Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks Coming April 22

The community is invited to downtown Sanford on April 22 for the Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks event, a celebration of the completed streetscape revitalization, a project totaling $6.5 million in public investment.

The City of Sanford, Downtown Sanford, Inc., the Sanford Area Growth Alliance and local nonprofits and businesses will offer music, food trucks, demos, live street entertainers, and more. The evening will be capped off with fireworks.

Schedule of Events

The StreetFest will begin at 4:15 p.m. with a street party on Steele Street, led by Sanford Latin Dance. Steele, Carthage, Moore, and Wicker streets will be closed the remainder of the evening.

The B Sides will start the evening with honky tonk and country music on Steele Street starting at 4:45 p.m., followed by rockabilly group The Straight 8s at 6:15 p.m. Food trucks will be set up around downtown, including NC Wings & Things, Bold Flavors, Bac 2 Mac, Bull City, and Kona Ice.

The StreetFest is family friendly. There will be a Kids' Zone on Carthage Street complete with games and face painting, the Sanford Police Department’s mobile unit, bounce houses, and more. A martial arts demonstration by Black Belt Leadership Academy will begin at 5:45 p.m. There will be kid-friendly activities throughout downtown all evening.

More Fun in Downtown

Those looking for fun daytime activities will also find plenty to do in downtown Sanford. The first annual “Art in the Alley” will begin at 10 a.m. and feature local artists, demos, and activities on Charlie Watson Lane. Merchants will offer specials and discounts.

There will be activities in Depot Park from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., including Yoga in the Park with the YMCA and a cornhole tournament hosted by The Smoke & Barrel. Yoga will be free and starts with a 30-minute family session followed by a 60-minute adult session. Entry for the cornhole tournament is $10 per team.

Join the Event

To become a sponsor or volunteer, contact Jennifer St. Clair at 919-718-4659 x 1400.

To stay updated on the day, visit www.sanfordstreetfest.com or join the Downtown StreetFest & Fireworks event on Facebook.

4 Chances to Weigh In on Local Land Use Plan

Residents will be able to share their thoughts on growth and development in Sanford, Broadway, and Lee County at drop-in public input sessions scheduled for September and October.

At these meetings, the public will have the chance to provide initial guidance and feedback on topics that influence land use. A consultant and planning staff will be available to answer questions. Attendees can make comments and submit simple survey questionnaires. There will be no formal presentation.

Land Use Update Underway

Input gathered during the sessions will be used by the Sanford/Lee County Planning Department to update its Land Use Plan, a document that guides development over the next 10 to 20 years. “A modern land use plan is the tool that brings positive, attractive tax base expansion for Sanford and Lee County that makes us the envy of other areas,” explains Chet Mann, mayor for the City of Sanford.

When adopted in 1999, “our current plan was for a much more rural community, with surrounding areas also being predominantly rural,” notes Amy Dalrymple, chair of the Lee County Board of Commissioners. However, with rapid urbanization happening in nearby counties and major plans for more growth on the horizon, Lee County will see tremendous changes in the next twenty years. “In order for that growth to be sensible, sustainable, and affordable, we must have an updated Land Use Plan to reflect our vision,” she says.

An updated plan is especially useful for small municipalities where funding is limited, says Donald Andrews, mayor for the Town of Broadway, as it allows them “to plan for future infrastructure needs and upgrades to meet demand.” The plan also gives the private sector some guidelines for what the community will support, he points out.

To accomplish that goal, the plan must provide a vision for development that “balances the economic, social, and environmental needs of Sanford and Lee County; strengthens the local economy; and preserves a higher quality of life for all its residents,” Mann says.

The updated plan can also help resolve modern concerns like fracking, coal ash, and quarries, Dalrymple says. “These industries have great impacts where they occur because of the environmental and quality-of-life concerns. Having a plan that more specifically addresses conditions for these industries is important moving forward.”

The updated Land Use Plan will include insight from residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders. The upcoming meetings are “a great opportunity for citizens to have input into what they want their community to look like in the future,” says Andrews.

Share Your Thoughts

Public meetings have been scheduled to take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the following days at the following locations.

