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So the USDA has declared parts of Greensboro a food desert. Honestly, when I wrote about the city as a food oasis, I acknowledged that this was only the case for those folks who had a car or could cart food on a bus or a bike or foot even. However, not everyone is able-bodied and a licensed driver and they shouldn’t have to be to get a basic meal. Also, once again, s/o to my city councilman, the mayor and the many other community leaders and members working to get more grocery options in East Greensboro. Now, for the round-up.
NC News Roundup
Here in Greensboro,a new children’s health clinic is opening, with the promise of another adult clinic in the future… Pyramids Village is just a mile away from the Renaissance Co-op and has managed to attract a few national chain stores, including three that just opened…the cold is weakening our waterlines…economic development leaders defend their record…annual count of homeless is expected to be lower…elsewhere around the Triad, High Point University’s plans for Oak Hollow Mall are on hold.
In Charlotte, city council leaders voted to invest in streetcar development, with the hopes they will receive federal funds next year for the remainder of the line.
Raleigh’s housing authority director has a new contract and a Durham coffee-house operated by a veteran, whose struggles were profiled twice by NPR, is now open.
In Asheville, a new hotel is set to be built…abandoned buildings torn down…Aldi opens and why there are not as many chain stores in Asheville, despite consumer demand.
In Wilmington, the mayor gives his state of the city address…zoning changes allow for smaller child care centers to open…the city is ranked as a good destination for young artists by PolicyMic…an editorial calls for more rec centers…and a long time restaurateur is hanging up her hat, but not closing the restaurant chain.
Nation and World Round-up
The New York/New Jersey based Super Bowl is expected to lose money.
The farm bill is set to cut food stamp funding by 1%.
The Guardian Cities launches with multiple good stories, including this outsiders perspective of what’s happened in New Orléans since Katrina.
Greater Greater Washington argues that Baltimore should get rid of their downtown jail…a young boy tells the story of a unique community in Baltimore, a rebel dirt bike gang.
The Atlantic Cities argues if streetcars are really transit outside of New Orleans…and Debra Fallows continues The Atlantic‘s coverage of the Greenville-Spartanburg area of South Carolina, this time with a focus on accents.
And finally, the role of black barbers from slavery to now in the community…how Greenwood,OK rebuilt after the riot that destroyed it in 1921 and how it’s coping now.