Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Wilson This Week -- Sept. 11, 2025

City opens recreation center, park near downtown

Dozens of people turned out last Thursday for the opening of the Barnes Street Community Center, located at 500 Barnes St. S, a brand new recreation and community facility. This center and surrounding park are a replacement for Pender Street Park; that area is now the location of the Pender Crossing apartments. City officials had worked closely with developer Woda Cooper Companies Inc. and partners including the N.C. Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) to create the 48-unit apartment complex, including 18 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units. Rents are structured for those making between 40% and 60% of the area median income. City Manager Rodger Lentz noted that the city had gained both the much-needed affordable housing but also had a beautiful new recreation center to enjoy. The park has an ADA-accessible playground now and will be adding a walking track, basketball court and picnic shelter this fall, Parks and Recreation Director Richard Frasier said. Funding for the new park facilities came from an ARPA grant and Community Project Funding grant, made possible with the support of former U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield. Top photo, taking part in the ribbon-cutting were, from left, Dale Edmonds, assistant director of parks; City Manager Rodger Lentz; Wilson City Council members the Rev. Dr. Michael Bell, Gillettia Morgan, Derrick Creech and Mayor Pro Tem James M. Johnson; Richard Frasier, parks and recreation director; and Lesia Davis, recreation center supervisor.

Council meets Sept. 18

Wilson City Council will hold its monthly night meeting next Thursday, Sept. 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at Wilson City Hall, 112 Goldsboro St. E. The agenda is being finalized and will be posted here by Monday, Sept. 14.

Watch live or online

The public is always welcome to attend -- enter via the alley entrance, come to 3rd floor -- but we also stream meetings live and archive them for watching later. This link will be live shortly before the meeting starts.

City Council Breakfast Meeting Recap

The Wilson City Council heard several important updates during its informal breakfast meeting Thursday, Sept. 4.

Wilson Mall Update

Assistant City Manager Bill Bass updated Council Members on the Wilson Mall project. The city is currently preparing to seek bids for asbestos removal, and once that is done, the city will begin a new bidding process for the demolition of the nearly 50-year-old building.

City officials are committed to getting rid of the derelict property as soon as possible. Hull Storey Properties closed the main portion of the mall in January 2013 and then did very little maintenance for the next decade. The company kept a handful of tenants, but K&W closed during the pandemic and Rose's, one of the first anchors for the mall, was the last to leave in March.

The City Council agreed to purchase the building in October 2022 and completed the purchase in summer 2023. It secured a $9 million grant for the demolition and construction of a stormwater project on a portion of the property, but FEMA cancelled that grant in April, more than a year into the city's planning process.

The city is seeking additional grant funding to complete the project. City Council will consider the demolition contact at a future meeting.

RIDE Update

This month marks the five-year anniversary of RIDE, the city’s microtransit system. Later this fall we expect the reach a significant milestone – the one millionth RIDE! City Council heard an update from staff on RIDE operations and a possible expansion of hours. After a positive response from Council Members, staff will work with Via, the city’s partner in RIDE, to update the agreement. Any changes will be voted on by City Council before implementation.

Parks Update

Parks and Recreation staff updated Council Members on several parks projects, including the completion of the greens replacement at Wedgewood Golf Course. Improvements at Reid Street Community Center are underway, as well as continuation of the Community Parks project.

Wilson City Council meets on the third Thursday evening each month throughout the year, and the morning meetings are held on the first Thursday morning most months, with breaks in January, July, August and December. The meetings typically are used for discussion items and for City Council to provide broad direction to staff, but the Council can take action when needed.

A jazzy fall ArtSpin in Downtown Wilson

Saturday, Sept. 20 | 1-5 p.m.

Celebrate the season at ArtSpin! Enjoy the smooth sounds of live jazz, explore interactive art activities, and soak in the creative energy throughout Historic Downtown Wilson. From hands-on fun and family-friendly entertainment to music, movement, and fall-inspired art, it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. 

Interested in feeling a sense of community? Volunteer during ArtSpin and/or Jazz Festival by emailing algarris@wilsonnc.org or info@wilsonjazzfest.com. 

Learn more about the full lineup of activities and performances using the button link below. 

Sign up now for third annual Waters of Wilson

Wilson's waterways are one of our community's greatest treasures - and once again, neighbors will come together to help protect them. The third annual Waters of Wilson Fall Cleanup is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon, and everyone is invited to take a part.  The cleanup is free to join, open to all ages, and supplies are provided. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. In case of bad weather, the event will be reschedule for Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. Registration is open now through September 22. Learn more and sign up using the button link below.

National Preparedness Month: Readiness Starts at Home

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that the best way to protect your family and community during an emergency is to plan ahead. In Wilson, we know the risks that hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding can bring. This month, take time to create or update your family's emergency plan, stock up on essentials, and make sure everyone knows what to do if disaster strikes.  The City of Wilson offers several tools to help you stay safe:  CodeRed: Sign up for emergency notifications. GIS Maps: Check road closures and see flood zone information. Wilson Energy Outage Map: Report and track power outages. Fix-It Wilson App: Report outages or flooding to help crews respond quickly. Preparedness is a shared responsibility -- let's make sure Wilson is ready for whatever comes our way. Learn more using the button link below.