• September 27, 2016 – Broadway Community Center (111 N Main St.)
• September 29, 2016 – Dennis Wicker Civic Center (1801 Nash St.)
• October 4, 2016 – Deep River Elementary (4000 Deep River Rd.)
• October 6, 2016 – Greenwood Elementary (1127 Greenwood Rd.)

Bonus: On Monday, September 26, Mayor Mann will host a Facebook Live chat session on his Facebook page to discuss the Land Use Plan update and answer questions anyone might have about both the plan and the process for updating it.

Moving forward, the public will be able to submit written comments and questions throughout the update process using the plan’s website.

More Information

Contact: David Montgomery, Long Range Planner for the Sanford/Lee County Planning Department, at 919-718-4657 ext. 5392 or via email.

Registration for the Summer Citizens' Academy is Open

The City of Sanford is now registering for the summer session of Sanford Citizens' Academy, a 13-week interactive program designed to give you an inside look at your city government.

Any Lee County resident is encouraged to apply. Residents living in the city will be given preference. Please note that space is limited to 10 participants.

When: Mondays from July 25 through October 17*, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Graduation will be on Tuesday, October 18.

Where: Municipal facilities.

Cost: Completely free!

Participants will tour the Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sanford Municipal Golf Course, municipal parks, and more. A new feature this year is an evening dedicated to economic development that includes a visit to the Raleigh Exec Jetport and the future Central Carolina Enterprise Park.

A light dinner will be served at the beginning of each session.

The deadline to apply is July 18. Download the application form here.

For more information, contact Kelly Miller at 919-777-1133.

*Note the Academy will not meet on Monday, September 5.

Public Works Employee Wins Speech Contest

A City of Sanford employee took home top honors at the N.C. Statewide Safety Conference this month.

In March, Alvan Davis, Lead Utility Maintenance Worker in the Public Works Department, competed in the Safety Talk Contest sponsored by the Mid-State Safety Council. Davis won first place and went on to represent the region at the state conference, held in Greensboro.

At the state conference, Davis competed against other regional representatives on a topic of his choosing that addressed a safety and injury prevention message. Davis’ presentation was entitled, “Trenching and Shoring – Keeping It 100,” took third place.

Judges and attendees were surprised and pleased by Davis’ unique topic choice and excellent delivery.

Mayor Chet Mann, the Sanford City Council, and Safety Officer Donna Matthews
congratulated Alvan Davis, Lead Utility Maintenance Worker in the Public Works
Department at the City of Sanford, on his third place finish in the Safety Talk Contest
sponsored by the Mid-State Safety Council at the N.C. Statewide Safety
Conference this month.

For more information about the N.C. Statewide Safety Conference or the Mid-State Safety Council, visit ncsafetyconference.com or call Donna Matthews at 919-777-1208.

National Night Out 2016 is Underway

Get ready for another fun-filled summer of National Night Out events by attending the annual Coordinators' Meeting at City Hall.

When: Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: West End Conference Room at City Hall, 225 E. Weatherspoon Street
Details: Join and share our Facebook Event

Attendees will be able to ask questions about National Night Out, start preparing for their neighborhoods' events, and win prizes.

A light dinner will be served.

For more information about National Night Out, contact Kelly Miller at 919-777-1133.

Save the Date: Downtown Streetfest & Fireworks

UPDATE: THE DOWNTOWN SANFORD STREETFEST & FIREWORKS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. A NEW DATE WILL BE FORTHCOMING.

The City of Sanford and Downtown Sanford, Inc. are excited to announce the DOWNTOWN STREETFEST & FIREWORKS, a celebration of the completed streetscape revitalization in downtown Sanford.

The Downtown Streetfest & Fireworks will feature music, food trucks, entertainment, and local businesses. The evening will be capped off with fireworks.

When: Friday, October 7 starting at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Where: The block of downtown Sanford ringed by Steele Street, Carthage Street, Moore Street, and Wicker Street.

Want to get involved? Volunteers will be needed to make this once-in-a-lifetime event a success. If you’d like to help or become a sponsor, contact Jennifer St. Clair at 919-718-4659 x 1400 or Kelly Miller at 919-777-1133.

