Letter to the Editor
By Nicky Smith, Candidate for City Council District 4
Pre-Scripted and Disconnected: How Greensboro’s Council Failed Its People
On April 15, 2025, Greensboro’s City Council delivered a slap in the face to more than 2,000 residents of New Irving Park. Despite months of organized, fact-based opposition to the rezoning of 1201 Pisgah Church Road, Councilmembers—one by one—chose to side with a developer and against the very people they were elected to represent.
This wasn’t just a bad decision. It was a public betrayal.
Zack Matheny Spoke for the People—Council Ignored Him
Councilmember Zack Matheny gave one of the most comprehensive land-use rebuttals the city has heard in years. He spoke not only as a councilmember but as a resident of New Irving Park. He laid out:
- The lot is unsuitable for RM-12 zoning due to steep terrain, setbacks, and stormwater runoff risks
- That it represents impermissible spot zoning
- That the neighborhood already has diverse housing options and was intentionally and masterfully planned
- The proposed development would dump traffic into a narrow, one-lane residential artery, endangering children and seniors.
Yet his colleagues praised his “passion” and then completely ignored the facts he presented. The decision was made before the meeting even began.
Nancy Hoffmann: A Legacy of Ignoring the People
Thankfully, Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann, who is not seeking re-election, has long been known for brushing off constituent concerns. On April 15, she lived up to that reputation. Her statements during the meeting were out of touch and flatly contradicted the facts.
She claimed this development aligned with the comprehensive plan, despite city planning staff noting that it was incompatible with single-family homes and its surroundings. She equated this rezoning to a 2015 rezoning on Hobbs and Friendly—two completely different areas with drastically different traffic and environmental factors. Her comments reeked of political deflection, not leadership.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan: A Divider, Not a Uniter
Mayor Vaughan’s closing remarks were perhaps the most disturbing of the evening. Rather than thank the more than 200 residents who showed up and thousands of others who joined the New Irving Park community via social media and community meetings to engage in democracy, she scolded them.
She preached about change and growth and how people should “go with the flow,” dismissing legitimate concerns about safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood integrity. Her tone was patronizing and divisive—completely inappropriate for a Mayor who is supposed to unify the city, not lecture its residents.
Her message was loud and clear: “We know what’s best. You don’t.”
Jamilla Pinder: Falling in Line with the Political Machine
Newcomer Councilmember Jamilla Pinder had a chance to show independence. She attended neighborhood meetings and walked the streets. But when the vote came, she sided with the entrenched political machine without a single data point to counter the community’s concerns.
Her vote betrayed the very transparency and community-first values she campaigned on.
Marikay Abuzuaiter: Opportunism on Full Display
Councilmember Marikay Abuzuaiter sided with Matheny, but not out of principle.Her well-publicized bid for Mayor is underway, and it’s no secret that she wants to win District 3 voters.
Her speech was less about land use and more about political optics. Those paying attention could see right through the performance.
Sharon Hightower and Dr. Goldie Wells: Dismissive and Demeaning
Councilwoman Sharon Hightower praised the developer and referred to sidewalk installation as a gift to the city rather than a fundamental infrastructure responsibility.
But it was Dr. Goldie Wells who truly crossed a line. Her remarks scolded and belittled the crowd of more than 200 citizens. She lectured the audience about how change is hard and people need to accept it, using her age and life experience to talk down to residents.
The message? Sit down. Shut up. The council will decide what’s best.
Hugh Holston: Out of Touch and Out of Step
Councilman Hugh Holston gave a long-winded speech that sounded more like a TED Talk than a public service. He praised the process and the developer and ignored the project’s glaring flaws.
He framed the approval as a matter of progress and citywide housing needs, ignoring that this land was ill-suited, poorly accessed, environmentally challenged, and widely opposed.
Tammi Thurm: Silent When It Mattered Most
Curiously absent from this high-stakes vote was Councilwoman Tammi Thurm. Her absence was notable because she had attended multiple community meetings and heard the opposition firsthand.
Without explanation, her failure to show up for the vote felt like abandonment of the community she had previously engaged with.
A Fist Bump That Said It All
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment came after the vote was cast. In plain view of attendees, City Attorney Chuck Watts was seen giving developer BJ Johnson a fist bump—a gesture that many found completely inappropriate and unprofessional, particularly in light of such a contentious and community-opposed decision.
The gesture confirmed what many feared: backroom conversations had already occurred, and the outcome was never truly in doubt.
