In the heart of Goldsboro, a poignant moment unfolded at the City Council meeting as Kendra Edwards, owner of Healing Well Counseling Services, shared her struggles stemming from unexpected road closures. With a sense of urgency, she recounted how the closure on August 28 left her business inaccessible, impacting her ability to serve clients who rely on in-person counseling.

Edwards explained that representatives from the Department of Transportation had previously indicated a 60-day notice before the road would be closed. However, the abrupt change left her feeling unprepared and anxious about the future of her business. “We weren’t given time to create a smooth transition or a parking lot for our clients,” she lamented, highlighting the challenges faced by her clients, some of whom are elderly or have disabilities that make navigating the area particularly difficult.

The lack of proper drainage and the reduced access to her building have forced Edwards to cancel appointments, a situation that weighs heavily on her as a new business owner. “Some of our older clients don’t prefer virtual services and would rather meet face to face,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of personal interaction in her line of work.

As she sought clarity on the next steps, Edwards expressed her frustration over the lack of communication and support. “I feel like I’ve sent a thousand emails to people, and I’m starting to get a little bit hopeless,” she said, her voice tinged with concern for both her business and her clients' well-being.

In addition to her immediate concerns, Edwards raised a critical question about emergency access for her clients and the broader community. “What are we supposed to do about the emergency department and 911 calls?” she asked, underscoring the potential risks posed by the road closure.

The meeting served as a platform for Edwards to voice her challenges, reflecting the broader implications of infrastructure changes on local businesses and community health. As the council members listened, the urgency of her situation resonated, leaving a lingering question about how the city can better support its businesses and residents during such transitions.