Ben Rowe

The commission reviewed and approved several resolutions, including the execution of agreements for water and sanitary sewer improvements for new developments and the awarding of a construction contract for the Foxcroft and Diggs neighborhoods sewer rehabilitation project. Additionally, the commission approved rate increases for solid waste services and water and wastewater utilities, while recommending adoption of the fiscal year 2026-27 operations and capital improvement budgets for these programs to the Winston-Salem City Council.

The commission reviewed several Certificate of Appropriateness applications, including the construction of a new duplex, a request for solar panel installation which was continued to a future meeting, the addition of a fence and security gate, and a comprehensive building rehabilitation project. Additionally, the commission supported a Certified Local Government grant application for window restoration, approved an amendment to the Rules of Procedure to allow committee items to be heard during regular meetings, and discussed upcoming historic marker unveilings, the Heritage Neighborhood Program, preservation month activities, and an archaeology workshop proposal. Staff also provided an update on the progress of the Old Salem Historic District Design Review Standards update.

The board meeting agenda includes several public hearing items concerning zoning petitions and site plan recommendations for various residential and commercial projects. Specifically, the board will review zoning requests for properties on Hemlock Drive, Sentry Point Lane, Jerry Street, and Bethania-Rural Hall Road. Additionally, the agenda covers a site plan amendment for a townhome to single-family residential development on Teague Road, as well as a Planning Board review for a cottage court project at Barbara Jean Court.

The committee held an election for a temporary Chair and welcomed the new Sustainability Strategist. Key discussion topics included the upcoming Community Roots Day event as part of the Fruit Arbor Trail project and the announcement of solar installations at two fire stations. Staff presented findings from the ICLEI Municipal Investment Fund Grant regarding a solar feasibility study. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the upcoming publication of an RFP for the hydroponics facility at Kimberley Park, the status of nominations for the 2026 Sustainability Awards, the planning of subcommittees for outreach and resilience, and the preparation process for the annual report due to the city council.

The meeting included discussions on welcoming a new PAC member, updates on Submittable for posting calls, and community requests such as the 1201 N Liberty Street Mural where a motion was made to allocate $150,000 of CNI funds for a Community-Led Project Call. Updates were provided on the Waughtown Facility and the QRC Mural request. The Commission also reviewed a residency call from Alexandria, VA and discussed project updates including Rupert Bell Park Basketball Pavilion & Courts, Brown School Lofts Shade Structure, Brunson Elementary Sculpture, MLK Community Center Mural, Boston Thurmond Projects, 6th-Cherry-Trade Parking Deck, Open Call 2025, Dandelion Community Project, All ways, Always, and the Downtown Community Meeting.