When city officials are seen congratulating developers moments after a controversial vote, it sends a chilling message to the public—that the fix was in, and public input was nothing more than theater.
A Scripted Sham of a Hearing
Let’s be honest: the meeting was scripted. The vote was predetermined. The speeches were rehearsed. The City Council never intended to listen. Their minds were made up long before the people of New Irving Park stood to speak.
The Council’s actions on April 15 confirm what many have feared: our city is run by tone-deaf, out-of-touch political operatives who view public input as a formality, not a duty.
Perhaps worst of all, after ignoring the 200+ residents who packed the chambers, several Councilmembers offered pseudo-apologies, trying to soften the blow by claiming the TRC would handle the details.
Translation: “We’ve already said yes. Don’t bother us with the consequences.”
To further illustrate how tone-deaf and dismissive the process was, developer BJ Johnson brought in multiple speakers who do not live anywhere near the proposed development to support his rezoning request. These individuals had no direct stake in the community, yet were given time to speak in favor of a project that the actual residents, those most affected, overwhelmingly opposed. Their inclusion only reinforced the neighborhood’s belief that this project is an incompatible use of the land and a clear threat to the safety, traffic flow, and architectural harmony of New Irving Park.
November 2025: Time to Take Back Our City
This City Council has clarified its position: they don’t care what the public thinks.
But we do. In November 2025, the people of Greensboro will have a chance to elect a new generation of leaders—leaders with common sense, business experience, and the courage to listen.
We can end the reign of rubber-stamp rezoning, remove career politicians who treat the public like a nuisance, and bring transparency and accountability back to City Hall.
The time for change is now.
Greensboro deserves leaders who listen, respect the people’s will, and make decisions based on facts, not backroom deals. Remember what happened on April 15th when you head to the polls in November 2025. Let’s elect a City Council that puts neighborhoods first and restores trust at City Hall.
With only one white man on our City Council, you just know he’ll be overruled.
Demographics are what determines policy. Every time.
Diversity matters. DEI says we need more diversity on the council. Funny how conservatives will agree with DEI when it suits them.
All politics is racial.
The Friends of New Irving Park have always opposed the rezoning from R3 -to CD-RM-12.
Mr. Johnson did not alter his proposal from 10 to 8 units after listening to the community. The TRC gave preliminary guidance that there could be no more than 2 access points on Willoughby Boulevard and each townhouse had to have a rear entry garage and take driveway access from a private street or drive.
The community has always encouraged Mr. Johnson to build 2 units as per the current zoning. He said he couldn’t make enough money.
The characteristics of this property steep terrain stormwater runoff causing flooding and sewage issues do not need further stress.
Key components of the GBO-LDO Includes balancing development with environmental and community needs.
Also the adjacent lots are owned by the City and designated as non-developable.
Thank you, Mickie — your comment lays out the facts that too many on City Council chose to ignore.
You’re absolutely right: the Friends of New Irving Park consistently opposed the rezoning from R-3 to CD-RM-12, not because they’re against development, but because they understand what smart, compatible development looks like. And this wasn’t it.
It’s misleading to suggest that the reduction from 10 to 8 units was some kind of compromise — it was driven by TRC guidelines, not a genuine effort to listen to the community. The neighborhood clearly stated that 2 units under the existing R-3 zoning would be acceptable, but instead, the developer said he couldn’t make enough money — as if profit should override sound planning and environmental concerns.
And let’s not forget:
The steep terrain and drainage issues are well-documented.
City-owned adjacent lots are labeled as non-developable for good reason.
The Greensboro LDO is supposed to ensure a balance between development and the needs of existing neighborhoods and the environment — a balance that was completely ignored here.
This decision wasn’t just disappointing — it was a failure of leadership. And it shows exactly why we need new voices on City Council who will listen to residents, follow the facts, and put Greensboro’s long-term stability ahead of short-term profits.
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Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council – District 4
BJ Johnson requested rezoning a sliver of land, one small SPOT at a major entrance to Irving Park, from R3 to Rm-12, His plan is to build 8 residences on a ravine with a creek at the bottom. Council knew how they were going to vote LONG before they walked into the chambers Tuesday night. It’s too bad they didn’t have the courtesy and respect for us to tell us that, as we spent thousands of hours and dollars to retain what we have.
There is NOT ONE townhome along Willoughby Blvd., so this is totally incompatible with the Willoughby Blvd. thoroughfare. This makes it an even more dangerous intersection, but council doesn’t care. There’s not enough parking, but council doesn’t care. Driveways are dangerously close to Pisgah Church, but council doesn’t care. This will lead to more erosion and flooding, but council doesn’t care. The infrastructure is not there to support this, but council doesn’t care. We are tax-paying citizens that should have some say over the property we own, but we don’t, and council doesn’t care. BJ was courting council members “behind the scenes,” and they welcomed it.
