Greensboro 101

GREENSBORO, NC — Capt. Davis said that the police department is currently assisting the fire department in its investigation. Davis said he wouldn’t rule out a criminal investigation in the future, but at this point the evidence doesn’t warrant it. “There’s a lot of emotion around this,” he said. “It’s extremely delicate. Any death is bad, but you’ve got five kids. Several levels of grief come into play. You have a group of people that came to this country for a better life, and they’re in conditions that are not comfortable. I want to be here so people know the police department’s investigative body is in the game.”

GREENSBORO, NC — The lawsuit was filed by Gary Hickenbottom’s widow, Carissa Hickenbottom, who lives in Ohio. The suit names family patriarch Basil “Bill” Agapion, various family members and ownership entities, along with the city of Greensboro as defendants. Carissa Hickenbottom is seeking at least $25,000 plus interest to cover damages, including “funeral expenses, pain and suffering, loss of service, protection, care, assistance, society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices and advice, among other things.” The suit asserts claims of negligence against both the Agapion family and the city, and a claim of wrongful death against the Agapions.

GREENSBORO, NC — The City of Greensboro Planning Department has received plans for a proposed Publix grocery store and parking deck at the corner of Mill Street and Westover Terrace in Greensboro. The property is owned by local developer Marty Kotis.

The drip-drip-drip torture of delayed decision-making in local governance usually works to the advantage of government and business interests over the poor. Elected officials are going to show up regardless; business interests are sufficiently organized and command the resources to play the long game of advocacy. The poor have to make a proportionately higher sacrifice to organize themselves and get in front of their elected officials to make their case. But in the case of Greensboro’s suspended aggressive solicitation ordinance, the waiting game can also be seen as a function of city council’s recognition that they’re about to walk into a legal fight they can’t win. Or, if you believe Marcus Hyde, the manager of the Homeless Union of Greensboro, there’s a more sinister plan afoot.