Who Owns Greensboro Mayor Nancy Wilkins?

No the title wasn't a typo. Read on.

Have you ever wondered who really calls the shots here in Greensboro, who really pulls the strings of the puppets we elect to the Greensboro City Council? Well thanks to some very observant readers of EzGreensboro.com who passed this information along to me we now know that Mayor Nancy Barakat Vaughan is owned by none other then Greensboro City Councilman Tony Wilkins.

Or does Mayor Vaughan own Tony Wilkins?

How do we know this?

Take a look at the website ElectNancyVaughan.com

Now look at who controls Nancy's website. According to Whois Lookup Results the administrator is none other than Tony Wilkins.

Either way, Tony Wilkins and Nancy Vaughan are tied together. You can't bullshit your way out of this one Tony.

Now this begs the questions:

1. How did Tony Wilkins, who is rumored to be running against Mayor Vaughan, manage to become the administrator of Mayor Vaughan's campaign website which has been in existence since 2009?

2. Has Tony Wilkins been working with Mayor Vaughan since 2009? The website was first created in 2009?

3. Does this explain how Councilman Wilkins manages to make a living despite apparently being unemployed? Hey, we all know he can't be selling enough furniture out of a mini storage warehouse to pay the bills.

4. If we were to ask the Mayor and Council members to make public their tax returns, would they do so?

5. How many other members of City Council have apparent conflicts of interest involving their business arrangements with Councilman Wilkins?

6. Who actually owns ElectNancyVaughan.com? Is it Tony Wilkins? Marty Kotis? Roy Carroll? Donald Vaughan? Mike Barber? Nancy Hoffman? Who? And why would he or she keep the actual ownership of an election website private unless there is in-fact a conflict of interest?

7. Have laws been broken?

8. Will there be an investigation?

9. Will the State Board of Elections step in to investigate?

10. Will Donald Vaughan magically manage to make it all go away.

Share with your friends, I'm sure they will be curious just as our other readers were. And rest assured, as we learn more we'll tell you.

Nancy Hoffmann Attempts To Steal Downtown Building

Jeff Sykes' article, Lawsuit claims Hoffmann violated neighbor's property rights finally explains the recent articles in Triad City Beat and the News & Fishwrap trashing Sidney Gray for not having restored the Glitters Building downtown:

"Property owner Sidney Gray filed the suit in March against Hoffmann’s limited liability company, Enfield LLC and her hired contractor, Auburn Construction. The suit claims that the construction firm used a wall on Gray’s building as a support structure without permission and built a vestibule partially atop the wall. These encroachments are among a list of nine specific violations of Gray’s property rights that are at issue in the lawsuit.

Interestingly, the lawsuit refers to a claim by Hoffmann’s company that it has “adverse possession rights” to Gray’s property, despite North Carolina law requiring 20 years of occupancy for an “adverse possession” claim to be valid."

Hoffmann has tried to steal Gray's building and now she's setting him up using TCB and the N&R to get public opinion on her side for when the City does it for her. Thanks Yes Weekly, for setting the story straight. Jeff's story continues:

"Gray claims he was not consulted about these encroachments of his property rights and that when he noticed the work in September 2013 that he contacted Hoffmann.

A Sept. 29, 2013 email from Gray to Hoffmann is an exhibit included in the lawsuit. 

“This new construction is in violation of our party wall agreement that was subject to and a part of the purchase of your property at 302 South Elm Street,” Gray wrote. “Please remove this structure and repair any damage to the South Wall of my building located at 300 South Elm Street.”

The suit claims that Hoffmann and her contractor, Alex Ritchy of Auburn Construction, ignored Gray’s request. This led to a meeting on Dec. 17, 2013 in which, according to the lawsuit, City of Greensboro officials met with Ritchy.

“There was general agreement that the encroachments were unlawful,” the lawsuit states. “There was general concern about whether the encroachments compromised the Wall such that there were questions about the structural integrity and firewall rating of the wall.”

Gray claims that trespasses and encroachments continued after this point and that Hoffmann refused to remove the encroachments or repair the claimed damage."

Just because Nancy Hoffmann is on City Council does not make her above the law. Myself and many others in local media have known about this lawsuit for months and yet Jordan Green of Triad City Beat ignores it in his article and fails to address questions about it after personally promoting his story in the Facebook Group Greater Greensboro Politics:

Journalism bought and paid for, a once award winning journalist now reduced to political crony. Sad, so very sad.  And no, I can't prove that Jordan knew of the lawsuit but the long established pattern of one sided accounts from TCB, always reporting in favor of city council members is suspect at best.

So when Councilwoman Hoffman couldn't take Sidney Gray's building by “adverse possession”

she deced instead to get TCB and the News & Fishwrap to do articles like  Brian Lampkin: Empty storefronts hamper downtown growth who wrote:

And in neither article was the lawsuit or the fact that Greensboro tax dollars were used to repair the building in which Mr Lampkin's Scuppernong Books is located.

