Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by:  David Blount, Public Affairs Specialist

October 1, 2012

For more information: Contact Dwayne Patterson, Community Services, 919-996-6100

Neighborhood Recognition Awards Set for Oct. 17

The City of Raleigh Citizens Advisory Councils (CAC) has named 15 recipients of its annual Neighborhood Recognition Awards.

Since 1977, the Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council (RCAC) has been recognizing significant efforts by property owners, community groups and individuals to enhance the health, safety, and appearance of their neighborhoods. The awards are designed to acknowledge those unsung heroes who work without thought of praise to make our communities better at the grassroots level and in so doing, elevate the quality of life in the city.

Recipients of the 2012 Neighborhood Recognition Awards are:

• Atlantic CAC, Waverly Smith – A long-time member of Brentwood Community who has been an active proponent of many projects in her community;

• Central CAC, Lonnette Williams – A significant contributor to her community and neighborhood initiatives;

• East CAC, Food Lion Store # 757 – The company store, along with store management and staff with the assistance of the Raleigh Police Department, have enhanced the visual environment, preserved the character of the area and continue to improve buildings, landscaping, and signage;

• Five Points CAC, Philip Poe – Co-Chair of the Five Points CAC since 2003, he has worked with many community members on resolving and shepherding development projects, gentrification, teardowns, and traffic concerns. Mr. Poe was also instrumental in his efforts on the Unified Development Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan;

• Forestville CAC, Massey Preserve Residential Community - Massey Preserve, which bears the original Massey family owners name, was approved for development in 2005. The CAC reviewed the original rezoning case with the intent to raise the standard of home building in the area and provide a place that would be attractive and provide amenities for families to enjoy.  Today Massey Preserve is selling well and another phase is beginning to take shape with the help of Beazer Homes;

• Glenwood CAC, Cullen Whitley, Highland UMC Community Victory Garden – the community garden was started to help English as a Second Language students who were taking classes at Highland United Methodist Church. It blossomed into a way to bring church members and other neighbors together.  The church members also donated more than a half-ton of food from the garden through the “Plant a Row for the Hungry” Program;

• Hillsborough CAC – Friends of Oberlin Cemetery;

• Midtown CAC, Midtown Raleigh Alliance – MRA has actively pursued developing civic involvement in the midtown area of Raleigh. It has sponsored community events, developed channels of communication, and promoted a sense of identity;

• Mordecai CAC, Reid Serozi – After serving as chairman for the Mordecai CAC for several years, Mr. Perozi took on the role as communications chair for the CAC. He developed the Mordecai web site, used social media to reach and inform residents, and initiated effective new marketing methods to promote the CAC.  He has been instrumental in bringing the community together for improvement projects including tornado clean-up and giving an empty business storefront a facelift;

• North Central CAC, Gregory Wilson – Mr. Wilson serves as vice-chair of the  North Central CAC and is also a community hero after rescuing a neighbor from a burning home in the North Central Community;

• Northeast CAC, Belmont Residential Community - Originally the acreage which is now Belmont was a well known and popular horse farm. With the cooperation of the developer and their land planner and neighborhood involvement, a plan was developed which protected the rural look and feel of the property frontage and provided an attractive balance of green space, amenities and housing. 

• South CAC, Potters Community Garden – The Potters Community Garden was planned, implemented, and maintained by Bobby Paige and Hew L. Dorssett. The  project allowed children and adults of all ages could come together to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, learn about nutrition and the environment, beautify their neighborhoods and build a sense of community togetherness;

• Southeast CAC, Carolyn Highsmith – Carolyn Highsmith has been a long time advocate for her community and the Southeast CAC Neighborhoods. She is also involved with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County’s Neighborhood Revitalization initiative and the ongoing planning and spearheading of community events;

• Southwest CAC , J. Davis Architects –  This organization is being recognized for its part in the landscaping of Tryon Road and South Wilmington Streets. They have produced a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing selection of vegetation that has significantly improved the appearance of these two major thoroughfares;

• Wade CAC, Bill Padgett – Mr. Padgett served the Wade CAC since 1986 as chairperson and co-chairperson.  During his tenure, he has led the Wade CAC through many community issues including Coker Towers, University Towers, parking debates, and other cases; and, 

• West CAC,  Raleigh Police Department Southwest District – The officers of the Southwest District have served the West CAC with excellence.  They attend the CAC monthly meetings, providing 911 call statistics, answer questions and concerns that impact the area. The officers have met with residents in the neighborhoods to address safety issues and find practical answers to their communities.

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 17 in the Five Points Center for Active Adults.  The facility is located at 2000 Noble Road.  A reception will begin at 6 p.m. and presentations will be given starting at 7 p.m. 

The Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council is made up of the chairpersons of the City’s 19 Citizens Advisory Councils (CACs). All residents are encouraged to participate in their community CAC.  The 19 CACs meet monthly or bi-monthly, with leadership elected from among the members of each CAC.  
Anyone interested in participating in their neighborhood CAC should call the City of Raleigh Community Services Department at 919-996-6100.