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Goldsboro council hears parks commission update and residents’ traffic safety complaints
Summary
The Recreation Advisory Commission briefed council on an inclusive‑playground grant, a scholarship fund to help children participate in city programs, and a parks master plan update. During public comment, residents urged enforcement and speed‑calming on Central Heights Road and the city said a speed trailer and targeted enforcement were being deployed.
The Goldsboro Recreation Advisory Commission presented to council on Sept. 22, highlighting an inclusive playground project at North End Park supported by a philanthropic check and the creation of a scholarship fund so children can participate in city recreation programs regardless of household finances.
The commission co‑chair described the group's district representation, meeting schedule and priorities, and said the master plan update — prepared with McGill Associates — will serve as a 5–10 year roadmap and will be used to support grant applications. The co‑chair urged council to consider funding a grant‑writer or similar role to increase the city’s capacity to obtain external grant dollars.
Several residents used the public‑comment period to raise neighborhood concerns. Sandra Cox, a Central Heights Road resident, urged action on heavy trucks using a residential road near daycares and called for speed enforcement or a temporary speed‑trailer to collect data. Staff responded that the police department has been actively addressing the issue, a speed‑pole/ speed‑trailer is being placed to gather speed data, and Chief West will continue efforts in the neighborhood.
Another resident, Natalia Newkirk, made a series of allegations about past incidents and asked for further accountability; city officials declined to address sensitive personnel or investigative matters on the floor but said staff would follow up outside the public comment period. Dr. David Craig praised staff for email engagement and offered to help with accountability work. Viola Figueroa, chair of the Wayne County Democratic Party, asked the city to support vetted nonprofits and to ensure grant funds are administered properly to help veterans and other vulnerable residents.
What comes next: staff said they will coordinate with public works, traffic and police to address the speed complaint and to place the speed‑recording unit for a few weeks to guide enforcement and potential engineering changes. The recreation commission’s master plan will return as a routine agenda item as the plan and funding avenues are finalized.
