To the editor:

I am writing as a voter and resident of Old Battle Forest in Greensboro’s District 3. Our neighborhood is home to working- and middle-class families, elderly residents, city workers, postal employees, firefighters and veterans. We are proud of our community and want to help it thrive.

I believe council members elected by districts should make the needs of their districts a central priority: District-First. That means listening to residents, understanding neighborhood concerns and following through with answers and action. District 3, like many parts of Greensboro, is economically, politically and racially diverse. We represent so much of what makes our city great, and that diversity deserves attentive representation.

Interstate 840 and its Lawndale Drive and Battleground Avenue interchanges have changed our neighborhood. Residents have been discussing several unresolved concerns. I am directing these questions to all members of Greensboro City Council, asking for answers and help connecting with the agencies responsible:

  • The promised community space: Neighbors understood that NCDOT would provide a playground, small park or community garden near the greenway bridge, on land that became public property after the traffic circle was installed. Years have passed without clear information. Was that commitment documented? Who controls the property, and what steps can residents take to move a community project forward?
  • Noise from I-840: Residents living beside the sound wall continue to experience highway noise. Can the city help request a noise assessment and determine whether additional mitigation is possible? If this falls under NCDOT’s authority, please identify a specific contact who can investigate and explain our options.
  • Street racing and highway safety: Can cameras on I-840 overpasses, targeted enforcement or other measures help authorities address street racing? Which agency is responsible, and how should residents report recurring incidents so those reports lead to action?
  • Leaf assistance for vulnerable residents: Some elderly neighbors and residents with disabilities have difficulty managing leaves. What city services, community partnerships or volunteer programs could help? We need an accessible way for residents to request assistance.
  • The boarded-up building behind Food Lion on Lawndale Drive: Residents understand that the building lost street access when the I-840 interchange was constructed. It has required repeated boarding, and residents have observed unauthorized occupancy and fires. What is the property’s status? Is there a plan for securing, rehabilitating or demolishing it? What outreach, shelter options and support are being offered to people staying there?
  • Organizing our neighborhood: How can we establish a neighborhood association or neighborhood watch? Please identify a city contact who can explain the process, help organize an initial meeting and connect us with appropriate resources.

Our neighborhood includes people across the political spectrum. These concerns are about safety, accessibility and quality of life, and they deserve attention from the entire council.

We recognize that other Greensboro neighborhoods face serious challenges. We are asking that ours also receive a clear response, named contacts and practical next steps. A District-First approach means making sure every neighborhood has a voice—and that residents can see their concerns being addressed.

Max Benbassat
info@benbassatdigital.com
Old Battle Forest, District 3
Greensboro, NC

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