Greensboro's Neighborhood Toolbox: city code official explains how residents can borrow tools online

Jared LaRue, the City of Greensboro's code compliance operations manager, described the Neighborhood Toolbox tool-lending program on FYI Weekly and explained how residents can access equipment and the safeguards the city uses.

"Residents can go on the city website and reserve tools, up to 3 at a time," LaRue said. He listed commonly requested items—lawnmowers, weed eaters, blowers, pressure washers and basic home-repair kits including paint kits—and said the inventory includes about 30 items overall. LaRue said the program helps residents who cannot afford to buy or rent equipment and that a core group of roughly 10 to 15 regular users rely on the service.

LaRue described operational rules: users sign a waiver that limits city liability and requires return of equipment in similar condition; the city moved to a weekly checkout cycle so staff can inspect and prepare items between loans; and requests are handled in chronological order on a first-come-first-served wait list. "We'll take things in chronological order, so first come first serve," he said, noting he contacts people on the list when items become available.

The host clarified logistics: checkouts are available for pickup on Thursday and must be returned the following Tuesday, with pickups at the back parking lot of the Sportsplex on 16th Street. The host directed listeners to greensboro-nc.gov/toolbox for reservations and more information.

The broadcast did not specify program operating budget, staff costs, or whether equipment loss/damage is insured beyond the waiver; those details were not provided.