Things to Consider Before The Atlantic Avenue Corridor Public Meeting – Mixed-Use Development – “Gaming the System”

Introducing Guest Blogger, Rodd Myers. Rodd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Language and Literature. He has a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning with a focus on business and public administration from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). We became friends while Rodd was still living in Rocky Mount where he and his partner, John Manns, … Continue reading Things to Consider Before The Atlantic Avenue Corridor Public Meeting – Mixed-Use Development – “Gaming the System” →

We Need a ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’- Captured By A Past Not Of Our Own Making

At Monday's City Council meeting, September 9, 2019, I had to face the fact that for some people, there will never be an expiration date, or enough markers placed, or an end to talk of reparation, an issue raised during the public comments. Life is filtered through the dark lens of the past. Growing up … Continue reading We Need a ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’- Captured By A Past Not Of Our Own Making →

The October 8th Election – “Don’t Make Me No Coffee Babe, I Won’t Be Back No More”

While sitting on the back seat of the car as I was growing up, I listened to my parents sing. Over time, I learned the words to songs like Stardust, Melancholy Baby, and Sunny Side of the Street. These classics have followed me through my life and in lovely ways, I think of them as … Continue reading The October 8th Election – “Don’t Make Me No Coffee Babe, I Won’t Be Back No More” →

HGTV Proves We Can Save Our Vital Rocky Mount Housing, But Rigging The System Has To Stop

I love the HGTV shows that are about saving, restoring, and preserving houses. Two programs, in particular, bring hope and inspiration when thinking about our Rocky Mount neighborhoods near downtown. Good Bones concentrates on old neighborhoods in Indianapolis that are coming back because of their proximity to downtown. The second show is called Home Town … Continue reading HGTV Proves We Can Save Our Vital Rocky Mount Housing, But Rigging The System Has To Stop →

Larema Coffee – Another Preservation Success – “Sending a Thrill Up Our Leg!”

“The current passion for reuse might be explained by sustainability or fashion but, most importantly, it affords a sense of history and texture, taking advantage of buildings already embedded in cities. They are buildings with atmosphere, history, and stories inscribed in their fabric. And sometimes sustainability isn’t just about the energy and materials saved but … Continue reading Larema Coffee – Another Preservation Success – “Sending a Thrill Up Our Leg!” →