Each year, Citizen Advisory Councils (CACs) from around Raleigh nominate organizations and community members for the spectacular things they are doing and positive impacts they are having in their communities. The Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council (RCAC), made up of the chairpersons of the City of Raleigh’s 19 Citizens Advisory Councils, are hosting an awards ceremony for the Neighborhood Recognition Awards on Wednesday, October 17 at the Five Points Center for Active Adults, 2000 Noble Road. The reception starts at 6 pm and presentations for awarded recipients start at 7pm.
The City of Raleigh Citizens Advisory Councils will be recognizing the following Creative District recipients for the 2012 Neighborhood Recognition Awards:
- Five Points CAC – Philip Poe – Co-Chair of the Five Points CAC since 2003, he has worked with many community members on resolving and shepherding development projects, gentrification, teardowns, and traffic concerns. Mr. Poe was also instrumental in his efforts on the Unified Development Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan;
- Glenwood CAC – Cullen Whitley, Highland UMC Community Victory Garden – the community garden was started to help English as a Second Language students who were taking classes at Highland United Methodist Church. It blossomed into a way to bring church members and other neighbors together. The church members also donated more than a half-ton of food from the garden through the “Plant a Row for the Hungry” Program;
- Hillsborough CAC – Friends of Oberlin Cemetery;
- South CAC – Potters Community Garden – The Potters Community Garden was planned, implemented, and maintained by Bobby Paige and Hew L. Dorssett. The project allowed children and adults of all ages to come together to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, learn about nutrition and the environment, beautify their neighborhoods and build a sense of community togetherness;
- Southwest CAC – J. Davis Architects – This organization is being recognized for its part in the landscaping of Tryon Road and South Wilmington Streets. They have produced a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing selection of vegetation that has significantly improved the appearance of these two major thoroughfares;
- Wade CAC – Bill Padgett – Mr. Padgett served the Wade CAC since 1986 as chairperson and co-chairperson. During his tenure, he has led the Wade CAC through many community issues including Coker Towers, University Towers, parking debates, and other cases; and,
- West CAC – Raleigh Police Department Southwest District – The officers of the Southwest District have served the West CAC with excellence. They attend the CAC monthly meetings, providing 911 call statistics, answer questions and address concerns that impact the area. The officers have met with residents in the neighborhoods to address safety issues and find practical answers to their communities.