[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6476196,"mediaKeyId","5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b","parentId",5730946,"title","Residents urge action on homelessness, air quality and mental‑health supports; candidate announces council run","audioSeconds",244,"startMs",518000,"endMs",762000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b&start=518&end=762","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b/thumbnail_518000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476196/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Residents-urge-action-on-homelessness-air-quality-and-mentalhealth-supports-candidate-announces-council-run","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476196-8bbdf09e6226d07303a7dd583ee541ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078851&Signature=P7mefTPwp3yqoAsgsEzxU5zvz2iZIcHmdK04olTMYmSc6ERHhgAOmD5-fXdOcejhJM54rlJ4R5rU2YzVAh-vlWR6iA1XBk3RaaUniEoTwO26jDyWdRIEfEJZmAafturfY57a8kaSw~MaFOjKxqqyjoStK4jcoJe4sHhWmpAY3QTq-mg9kQ25qm5GaEsO1fy-aIVP~h7qeved021Nl~XqBZcmFEGokf~cwYBb5t~Xf1LWROhSDnK1-kJ8psS2NVyhlUAeuFMXxdGgGscu-ka0b0v-5InO9YKF-CZguV3RcRur~-gVMa2gE09kks7jQuCXiT8oUgjI-ZxUvkIgWS7dvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rocky Mount","date","2025-09-03T19:52:04Z","article","Several members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period, pressing for additional services and sharing community events.

Joanne Jones praised a recent city outreach event and the work of officers and staff who engaged people living in parks, thanked the city for an American Rescue Plan award to United Ministries of $300,000, and asked council to “pull together all our resources” to help younger, displaced and homeless residents. Jones specifically cited police patrols and city staff assistance during an August outreach event and urged creation of facilities and resources to prevent people from feeling abandoned.

Ed Shancarile said he lives on South Church Street and raised concerns about air pollution from trains parked near his property. He told the council that, according to the American Cancer Society, Edgecombe County has a cancer rate higher than the national average and urged the council to consider environmental impacts on neighborhoods.

Nia Yuill, a recent graduate of North Carolina Central University and team court coordinator for Nash, Edgecombe and Northampton counties, invited the council and the public to \"Boogie Day,\" a mental‑health awareness event on Sept. 20 at Hillsdale Lancaster Park that will feature speakers, resource tables and community activities.

A resident who identified herself as Resmaa Harrell urged the city to consider installing solar panels on the event center to generate revenue and reduce operating costs; she said she had forwarded council members information from a solar project in Halifax County that is producing revenue for that county.

Thelma Lee Bullock introduced herself as a candidate for Rocky Mount City Council, Ward 7, described her background in North Carolina state government and said she would campaign on advocacy for children, families and seniors.

Council members did not take action on the concerns raised during the public comment period; the city clerk noted public comments are not expected to prompt immediate deliberation during the meeting, though items may be referred to staff for follow up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting, September 8","oneSentenceSummary","During the public comment period, residents urged the council to expand services for people living in parks, raised air‑quality concerns, promoted local mental‑health programming and recommended solar installations for a city facility; a speaker also announced a Ward 7 council campaign.","taxTitle","Rocky Mount, Nash County, North Carolina","taxId",5685,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476197,"City manager introduces Bradley Walters as director of energy resources; council proclaims Stormwater Awareness Week",183,140000,323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b&start=140&end=323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b/thumbnail_140000.jpg","/articles/6476197/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/City-manager-introduces-Bradley-Walters-as-director-of-energy-resources-council-proclaims-Stormwater-Awareness-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476197-c7262d2c23cd1a99b4248c7e500c3c8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078851&Signature=W0ue5OMDbQq~HtxBIZUUPnnWhPcyDHFjNXEwpuu2ccj44rz9eL9vuWQ5z3NEbybE3FvOfOfRUquF9Y1UOdPncfit52T2AqfY3mjF6WTuzlU53pY3WVW7OTptXneAEEUzxTlxrccTvVJLIVgkxUioUIMIrarFKnD-uKDdGX1RUx-gt9Gi3lj2VzAIjG~LZB2oZvjTHZhM3dNbles~fe74xBd6qurGb14FqBZWy-PwRzXDFX-9H0bA~dv2KbAW-nwL7eGGB1Kgq88-viFOo4neXq2lqi4Hpwq8NaAzu3zrBkJoA91DZPhwdrxWUz6heXF3d7hPGEsRvaBZE3zBopJ2Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Elton Daniel introduced Bradley Walters as Rocky Mount’s new director of energy resources and asked the council to welcome him. Daniel said Walters, a native of Edgecombe County and a licensed professional engineer, began his career with the city 17 years ago and brings nearly 20 years of engineering and leadership experience to the role.