Know Your Door-to-Door Solicitation Rights

Under threat of litigation, the Sanford City Council has updated its Peddlers/Itinerant Merchant ordinance. Effective immediately, the change allows residents in the city of Sanford to post a “No Soliciting” sign to prevent door-to-door sales at their homes.

Previously, the City of Sanford required peddlers to secure a permit and receive the occupant’s permission before going to the door of a private residence to sell or take orders for goods, wares, or merchandise. The goal was to protect residents from annoyance or interference by those who might use unscrupulous tactics, fear, or intimidation when selling door to door.

However, recent court decisions have narrowed the ability of government to regulate commercial speech, making restrictions on soliciting easy to challenge. To avoid a lengthy legal battle that would likely side with businesses that rely on soliciting, the City of Sanford has amended its ordinance.

New Rules

• Each person who goes door to door to take orders or sell goods, wares, or merchandise must apply to the City of Sanford for a Peddlers/Itinerant Merchant license. There is a nonrefundable fee and the license runs on the fiscal year of July 1 to June 30. Solicitors must show their valid license upon request.
• Residents are allowed to post a “No Soliciting” sign on their property to prevent solicitors from knocking on their door. Any solicitor who ignores the sign will be in violation of the ordinance.
• Neighborhoods with a property owners’ association may post a “no soliciting” sign at the entrance to the neighborhood if the association has the proper authority to do so. Any solicitor who knocks on doors in the neighborhood for purpose of selling will be in violation of the ordinance.
• Any resident may ask a solicitor to leave, regardless of whether a “no soliciting” sign is posted. Peddlers who do not leave when asked are trespassing. Residents should call 9-1-1 if they feel threatened or harassed. Remember that no resident has to open the door for a stranger, including solicitors.

Enforcement

Residents should call the Sanford Police Department at 919-777-1000 to file a report if any solicitor cannot produce the Peddlers/Itinerant Merchant license, refuses to leave when asked, or otherwise fails to comply with the ordinance’s rules. Violators will be fined $50. After two violations, solicitors may lose their license for a period of 12 months.

The ordinance specifically applies to solicitation for the purpose of selling goods and merchandise and does not prohibit canvassing by religious groups, civic or non-profit groups, and political campaigners, which is considered free speech.

Questions?

To obtain a Peddlers/Itinerant Merchant license, visit the Business Licenses section of our website, found under Billing and Collections.

For more information, contact Ebony McLean at 919-777-1144.

Block Party Beautifies Woodland Avenue

More than 130 volunteers, including city leaders, youth groups, and churches, came together on Saturday for the Sanford Block Party, an annual community clean-up and beautification project that focused on Woodland Avenue from Courtland Drive to Hughes Street this year.

During the event, firefighters from the Sanford Fire Department canvassed the neighborhood to share information about smoke detectors and install detectors in homes that didn't have one.

For more information about the Sanford Block Party, take a look at the Sunday, April 10 edition of The Sanford Herald (or see article here and here) or call Karen Kennedy at 919-718-4657 x 5391.

Check the City of Sanford's Facebook page in the coming days for a photo album and video of the event.

Arbor Day Scheduled for April 29

The City of Sanford will host its fourth annual Arbor Day celebration at B.T. Bullock Elementary School on Friday, April 29.

As in years past, students will perform songs, essays, and poems around the theme of nature and trees. School leaders and members of the community will plant trees on the school's lawn.

Details: The program will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the school's gym, located at 1410 McNeill Road in Sanford. The public is invited.

Long-term goals for the City's partnership with Bullock include a learning garden, botanical arboretum, and anti-erosion planting.

For more information, contact Liz Whitmore at 919-718-4657 ext 5393.

Sanford Block Party to Focus on Woodland Avenue

The 6th annual Sanford Block Party has been scheduled for Saturday, April 9.

This year, the event -- which brings the community together to spruce up a Sanford neighborhood -- will address Woodland Avenue from Courtland Drive to Hughes Street.

