BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Nicky Smith Leads Effort to Preserve the Character of West Friendly Avenue: A Victory for Greensboro Residents

How Nicky Smith Championing Neighborhood Conservation Led to Greensboro City Council’s Landmark Vote

In a landmark decision for Greensboro’s residents, the City Council voted 6-3 to approve the West Friendly Avenue Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO), a district designed to protect the unique character of properties along West Friendly Avenue between Westridge and Holden roads. At the heart of this grassroots movement was Nicky Smith, a candidate for Greensboro City Council District 4, who emerged as a tireless advocate for preserving this cherished neighborhood.

Smith, a long-time community leader, spearheaded efforts to mobilize residents, ensuring their voices were heard during council discussions. He was seen actively engaging with the community, passing out stickers urging support for the overlay and rallying homeowners to attend meetings and make their opinions known. His passion for preserving the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, spacious front yards, and architectural integrity resonated with many Greensboro residents.

The West Friendly NCO was not merely about regulating development but preserving a sense of community and continuity that residents hold dear. Under the overlay’s guidelines, development standards such as minimum front setbacks, 40-foot height limits on new structures, and tree conservation requirements aim to maintain the area’s aesthetic charm. Over 70% of property owners in the district supported the overlay, underscoring the community’s shared vision.

Building Momentum Through Grassroots Advocacy

Smith’s leadership was instrumental in galvanizing support for the NCO. He understood that the success of the initiative depended on grassroots action. Yard signs with messages supporting the overlay sprouted along West Friendly Avenue, while residents wearing “Vote Yes” stickers filled council chambers during the decisive meeting.

“This effort was about preserving what makes West Friendly Avenue special for current residents and future generations,” Smith said. “This overlay reflects our collective vision for maintaining the neighborhood’s unique character while allowing for thoughtful and appropriate development.”

A Divided Council but a Decisive Win

Despite the widespread community support, the council’s decision wasn’t unanimous. Councilmembers Goldie Wells, Zack Matheny, and Hugh Holston expressed concerns that the overlay might limit future development opportunities. In contrast, supporters like Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Mayor Pro Tempore Yvonne Johnson emphasized the importance of giving neighborhoods tools to define their own futures.

Councilwoman Tammi Thurm, a vocal proponent of the district, highlighted the broader implications of the vote. “This is about fairness. If we allow neighborhoods like Westridge Road to have this kind of protection, then West Friendly Avenue deserves the same opportunity,” Thurm said.

Preserving Greensboro’s Heritage

The West Friendly NCO vote marked a significant milestone in Greensboro’s efforts to preserve its historic neighborhoods. For Smith, the victory also reaffirmed his commitment to championing residents’ voices in city decision-making.

“This isn’t just about a single neighborhood; it’s about setting a precedent for how we can work together as a community to shape our city,” Smith said.

As Nicky Smith campaigns for a seat on the Greensboro City Council, his leadership in the West Friendly NCO movement is a testament to his dedication to community engagement, transparency, and preserving Greensboro’s heritage. With Smith’s leadership, the Friendly Avenue community secured a future that respects its past—a blueprint for other neighborhoods across Greensboro to follow.

Building a Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous Greensboro Together

As your candidate for Greensboro City Council, I, Nicky Smith, am asking for your support and vote. With over 45 years of business leadership experience and a proven track record of mobilizing our community for meaningful change, such as leading the successful West Friendly NCO initiative, I am committed to addressing our city’s most pressing issues. I will bring the same dedication and passion to tackling crime, collaborating with departments to resolve homelessness, and empowering small businesses to grow and create better jobs. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Greensboro for all.

Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.

Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.

Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council

 

 


For more details about the Preserve Friendly Avenue initiative, visit Preserve Friendly Avenue.

More News Coverage:

August 6, 2023 – FOX 8 News
Second Successful Meeting of Neighbors, August 6th

August 11, 2023 – FOX 8 News
Zoning request for proposed Friendly Avenue development in Greensboro has been withdrawn, city confirms

August 21, 2023 – Greensboro News & Record
Developer withdraws rezoning request along West Friendly Avenue, heads back to drawing board

September 22, 2023 – FOX 8 News
Rezoning Efforts by Glenn Drew Meet Strong Resistance from Concerned Friendly Avenue Neighbors

October 9, 2023 – FOX 8 News
Greensboro residents living on Friendly Avenue don’t want townhomes in their neighborhood

November 13, 2023 – Neighborhood Meeting
Glenn Drew’s attorney as to why the building of 22 townhome duplexes would improve the neighborhood

November 20, 2023 – WFMY News 2
The request to rezone West Friendly Avenue was denied in an 8-1 vote

November 20, 2023 – Greensboro Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Crucial Zoning Meeting Decides Future of Friendly Avenue

November 20, 2023 – WFMY News 2
Nixon Norman explains why Glenn Drew’s 22 unit townhome duplex failed to pass City Zoning

November 20, 2023 – Greensboro Planning & Zoning Meeting
Greensboro Planning & Zoning Meeting Nov 20th – Residents Reactions

November 21, 2023 – Greensboro News & Record
Request denied: Controversial Friendly Avenue rezoning gets struck down

December 4, 2023 – Greensboro News & Record
Friendly Avenue neighbors win zoning fight for now, but developer mulls new proposal

September 12, 2024 – FOX 8 News
Residents Protest Glenn Drew’s Development Plan, Fighting to Preserve West Greensboro Neighborhood

September 15, 2024 – FOX 8 News
Battle for West Friendly: A Neighborhood’s Fight Against Greed

September 16, 2024 – FOX 8 News
New development guidelines could be in place along West Friendly Avenue in Greensboro

September 17, 2024 – Greensboro Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Victory for the Preserve Friendly Avenue Neighborhood Conservation Overlay

October 14, 2024 – Greensboro News & Record
Greensboro Council to consider new property regulations on West Friendly Avenue

October 15, 2024 – FOX 8 News
The West Friendly Avenue Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) has been APPROVED!