Upon seeing the lot, Council member Goldie Wells had said, “Why would he want to build on that?” I said, “Our sentiments exactly.” So, right there, she saw it was not an example of good “land use.” (Land Use is the term that comes out of council members’ mouths at least once every third sentence.). Yet she was one of six that voted in BJ’s favor.
On full display Tuesday night in City Hall was an embarrassing show of power. What did their vote say? “We’ll show you for having a nicely planned, diverse neighborhood, with townhomes, a middle school, large/middle-sized/small homes. And besides that, you take care of your neighborhood. Let’s see what we can do to destroy it.” This City Council obviously doesn’t respect citizens who have worked hard to own nice homes in which to raise their children. Earth to Council: a vote to impact one neighborhood negatively does not elevate another.
Six of the eight council members voted in favor of BJ Johnson’s request to rezone. They heard from his five NON-New Irving Park people speak on his behalf. Meanwhile, the New Irving Park and surrounding neighborhoods had ten residents to speak – with five waiting in the wings – and 200 tax-paying, VOTING residents seated in the chambers. Did the City Council care? Of course not. It’s hard to remember the last time they had a concern about any district other than 1 and 2.
In addition, Hoffman, Vaughan, Wells, Johnson, Pinder, and Hightower spoke to us all as if we were very naughty children. Their platitudes and sermons claimed “they know what’s best for us.” If they don’t know they were totally wrong, they have no conscience. Also, we saw “how” the vote went.
The City Council are responsible for shaping, leading, molding our city. This council is a joke. The good news…these six (and Thurm, who had told us she would probably call in from Disney for the meeting, but shirked that duty) are either retiring (thank goodness!) or running. A bit of good advice if you care for our “used-to-be-fair-city,” DO NOT VOTE FOR ANY OF THESE INCUMBENTS!!!!!
There are true leaders that have announced or will be announcing for council and mayor. What do we need? People with common sense, people with business sense, people who truly love and care about Greensboro. We have been in a steady decline, which has definitely sped up with the last two or three council cycles. Let’s return to a well-run city and respect for all. Let’s look at the problems head-on, work to solve them.
Well said, Susan. The community showed up with facts, unity, and respect — but the Council came with a pre-scripted outcome. This wasn’t thoughtful planning — it was political theater. Greensboro deserves better. It’s time for leadership that listens, respects, and puts citizens first.
Greensboro will be so fortunate when Nicky Smith is elected as council member for District 4, a position that Nancy Hoffman has held hostage these last few years. “Holier than thou” exhibitions by council members is just not a good look.
Thank you so much, Susan — your support means a great deal.
I’m running because I believe District 4 — and all of Greensboro — deserves better. I plan to earn your vote and the trust of every resident by bringing back common-sense leadership, real-world business experience, and true accountability to City Hall.
No more arrogance. No more backroom deals. Just honest service and smart solutions that put citizens first. Let’s get to work and make Greensboro a city we can all be proud of again.
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Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council – District 4
Chuck Watts’ and BJ Johnson’s fist bump was one Black to another Black. Chuck Watts and his cronies believe that Blacks have arrived so get out of their way. Blacks like Watts never wanted equal treatment, they wanted preferential treatment based on their convoluted belief that they deserve it. The City of Greensboro is in the death throes of a declining city run by selfish, incompetent people. Watts is approaching 70-years-old. A city attorney serves a city by giving legal advice to the Council not to facilitate a “yes” vote by City Council. Yet, Watts was all in with BJ Johnson as witnessed by the fist bump. It is time for the overpaid city attorney to retire.
Thanks for raising your concerns, and I want to respond thoughtfully and stay focused on the real issue here: accountability and trust in local government.
The problem isn’t about race, it’s about behavior, transparency, and professionalism. The fist bump between Chuck Watts and BJ Johnson after the rezoning vote didn’t sit well with many residents, not because of who they are, but because of what it symbolized: a casual, almost celebratory moment immediately following a decision that deeply impacted an entire neighborhood. That’s what people are responding to: the optics and the tone.
City officials, including the City Attorney, are there to serve the public, not to cheer on one side of a controversial issue. We should expect professional conduct, fair legal guidance, and complete impartiality from those in positions of power.