Volunteers will start the day with breakfast, followed by a morning of landscaping, light painting, and light construction where needed. After, lunch and entertainment will be provided.

Currently, the Housing Task Force is seeking donations to help with food, entertainment, and supplies. To donate or volunteer, contact Karen Kennedy at 919-718-4657 ext. 5391.

To share information about the Sanford Block Party using Facebook, join our Facebook event here.

Share this flyer with friends, family, and co-workers to spread the word about the event.

Registration is Open for Sanford Citizens' Academy

The City of Sanford is now registering for the Sanford Citizens' Academy, a 9-week interactive program designed to give you an inside look at your city government.

When: Tuesdays from February 16 through April 12, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Graduation will be on Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Municipal buildings and grounds.

Cost: Completely free!

We’ll  tour the Water Treatment Plant, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sanford Municipal Golf Course, municipal parks, and more. A light breakfast will be served at the beginning of each session.

The deadline to apply is February 8 and space is limited to 10 participants. Download the application form here.

For more information, contact Kelly Miller at 919-777-1133.

Sanford Wins Top Honors for National Night Out

Sanford's National Night Out program has been named second in the nation for our population category and best in the state across categories by the National Association of Town Watch.

This year’s ranking is Sanford’s highest yet and continues Sanford’s streak as the best NNO program in North Carolina. “I am so pleased with this ranking and recognition,” says Mayor Chet Mann. “Our placement acknowledges the job well done by so many of our citizens and staff who work so hard and really enjoy putting on this event.”

Sanford’s program placed third in 2014 and fourth in 2013. The program’s upward trajectory showcases Sanford’s community spirit, says Mann. “Sanford shines during National Night Out because we are a loving, caring community of people who like to live, work, and play together – and who look out for one another,” he notes.

The 2015 campaign included tours of Sanford’s police and fire departments, along with a summer safety day with the Lee County Partnership for Children and a self-defense day with Black Belt Leadership Academy. NNO coordinators also collected nonperishable food items and school supplies for the Christians United Outreach Center.

Planning is already underway for the 2016 campaign. “Our goal is to create more partnerships and explore more opportunities for our first responders, public officials, and community to connect and enjoy each other,” says Kelly Miller, public information officer and National Night Out program manager for the City of Sanford.

The Sanford Police Department hopes that Sanford’s high ranking will lead more neighborhoods to start a Community Watch program. “Officers in the Community Police Unit are available to attend Watch meetings any time, though we need at least two weeks’ notice to prepare our schedule,” says Capt. Tony Hancox, who heads the unit. “We want the community-police partnership to remain strong throughout the year – not just the first Tuesday in August,” he says.

For more information or to get involved in National Night Out, contact Miller at 919-777-1133 or kelly.miller@sanfordnc.net. For more information about Community Watch, contact Hancox at 919-777-1051.

New Route for Sanford Christmas Parade

Sanford City Council approved a resolution at its November 17 meeting that amends the traditional route of the Sanford Christmas Parade for 2015.

The parade will be on Monday, December 7 starting at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Sanford. Subscribers to The Sanford Herald can read an article about parade changes here.

Route for 2015

Due to the City of Sanford’s ongoing Streetscape & Pedestrian Improvement Bonds project – which includes construction at the intersections of Wicker, Steele, and Carthage streets – City staff and the Central Carolina Jaycees have changed the 2015 route as follows:

• The parade will begin at the corner of Wicker and Carthage streets and travel east to Horner Blvd.
• The parade will then turn left onto Horner Blvd and travel north one block to Carthage Street.
• The parade will turn left onto Carthage Street and travel west back to Wicker Street.

Click to view a larger map.

Note: The amended route is only for 2015. 

“This is the right decision for where we stand with construction in downtown Sanford,” says Jennifer St. Clair, executive director of Downtown Sanford, Inc. “I’m certain the Central Carolina Jaycees are putting together another stellar event for our community and I applaud their commitment to the safety of all those involved.”

“The Central Carolina Jaycees are excited about the changes coming to downtown and know that next year’s parade will benefit from this year’s hurdles,” says Jaycees' parade co-coordinator Gina Guerrero. “Though the route will be different, we expect the parade to be as joyous and entertaining as it has been for more than 50 years.”

