Business leaders urge action on violence, blight; residents describe unsafe housing

Business and civic leaders told the Henderson City Council on July 11 that escalating violence and long‑running housing and code enforcement problems are undermining the city’s recovery and business climate.

Ronald Bennett, identified as chair of the Henderson‑Vance Chamber of Commerce, said a roundtable of about 20 local business leaders met after a Memorial Day shooting was videotaped and widely reported. The group sent a letter to the mayor and council calling for five priorities: stronger neighborhood and code enforcement; action on drugs and crime; clearer city messaging; processes that make the city more business friendly; and support for churches, civic groups and nonprofits that serve vulnerable residents.

"The community was shocked," Bennett said, describing the authorship of the letter and urging partnership with city leadership to address violence and blight.

Brian Boyd, of Boyd Chevrolet, who helped facilitate the roundtable, said enforcement and community engagement—not more laws—are needed, and recounted driving through neighborhoods and meeting residents living in poverty. "We need people to love their neighbors," he said.

Several residents described the human toll. Business owner Gerson Argueta said violent crime and poor housing conditions hurt children and the local economy; he thanked the police department for working while short‑staffed and concluded, "God bless our City and America." A speaker identified only as JJ said she is living in a house she called "unfit for humans" and asked the council for help finding other housing.

Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of Vance‑Granville Community College, told council she agreed with the letter’s concerns but warned that city and county government cannot solve all underlying problems alone. She recommended adopting a collective impact model—coordinated action among government, nonprofits and other community partners—and consulting other jurisdictions that have faced similar issues.

Mayor Eddie Ellington responded that he was disappointed some leaders had not reached out to him directly before sending the letter, noting his contact information was included on the correspondence. He acknowledged staffing shortages in both the police department and public works and said prior council decisions had declined some regulatory changes that might have mitigated current problems. "Improvements can be made, but it will take everyone," Ellington said, closing the remarks with, "Tomorrow begins Today."

No formal council motions or new ordinances were adopted during the public‑comment period; speakers asked the council and staff to prioritize enforcement, collaborative programs and clearer messaging going forward. Council members said they would receive the letter and consider next steps in coordination with staff and community partners.