It’s not about identity. It’s about accountability, transparency, and restoring public trust, values that have been missing in far too many decisions coming from City Hall.
That’s why I’m running — to help bring that trust back, one decision at a time.
Good point Termlimits. I believe it’s called kickbacks….just like with Skip’s zoo.
Exactly — and that’s the core of what’s gone wrong in our city and county leadership.
We need honesty, transparency, and real accountability — not backroom deals, political favors, or shady kickbacks. When decisions are made behind closed doors and taxpayer dollars are distributed without clear oversight, public trust erodes.
Whether it’s a rezoning vote, a development project, or major funding like what we’ve seen with the zoo, the people deserve to know who benefits and why.
This is why I’m running — to end the insider games and bring common-sense leadership that puts residents first, not special interests.
—
Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council – District 4
I would like to clarify that 3 persons that spoke on behalf of the project were not brought in by the developer.
The comments by these individuals had nothing to do with the developer and had everything to do with a prior unanimous vote in a prior meeting on land of the same topography. It is unfortunate that ordinances and even some state statues limit considerations on land use.
Btw, there is a more restrictive bill being considered in the NC Republican led senate. “Some” things are out of councils control.
I firstly want to give Zack Matheny a shout out – thanks Mr. Matheny for all your time and efforts in this battle to stop this rezoning. Your fellow City Council Members were obviously not listening to you or the voice of New Irving Park. Do not be discouraged, keep fighting for us and what is right for Greensboro!
Well written article Nicky Smith. My husband and I 100% agree with all you have written. This is a complete and total misuse of his sliver of land!
Our home is situated in close proximity to the lot which has been rezoned (cnr Pisgah Church Rd and Willoughby).
We, along with our close neighbors, live every day of our lives here and know how busy this corner is and will be if the Developer, Mr. BJ Johnson proceeds with building up to 10 townhomes on the lot. Note, his plan presented to City Council was not a final one. Now that the lot is rezoned to CD-RM-12, he (or any other developer should Mr. Johnson decide to sell the lot) can build up to 10 multi-family units.
I wish all the success to Mr. Johnson (Developer), but not at the expense and safety of others. The residents of New Irving Park requested that he keep the R3 zoning and build 2 residential houses. He told us multiple times that our request was not economically feasible. He sent us a clear message that this was all about his own profit and bettering his portfolio.
The neighborhood appealed the Zoning Commission decision in hopes that Greensboro City Council would hear our concerns and reverse the decision. A group of residents presented concerns and facts at the City Council meeting last week, but all fell on deaf ears. It was very clear that the members of City Council and the Mayor had already made up their minds and their speeches were completely scripted. It is very strange to me when a City Council member openly states that they are not listening to the residents of the neighborhood. Huh? Isn’t that what City Council is about – members are elected by the people and the voice of the people should be listened to in making good decisions?
I have listened to the recording of City Council meeting about 6 times just to make sure I heard correctly what each member said. I was hoping I might have misunderstood or heard something incorrectly. Each time I heard the same unbelievable messages.
Ms. Hightower spoke about an incident where she had to back down her street because of the cars parked on both sides of the street. I hope that she doesn’t wish that ill will on other neighborhoods. That is a very unsafe situation and we as a city need to improve her District, not wish that upon other areas of Greensboro.
I agree with Mrs. Wells when she was lecturing us that change is coming. Part of that change is the election of new City Council Members. We need fresh minds in City Council and the Mayor’s office! Minds that don’t play neighborhoods against neighborhoods, but ones that will bring us all together and get us heading in the same direction for the betterment of Greensboro.
Donna,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message and for taking the time to articulate precisely what many of us are feeling. I agree, Zack Matheny deserves our gratitude for standing firm and fighting for the residents of New Irving Park, even when it was clear many of his fellow council members had already made up their minds.
You’re right, leadership should listen to the people they represent, not lecture or ignore them. It’s heartbreaking to hear how carefully and respectfully your neighborhood appealed to the Council, only to have your concerns dismissed in favor of developer profits over community safety and quality of life.
This is precisely why I’m running for the Greensboro City Council. We need leaders who respect the voice of the people and who understand that responsible growth means protecting established neighborhoods, not sacrificing them.
I promise you this: When elected, I will never forget who I work for, the citizens, not the developers. Together, we can bring fresh leadership and common-sense decision-making back to City Hall.
Thank you again for standing up for your neighborhood and for believing that better days are ahead for Greensboro. Let’s make it happen in November!
Nicky Smith,
Candidate for Greensboro City Council District 4