“The Sanford Christmas Parade is a well-loved and highly attended institution in Sanford and we know Sanford will come out to support it,” notes Jaycees' parade co-coordinator Amy Davis.

Street Closures

Staging for parade entries will be along Wicker Street as usual. The following streets will begin closing at 6:00 p.m. where they intersect with Wicker and Carthage streets: Arbor Lane, Tryon Street, King Street, Park Avenue, Circle Avenue, Diffie Street, Hillcrest Drive, Pershing Street, S. Vance Street, and S. Gulf Street.

Detours and barricades will be set up at 6:00 p.m. along the staging route. Traffic will be limited to parade participants and residents of the area. Those locations are along Wicker Street at Legion Road and the U.S. Hwy 1 off ramps.

Traffic on Horner Blvd will not be interrupted until 6:30 p.m.

Contact

The parade committee is still accepting entries, Davis says. The deadline to enter is November 24. For more information or to enter the parade, visit the Central Carolina Jaycees’ website or call 919-353-2108.

Roundabout Lighting Scheduled for Early December

The City of Sanford has contracted Duke Energy Progress to install 24 LED light poles along Hawkins Avenue to better illuminate Sanford’s new roundabouts.

Lights will be positioned both along the roadway and outside of the traffic circles, which were added by the North Carolina Department of Transportation earlier this year. No lights will be located inside the traffic circles.

Note: Click on the thumbnails above to view a larger photo of each roundabout.

Though NCDOT had no plans to install lighting, the City of Sanford recognized that the area needed more illumination. The City contracted Duke Energy to add the 24 poles in early November; however, inclement weather pushed the work to December.

Duke Energy anticipates that lights will be in place by the second week of December – barring unforeseen complications, such as inclement weather. Most importantly, lighting the roundabouts is in the works and will happen as soon as possible.

Despite the roundabouts being a state project, the City of Sanford has also added astroturf, bricks, colored concrete, and 48 redbud trees to beautify the area, which serves as an important entryway into Sanford.

For more information about the roundabouts or lighting, contact the Public Works department at 919-777-1122.

Traffic Flow Changes Coming to Downtown Sanford

Pedestrians and drivers will soon find a new traffic flow in downtown Sanford. Beginning Monday, November 16, the intersection of Wicker Street and Steele Street will become a 4-way stop.

Rendering of the intersection of Steele Street and Wicker Street
after the streetscape project is finished.

For the first week, the existing signals will flash red in all directions to help the public adjust to the change. Fred Smith Company will place barrels and stop signs at the intersection, though the signs will be bagged until the signals are removed.

On Sunday, November 22, the signals will be removed and the bagged stop signs will be uncovered. Once that takes place, Fred Smith Company will be able to focus on finishing the street corners at that intersection. The barrels will remain in place until work is complete.

For more information about the change in traffic flow or the streetscape project, contact the City's Public Works department at 919-777-1122.

City Opens 2015 GovDeals.com Auction

Need a new vehicle? How about office equipment, radios, or a backhoe? The City of Sanford has you covered.

Starting today, the City has nearly 30 items available for auction on GovDeals.com, a site that allows government agencies to sell surplus items to the public. Items range from big ticket (a freightliner) to next-to-nothing (a $10 lot).

Auction end dates vary, but the last item will end on November 30, 2015.

See What We're Selling

You can get item photos and descriptions, as well as place your bid, by going to GovDeals.com and entering "Sanford" in the search box.

Quick link: To go directly to the City of Sanford's listings, click here.

Get Registered

Anyone can bid on auction hosted at GovDeals. But before you can place a bid, you'll need to register to use the service. You'll have to enter a phone number where the site can call or text you to validate your registration.

After the validation, you'll receive an email from GovDeals' customer service department. Click the link in the email and then enter the username and password you set up during registration.

From start to finish, the registration process lasts no longer than five minutes.

Start Bidding

Once you've registered, run your search for "Sanford." When you click on any of the items, you'll see a bidding form on the left of the description screen. Enter your bid and you're officially part of the auction.

