meeting, several site plans for new businesses were approved, as well as contracts that will lead to improvements in recreation and infrastructure.
The council voted to approve the site plan for a future Lidl grocery store on Wayne Memorial Drive, directly across from Memorial Commons. The council decided, in an effort to promote new business and jobs, to allow the grocer to add an entrance off Wayne Memorial Drive.
Prior to the decision, the council learned that without the entrance, the discount German grocer could pull its plans from the Goldsboro market.
In other decisions, the council:
* Approved the site plans for a new Harris Teeter gas station, planned to locate off U.S. 70 and next to the Waffle House, on Wayne Memorial Drive.
* Approved a $458,926 contract with Seegars Fence Co. to construct a new security fence alongside Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, which will allow future development of a multi-sports complex.
* Approved a $39,500 contract amendment, with H.H. Architecture, for design services for a new Herman Park Center.
* Approved purchasing 12 vehicles for nearly $1.88 million, including an aerial fire truck.
* Approved a $229,533 contract with the McKim and Creed engineering firm for smoke and dye testing as part of a sewer rehabilitation project that seeks to pinpoint inflow and infiltration problems.
* Approved an ordinance for the addition of no parking zones along the 100 block of North John Street, primarily in areas near Torero's Mexican Restaurant and the Flying Shamrock Irish Pub and Restaurant.