TO: Town Council Members
FROM: Mayor Waldorf and Council Member Wiggins
SUBJECT: Resolution Thanking the Neighbors for Speed
DATE: October 22, 2001
The work of the Neighbors for Speed, NC, is coming to a close. The work began back in October 1999, after devastating floods ravaged much of eastern North Carolina. Council Member Wiggins suggested the formation of a group, “Neighbors for Speed,” which raised money to help reconstruct and refurnish homes in Speed and find sponsors in Chapel Hill and Carrboro who would offer personal support to a family. The group’s efforts raised more than $105,000 and assisted 25 families.
A funding framework was set up so donations from the community could flow smoothly to the Triangle Community Foundation and be distributed through the Rocky Mount/Edgecombe Community Development Corporation. The group also brought the needs of Speed to the attention of County and State officials. In addition to rebuilt and refurbished homes, a fully furnished Community Center now stands as a symbol of a Speed that has emerged from the floods – and as a symbol of the bonds that have been formed between Speed, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
We ask that the Council adopt the attached resolution, thanking the Neighbors for Speed for their hard work on this humanitarian effort.
1. “Neighbors for Speed, N.C.” Memorandum (p. 3).
A RESOLUTION THANKING THE NEIGHBORS FOR SPEED, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, the floods of September 1999 destroyed homes and damaged lives in eastern North Carolina, including the Town of Speed; and
WHEREAS, the Neighbors for Speed formed in October 1999 to raise money and help reconstruct and refurnish homes in Speed and to find sponsors in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to offer personal support to families; and
WHEREAS, the Neighbors for Speed set up a funding framework so that donations from the community could flow smoothly to the Triangle Community Foundation and be disbursed through the Rocky Mount/Edgecombe Community Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of the Neighbors for Speed raised more than $105,000 to assist 25 families; and
WHEREAS, rebuilt homes have many amenities that the owners did not have before, and there is a plan to clean up home sites where owners have accepted federal buyout options; and
WHEREAS, a fully-furnished Community Center now stands as a symbol of a Speed that has emerged from the devastating flood of 1999 and of the bonds that have been established between Speed and the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro; and
WHEREAS, a renewed spirit of optimism prevails among the people of Speed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council expresses its sincere thanks and congratulations to the Neighbors for Speed for the group’s hard work, energy, and generosity over the last two years.
This the 22nd day of October, 2001.