Make sure you read the terms and conditions for all items before you place your bid. Everything you need to know is right on the description screen.

Payment & Pick Up

If you place the winning bid, GovDeals will issue you a buyer's certificate and you'll have five business days to make your payment. For items less than $5,000, you can pay by credit card or Paypal. You may pay by wire transfer for items that cost more than $5,000.

Note that a 5% buyer's premium is added to the final selling price of each item, in addition to any taxes imposed.

Once you make your payment, you can schedule a time to pick up your item(s). You must remove the item from City property within 10 days of the date on your certificate.

Questions?

For more information about our items or to arrange an inspection of what's for sale, contact Randy Paschal at 919-777-1250 or send an email to randy.paschal@sanfordnc.net.

Public Strategy Session / Sesión Pública de Estrategia

--En español abajo.--

Help the Sanford Building Integrated Communities (BIC) committee create an action plan for immigrant integration in Sanford.

Earlier this year, Sanford BIC asked residents to identify the major issues affecting local immigrants in Sanford and Lee County. Now, they are holding a public strategy session on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6:00 p.m. for residents to share their suggestions and solutions for improving three of these issues:

• Immigrant and police relationships,
• Public transportation, and
• Communications with Hispanic/Latino community.

Childcare and drinks will be provided. The meeting will be held in both English and Spanish; all Lee County residents welcome.

You do not need to register for this meeting. Please call Jessicalee with any questions at (919) 962-2414. (Habla español.)

RSVP for this event here. Download a flyer in English or Spanish here.

********************

¡Ayúdenos a crear un plan de  acción para la integración de los inmigrantes de Sanford!

Este año, “BIC en Sanford” pidió a residentes que identificaran los mayores asuntos afectando a los inmigrantes locales en Sanford y el Condado de Lee. Ahora, ofrecemos una sesión pública de estrategia para que los residentes pueden compartir sus sugerencias y soluciones para mejorar estos 3 asuntos:

• Relaciones entra la policia inmigrantes
• Transporte publico
• Comunicaciones con la comunidad hispana/latina

Esta reunión será en ambos inglés y español; todos los residentes del Condado de Lee bienvenidos. Se proveerán cuidado de niños y bebidas. No se requiere registro para esta reunión. Por favor llame a Jessicalee con cualquieras preguntas: 919-962-2414. (Habla español.)

City Council Meeting Schedule

Sanford City Council has adjusted its schedule for the next two months.

Mark your calendars with these dates:

• Cancelled: November 3 — City Council meeting
• Cancelled: November 10 — Law and Finance meeting
• November 17 — City Council meeting
• No meetings the week of Thanksgiving
• December 1 — Oath of Office Ceremony

All meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. To add an agenda item for any of the above meetings, contact City Clerk Bonnie Davis at 919-777-1111 or via email.

Note: City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day and on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Depot Acquisition Marks New Era for Sanford

More than 100 years after it first opened and 14 years after the land around it became a park, the City of Sanford acquired the historic Sanford Depot on August 19.

A landmark in Sanford, the Depot was built in 1910 to service passengers of three rail companies. To save the building from destruction, the Sanford Area Association of Realtors (SAAR) purchased and upfitted it in the early 1990s to use as office space.

Just as Depot Park has become an economic engine for downtown Sanford, officials expect the building to increase Sanford’s sense of place and continue to be a touchstone for the community.

The purchase dovetails with Mayor Chet Mann’s “Open for Business” vision to establish Sanford as a destination. Mann’s ultimate goal is to turn the building into a future visitors’ center and be the focal point of a newly revitalized downtown. He even has hopes of returning Sanford to a stop on Amtrak’s route.

“With this acquisition, we have preserved our railroad history for Sanford and have secured the use of this historic building for future generations,” Mann explains. “As we invest millions in our downtowns, not having the Depot as one of our focal points would have left this project incomplete.”

Putting this historic building into the public’s hands “signifies the partnership between the Sanford Area Association of Realtors and the City of Sanford in the downtown Sanford revitalization project,” says Crystal Copas, board president. “SAAR is excited to work with the mayor and Sanford City Council to make Sanford a destination for people to bring their families and businesses.”

