Residents press council on Stony Creek skate park, building-inspections practice and road closure that blocked a counseling practice

Multiple residents used Goldsboro’s public-comment period on Sept. 8, 2025, to raise separate community concerns: the deteriorating Stony Creek skate park and adjacent city property, an inspections dispute that halted a home renovation, and a road closure that cut off access to a counseling business.

William Michael Thomas, a public-school teacher and skate program organizer, told council the skate park at Stony Creek (near the old Coff Barn and Ash Street) is “falling to pieces” and urged city investment or demolition and rebuilding to support youth programming. Thomas described local skate events this summer and said regional skaters travel to Goldsboro; he said the site is public land and asked the city to consider improvements that could support recreation and commerce.

Two speakers who identified themselves as Ben Jammin and Wayne Woodard said a church-led skate event drew people and supported the need for greater park capacity to host outreach activities.

Bevan Foster (public comment) described a contractor-family dispute involving a renovation permit. Foster alleged an inspector (identified in the comment as Jeremy Hanson / Matt Hanson) inspected a job-site informally and then the state inspector subsequently visited and halted work; Foster said the sequence—inspector visit followed quickly by state action—has caused delays and that he has been exchanging emails with inspections staff and the city manager for weeks. Foster urged the city to address contractor relations and inspection protocol.

Kendra Edwards, owner of Healing Well Counseling Services at 3002 Central Heights Road, told council a road closure on Aug. 28 left her business without vehicle access. Edwards said she had been told by DOT representatives about a 60-day notice window but that actual access was cut sooner; she described issues for clients with mobility or sensory disabilities, a lack of a paved alternate route or drainage, and interrupted utility work (Spectrum). Edwards asked for clarification about emergency access, 911 addressing and what the city can do to assist her business while work continues. Edwards provided contact information to staff.

Council members thanked speakers and staff noted they would follow up; staff invited contact information and public-commenters said they had provided it. No formal council action was taken during public comment beyond requesting staff follow-up.