TITLE
Title
ERWIN SCHOOL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT - COMMUNITY RE-ENGAGEMENT
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Michael Halford, County Manager
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BACKGROUND
The Erwin School property is in East Greensboro, at the intersection of the Wendover and Market Street corridors. Formerly home to Erwin Montessori School, the site was devastated by a tornado in 2018. Guilford County acquired the property in December 2023, and the remains of the school were demolished in early 2025, leaving a cleared site ready for redevelopment.
The site holds deep historical and cultural significance for the East Greensboro community. While the County has engaged the Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government to support project planning and analysis, meaningful and inclusive community engagement remains essential to the success of any future development. Public input sessions were held in September 2024, but additional engagement is needed to ensure that community voices continue to be involved in the process.
This request is for additional funding to support robust and sustained community engagement efforts, ensuring that redevelopment of the Erwin School property incorporates the community’s priorities, vision, and lived experience. A community-based consultant will lead a structured engagement process from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, to gather and integrate input from residents and stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that the final redevelopment plan is grounded in community insight, addresses local needs, and contributes meaningfully to the long-term vitality of East Greensboro.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
General Fund
Authorize the use of $20,500 County Administration (Manager's Contingency) for the purpose of community consulting, convening, and collaborating the Erwin School Redevelopment Project
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Authorize staff to enter into an agreement with consultant Sadie Blue, for community engagement in the amount of $20,500, utilizing Manager’s Contingency Funding, for the purpose of community re-engagement efforts associated with the Erwin School Redevelopment Project. Engagement efforts to be conducted May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.
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