The City’s investment in the Depot is “one more step in our community’s face lift of downtown Sanford,” says Bob Joyce, executive director of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance.

“The Railroad House Historical Association, Inc. looks forward to continuing its partnership with the City to enhance Sanford by showcasing the history and charm of the Depot,” says Oliver Crawley, the association’s president.

“I could not be more grateful to the Sanford Area Association of Realtors for sharing in our vision for a revitalized City and joining us in our effort to bring new life to Sanford and foster a new era of growth and prosperity for all of our citizens,” Mann says. “I am also especially thankful to the City Council, City of Sanford staff, the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, and all the private citizens who have been so supportive of this effort.”

“The Board of Realtors had a vision when they saved the building more than 30 years ago, and they deserve credit for that vision,” Joyce points out. “Sanford City Council should also be congratulated on their push to close the deal and make this long-sought addition to the public space at Depot Park.”

“Great things are happening again in Sanford and this purchase of the Depot is indicative of the great forward momentum we have right now,” Mann says.

To mark this significant partnership, there will be a celebration at the Depot building in the coming weeks. For more information, contact public information officer Kelly Miller at 919-777-1133.

###

Building Integrated Communities, Year 2: Identify Key Issues, Develop Strategies

After a year of information gathering and public meetings, the Building Integrated Communities (BIC) project is ready to identify key issues affecting residents of Hispanic origin in Sanford and Lee County.

A collaborative program of the Institute for the Study of the Americas and the Center for Global Initiatives at UNC-Chapel Hill, BIC is a grant-based initiative that helps local governments successfully engage with immigrant and refugee populations.

To assess Sanford’s needs, the BIC committee surveyed local immigrants and U.S.-born children, conducted three public meetings, and worked with local agencies and nonprofit organizations. “There was tremendous participation in this process,” says Hannah Gill, program director. “Sanford had the highest response rate of any municipality, city, or county that we work with in the state,” she notes.

Results of Year 1

The BIC team is currently drafting an assessment report and executive summary that will be publicly available in both English and Spanish. The report is a compilation of all the research, data, and communications collected over the past year.

The report will also offer a community profile. That profile will share crucial demographic information – such as that 22.4 percent of Sanford residents are of Hispanic origin and 19.2 percent of Lee County residents are of Hispanic origin. “This information is key to understanding the specific needs of the Sanford/Lee County community,” Gill says.

Speaking to Sanford City Council at the August 12, 2015 meeting, Rev. Erika Martinez-Flores, director of Jonesboro United Methodist Church’s El Refugio, thanked Council members for recognizing immigrants as part of the community.

BIC’s outreach “shows that immigrants are a vulnerable population in this society, but that we are also a group that has grown deep roots and we are productive workers with great aspirations for a much higher quality of life than we could hope for in our native countries,” Martinez-Flores expressed.

Addressing the immigrant population’s needs is “a great, great task, but [Sanford City Council] has already taken the first step by listening to us,” Martinez-Flores said.

“The areas I’ve learned are lacking the most are communication and representation,” expressed BIC committee member Santiago Giraldo. “That is clearly visible in every area of essential services – medical, security, and infrastructure,” he said.

“The city has put a lot of money into infrastructure but now is the time to focus on the people,” Giraldo said. “We are proud to be here. We want to be part of your community. We’re just asking for a chance. Now is the time to bring us out of the shadows and allow us to be part of the community.”

Next Steps

In years two and three of this multi-year initiative, the BIC team will evaluate the data they’ve collected to establish and refine priority issues, says Jessicalee White, BIC researcher and  program coordinator. "We’ll work with municipal and county staff, local agencies, and the public to develop strategies to address those issues."

The team will then create an action plan, implement that plan, and then evaluate and document the strategies’ impact on local immigrants.

Resources

For more information about Building Integrated Communities, visit the Latino Migration Project’s website or contact Sanford/Lee County Planning Director Marshall Downey at 919-777-1114.

Watch the BIC presentation to Sanford City Council here.