The council also adopted a proclamation designating Stormwater Awareness Week, stressing the importance of the Tar River and its tributaries to community health and quality of life. The proclamation, read at the meeting, cited common sources of stormwater pollution — household hazardous chemicals, yard waste, pet waste, automotive waste, fertilizers, litter and eroded soils — and referenced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) as the regulatory framework under which the city implements stormwater management measures.

Daniel identified two upcoming community events: a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at city hall and a Rocky Mount Police Department “Coffee with a Cop” event on Sept. 17 at Dunkin’ Donuts on Stone Rose Drive. The city invited the public to attend.

The council did not take additional action on these announcements during the meeting.","City Manager Elton Daniel introduced Bradley Walters as the new director of energy resources and the council proclaimed the week beginning Sept. 21 as Stormwater Awareness Week, citing the Tar River and the city's NPDES obligations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476202,"Rocky Mount council approves transit grant, opioid settlement participation, procurement policy and accepts $5,000 sealed bid for city property",190,1730000,1920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b&start=1730&end=1920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b/thumbnail_1730000.jpg","/articles/6476202/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-council-approves-transit-grant-opioid-settlement-participation-procurement-policy-and-accepts-5000-sealed-bid-for-city-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476202-765a6a936201e9b555d5f5261cea5f15/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078851&Signature=TDIAvq-gQGD9GblkiG5d~U2U6cWCrG3z2EiyYzXv4M6p5MChSVWQWYAthcFCV9sCzVsVVk95o8oOAYBvtKlJj28zJRTvujjTSncoxJ1hMiD6SKOZQ0vhg5nGya23SQNr4H1yx1-2ElrmRHpwvKVPuA91kLPKGKCs5I0g5WHPcRmJGDNcNcB5lkq9lE3ONLdx9yBMfPWHSLoGVlp-WeQ84aYSOLdu7Q5gviFu0YYfn9LtfE9ujwYiMUg4YLFk9131IZGmvFlhozUQJG0apq79ohudjoVB9CLrzfNruRw4Fv8~YMKNSkIlTRjDCCefqdaG1T3UhMHZY1RTQTTuL~0ycw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rocky Mount City Council unanimously approved multiple resolutions and votes during the meeting, including a transit grant for Tar River Transit, participation in opioid litigation settlements, a procurement policy for an urgent repair program, and acceptance of a sealed bid for city property at 618 Green Street.

Tar River Transit grants: The council authorized execution of required documentation for rural operating community transportation grants totaling $801,890, with a required local match of $209,002. Councilman Richard Joyner moved execution documentation for the fiscal‑year 2027 transportation grants; Councilman Tom Harris seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

Opioid settlements: The council adopted a resolution authorizing execution of supplemental agreements related to opioid settlements between Purdue Pharma LP (and related parties) and North Carolina/local governments. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Councilman Joiner and seconded (second identified in meeting as Councilman Shavarish Walker and TJ Walker); the motion carried on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

Procurement and urgent repair program policy: The council adopted a resolution to implement procurement and disbursement policy for an urgent repair program (identified in the meeting as \"29 29 b procurement and disbursement policy — urgent repair program\"). Councilman Joiner moved adoption; Councilman Knight seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

618 Green Street sealed bid: The council received a sealed bid from Christopher and Valerie Howell in the amount of $5,000 for the property at 618 Green Street and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute deed conveyance if accepted, and adopted a resolution accepting the bid. Councilman Joiner moved acceptance; Councilman Knight seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

Appointments and consent agenda: The council approved the consent agenda (which included ordinances, grant agreements, bid awards and appointments) and approved incumbent board appointments. The first alternate commissioner named in the meeting was Bradley Walters, director of energy services; the city manager, Elton Daniel, was named second alternate commissioner for the relevant appointment. Motions and seconds for these consent items were routine and the council approved them on voice votes with all present voting aye.

