Wayne County approves one‑year, $1 in‑kind lease to keep Legal Aid office in Goldsboro
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Summary
The board unanimously approved a one‑year in‑kind lease of 218 East Walnut Street to Legal Aid of North Carolina to preserve a Goldsboro satellite office after state funding cuts; staff noted ADA access will be addressed with a reserved parking/meet‑at‑car arrangement.
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to approve a one‑year, nominal ($1) in‑kind lease of county property at 218 East Walnut Street (PIN 2599956565) to Legal Aid of North Carolina. County staff told the board that state funding changes earlier in the year had tightened Legal Aid's budget and, without the space, the organization would likely have to close its Goldsboro satellite.
County staff described the lease as a one‑year trial to determine whether the site meets Legal Aid's needs; the space is close to the courthouse, important for clients who lack transportation. Staff also noted the office is not ADA‑compliant and explained a temporary mitigation: a reserved parking spot and a staff member meeting clients at the vehicle to provide access. The lease is structured similarly to other in‑kind arrangements for nonprofits and was described as the county supporting low‑income residents' access to legal services.
The board asked questions and approved the measure by voice vote; staff will finalize lease paperwork. County staff said they will monitor whether the arrangement meets Legal Aid's needs and report back.
