October 2024 - Vol. 1
Forsyth County Government recently broke ground on the new Highland Avenue Park at the edge of the Health and Human Services Campus.
Hurricane Helene Response Updates
On 9/30 Shontell Robinson provided an update on what Forsyth County is doing to aid in the relief efforts in Western North Carolina, as did the Sheriff's Office on 10/1.
For more up-to-date news on this effort, please check our social media
and the County's Website.
County Manager Listening Sessions
County Manager Shontell Robinson held Listening Sessions at all ten Forsyth County Public Library locations in July and August. We appreciate everyone who came out to give their feedback!
Here are the recommendations in the report:
- Communicate to WS/FC Schools the need to evaluate current school building utilization and prioritize construction of new schools where needed.
- Increase focus on affordable housing for low-income residents and improve communication about existing housing programs.
- Develop and implement comprehensive sustainability strategies and integrate environmental considerations into all planning processes.
- Address gaps in mental health support and emergency services.
- Communicate to NCDOT & City of Winston-Salem the need to invest in road maintenance, sidewalks, and public transportation to support community growth.
- Continue to improve library services and explore additional community uses for school facilities.
- Increase efforts in property code enforcement and managing neglected properties.
- Support local businesses and job creation through targeted economic development programs.
- Increase transparency and interaction between residents and officials by exploring diverse methods of communication and engagement.
The full report from our listening sessions can be read here.
County Manager
County Manager Shontell Robinson releases video statement on her 10-stop county listening session.
In This Issue
County Commissioner Update
The Board of County Commissioners act as the governing body of Forsyth County. They approve the annual County budget, set the County property tax rate, establish County policies and act on zoning and other land use matters.
They also appoint residents to numerous volunteer boards and committees that deal with issues like senior care, child fatalities, animal services, community appearance, planning, the environment and much more. Current volunteer opportunities are listed on the county’s website in February, May, August and November.
Commissioners' meetings and briefings are open to the public. They begin at 2 p.m. on Thursdays on the Fifth Floor of the Forsyth County Government Center. Meetings where commissioners vote on items and hear public comments are usually held twice a month. Briefings on the items they’ll vote on in upcoming meetings are typically held on a weekly basis. Meetings and briefings are live streamed on Facebook, Youtube, and the County's website.
Health and Human Services Campus Updates
Highland Avenue Park
Forsyth County Government recently broke ground on the new Highland Avenue Park at the edge of the Health and Human Services Campus.
The new park will be located at the corner of Fifth Street and Highland Avenue. It’ll have a basketball half-court, a pickleball court, an amphitheater, an open grass play area, picnic tables and approximately 1,400 linear feet of accessible concrete walkaways and all-inclusive play features.
Highland Avenue Center renovation
The Center at 650 N. Highland Avenue will be transformed to include a more robust continuum of care for mental health and substance use services that will include an adult 16-bed facility-based crisis center and the relocation of the Stepping Up program, County pharmacy, and substance use health education. It’s expected to be completed by January 2025.
Auditorium renovation
Renovation of the auditorium located at 725 N. Highland Avenue, Annex 1, is expected to be finished in the early part of 2025. The auditorium space will provide for community programs and performances integrating arts and wellness and other events.
Social Services and Public Health renovations
Renovations for some parts of the Social Services and Public Health buildings are expected to begin in 2025.
NC DOT visits Smith Reynolds Airport
We were honored to host the North Carolina Department of Transportation, including NC Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins, at Forsyth Tech's Mazie Woodruff Aviation Technology Lab at Smith Reynolds Airport on Sept. 4. They heard a presentation from Airport Director Mark Davidson and then took a tour of Smith Reynolds, a county-owned and operated airport located on North Liberty Street, which has the most economic impact among the state’s 62 general aviation public airports that don't offer commercial service.
Forsyth EMS Save: Johnny Martin
Emergency Services coordinated a reunion of patient Johnny Martin and the men and women of Emergency Services who played a role in saving his life.
A Mother's Story: Jeremiah J-5
Behavioral Health Services releases the heartfelt story of a mother's loss from fentanyl: Jeremiah J-5
Pawpaw Field Day
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center held its Pawpaw Field Day on Sept. 7, offering attendees the opportunity to buy pawpaw trees and fruit, sample bread and ice cream made from pawpaws and receive a wide variety of information about pawpaw recipes and how to care for pawpaw trees.
View photos from the Pawpaw Field Day here.
October's events from the NC Cooperative Extension can be found here
Workforce Development Week
We are excited to announce Workforce Development Week in Forsyth County! The week of October 21-25 will feature numerous events for job seekers, employers, and students hosted and presented by Forsyth Works partners.
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