All items above were recorded as adopted by voice vote with no recorded roll‑call tallies in the meeting transcript.","On unanimous voice votes the council authorized fiscal‑year transit grants totaling $801,890 (local match $209,002); approved participation in opioid settlements with Purdue Pharma LP and related defendants; adopted a procurement/disbursement policy for an urgent repair program; accepted a $5,000 sealed bid from Christopher and Valerie Howell for ",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476207,"Rocky Mount council adopts land‑development amendment to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ in denser residential districts",420,1290000,1710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b&start=1290&end=1710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5730946-be92d9cc39206108d337f86985d99e4b/thumbnail_1290000.jpg","/articles/6476207/Rocky-Mount/Nash-County/North-Carolina/Rocky-Mount-council-adopts-landdevelopment-amendment-to-allow-pocket-neighborhoods-in-denser-residential-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476207-4f90f7bd5d7f0ab7baaa712c1401baa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078851&Signature=I3cV8MjUjome7Y~J~gLKMNzrtLhoez2QtznriaeWKt2IDZkVx3Ni53p76btjzgNcNh8W33hNc7Rj9fIe~cu3LDArCxrPVYMslrbho1LXtPbAonUkS-D~9oKWgxNOho2cM2wvmfQPvGBCebSsGBfJpSrrfwQnUkc2Ud5mR45hLvNINUgBD5xn1a5Gxd8thR52ShYmX9RUBPC9xMWpUQ0rNk~OCxshmnDOoBWDKyaaYWu0qOG-AfxQiccsKavCdeJcmmcMwAnmEQtbkok7lNB7R6evYs3drF8la3FpZnjWghhfZCzQEWTROcWRI4G8btUr5comCTOLPQuAuheKbRjgRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rocky Mount City Council on a unanimous voice vote adopted an amendment to the city’s land development code to allow pocket neighborhoods — clusters of single‑family homes or duplexes arranged around a shared courtyard — in selected denser residential and some office and institutional zoning districts.

Joseph Bocoup, director of development services, told the council the amendment defines pocket neighborhoods, sets development standards and requires a homeowners association to maintain the shared open space. Bocoup said the change aligns with the city’s adopted comprehensive plan, supports a wider range of housing types and could encourage redevelopment of underused lots.

Council members asked technical questions before the vote. Councilman Jabaris Walker asked about vertical or height limits; Bocoup said height limits would be addressed within the proposed regulations. Councilman Tom Harris asked about parking; Bocoup said the amendment establishes a minimum of one parking space per dwelling and that developers could provide more spaces if needed. Councilman Knight asked whether other municipalities had experienced opposition to this type of development; Bocoup said he was not aware of local opposition and cited other larger municipalities that permit similar forms.

Councilman Ruben Blackwell moved adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Richard Joyner seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with all present voting aye.

The ordinance sets a minimum of four dwelling units and a maximum of 12 units per pocket neighborhood, and staff said they can provide a deeper review of the proposed regulations on request. The council did not direct immediate additional changes during the meeting.","The Rocky Mount City Council voted to add \"pocket neighborhoods\" as a permitted land use in several residential and institutional districts, adopting development standards that set minimum and maximum unit counts, require homeowners associations and establish a minimum parking requirement of one space per dwelling.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge action on homelessness, air quality and mental‑health supports; candidate announces council run

City manager introduces Bradley Walters as director of energy resources; council proclaims Stormwater Awareness Week

Rocky Mount council approves transit grant, opioid settlement participation, procurement policy and accepts $5,000 sealed bid for city property

Rocky Mount council adopts land‑development amendment to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ in denser residential districts