City seeks input for growth in Greater Downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington got an inside look at what residents want changed in the Greater Downtown area.

Dozens of people got the chance to voice their opinions about what they like in their neighborhoods and what they would like to see in the future. All in all, it was one of many steps the city is taking to see how they can revamp the area.

“It’s really nice that the city is taking an interest in wanting to hear what the residents of our particular area think is the right way to move forward with our neighborhoods.” Wilmington resident Drew Leadman said.

From Greenfield, to South Front, Southside and the Industrial neighborhoods, residents broke down what is working in the area and what is not.

Once the meeting started everyone was separated into groups. Shortly after they were asked to make a list of the area’s greatest strengths, problems, opportunities, and threats.

“What we took away from tonights meeting is that Greenfield Lake is really an asset to the community and we all agree that it really is,” City of Wilmington Senior Planner, Christine Hughes said. “We have some work to do addressing some of our problem areas.”

Strengths ranged from a great location to a beautiful area. As for opportunities, the majority want more jobs and small businesses. Threats and problems all seemed to include drugs, traffic, safety, and affordable housing.

“It’s a very difficult task,” Leadman said. “I mean the drugs are always going to exist and homelessness is going to exist until we find a way to create enough services and housing for everyone. Traffic has continued to get worse every day since the 80s. There’s not a whole lot that can be done about all of it but hopefully we can make a small dent in the problem.”

The city hosted the meeting in hopes of getting input that will be used to develop a plan for the future.

This was just the first of many meetings the City of Wilmington is hosting. The city plans to host four more before the year is over. The next meeting is set for November 14th.