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Resident urges ADA sidewalk repairs, warns of food bank cuts and state gun law change during public comment
Summary
A resident called on the board to address noncompliant sidewalks at Fuquay and Raleigh Street, warned that a USDA cut to food bank assistance could hurt local pantries, and urged the town to oppose lowering age and training requirements in pending state gun bills.
During the public comment period at the March 24 meeting, resident Emily Holloway urged the town to fix ADA noncompliant sidewalks at Fuquay and Raleigh Street, noted a recent USDA cut to local food bank assistance and raised concerns about pending state gun legislation that would change age and permit requirements.
Emily Holloway identified herself and her address at 312 Andrew Road. She told the board the Fuquay Varina Food Pantry served 5,820 families last year and that she understood the USDA recently cut $11,000,000 in local food bank assistance that supports supplemental monthly food from farmers; she asked the town to be aware of the potential impacts on local pantries, including Pine Acres, Operation Nihalla and St. Bernadette's.
Holloway also raised concern about state legislation: she referenced Senate Bill 50 and a pending House bill (constitutional carry / House Bill 5), saying the bills, as written, would allow people 18 years old to acquire firearms with no permit, no safety training and no background check. She asked whether the town might contact state representatives to express concerns, and told the board she hoped the town would remain focused on community safety.
Town officials thanked Holloway for her comments; the transcript does not record a formal town response committing to specific actions on the food assistance or state legislation requests.