And none of the articles take into account the 2010 Moser, Mayer, Phoenix Associates Greensboro Downtown Economic Development Strategy that Action Greensboro and the Greensboro Partnership removed from their website after I linked to it back in 2013 but managed to get the City of Greensboro to make public again recently:

“Retail rents cannot fully support the cost of rehabilitating blighted buildings… Absent financial intervention, storefronts will remain vacant or will attract tenants of marginal quality and with a high probability of failure.”

Oh yes, Nancy Hoffmann knows of this study. So does Zack Methaney who is using quotes from the study on DGI's website:

You see, Brian Lampkin, 5 or 6 new restaurants every 2 years or so has been the average in downtown Greensboro for the last 40 years-- they come, they go-- but like so many who come here from somewhere else with two coins in your pocket to rub together, you got suckered into downtown-- Greensboro's riskiest place to do business-- by Greensboro's status quo and when the flash of free publicity and newness wears off, and your business becomes slower you start getting desperate and get in bed with those who burned you thinking that's the only way out.

After all, as the Downtown plan points out:

"Local market data suggests that retailers in downtown Greensboro are achieving a lower sales volume, and spending closer to 25% of sales on rent."

And now that you've been caught they'll simply forget your name and fish for another sucker just as they've always done.

Want downtown to become successful? Subsidize only owner-occupied buildings. In the short term it will drive down real estate prices and rents so more businesses can afford to move in. In the long term it will make being a commercial landlord less profitable causing them to be more apt to sell to the kinds of people who would buy a building, start a business and spend a lifetime there.

No, I'll not get Mr Lampkin's vote for Mayor of Greensboro next year but I wasn't going to get it anyway.

Update: From the Triad City Beat article linked above showing Councilman Justin Outling's participation in this scheme:

"Outling said under the new system the city would have the authority to make repairs and then place liens on derelict properties.

“We protect our investment because we’ll be the priority lienholder,” Outling said. “It’s a win-win-win because we also repair the property and improve the building stock.”

It's a win-win for Council members in the property business or those willing to take bribes from connected developers.

If I Were Mayor Of Greensboro: Part 23

“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” -Upton Sinclair

And therein lies the problem. Even the people who might benefit the most fear standing up for better ideas when their paychecks are put at risk by those whose paychecks depend on the status quo system.

Such was the case when another Greensboro mayoral candidate, George Hartzman, attempted to get the City of Greensboro to increase the retirement packages of city employees. John Hammer of the Rhino Times, lied when he wrote that George was only trying to sell his investment services to the City. I know because I set in on the meeting along with several other interested persons.
Councilwoman Hoffman slept through most of the meeting.

 

Just as she often sleeps through important city business meetings.

Mr Hartzman's plan was simple.

The companies that manage your retirement packages don't do so by guessing which stocks to buy and sell-- they buy a software program which does the buying and selling for them. And anyone can buy the software if you have the money.

Then these investment companies charge you a brokerage fee for running your money through their software.

All Mr Hartzman was trying to do was get the City of Greensboro to cut out the middle men so that the brokerage fees could be reinvested in the retirement accounts rather than in the pockets of the brokers and money market managers.

The Federal government uses the same plan George suggested. So do several cities across the nation where all their retirees enjoy a higher return on their retirement savings with no increased cost to the taxpayers.

Seems to me, if we can increase the retirement packages of city workers without increasing cost to taxpayers then that would be the right thing to do.

But the Greensboro City Council and  City Management weren't interested in increasing the retirement benefits of City workers despite the fact that it could be done so while reducing costs in the long run. Since no one on Council and no one on City staff every explained why the answer was no, I can only assume the quote by Upton Sinclair above must explain the reason why.

And understandably, City workers didn't rise up for fear of getting fired.

If I were Mayor of Greensboro we would buy the software package and increase the retirement benefits of our City workers because it's the right thing to do for Greensboro.

Continue reading If I Were Mayor Of Greensboro: Part 24. And if you haven't read the rest of the series you can find it all at Billy Jones For Mayor Of Greensboro 2017.

City Continues Campaign Of Lies

As the EzGreensboro.com team continues to investigate Who Got The South Elm Street Redevelopment Money we run into constant roadblocks thrown at us by the City of Greensboro. For example: when investigator Sal Leone submitted a public information request asking for Mayor Nancy Barakat Vaughan's deposition in the Eric Robert vs City of Greensboro trial he was refused citing NC state statute § 132-1.9. as seen in the e-mail from the City of Greensboro below:

Of course we were expecting such a response but this time it just didn't make sense. You see, that's the problem when you begin with the intention of telling lies, you can't always keep track of what you've already said and done and as it so happens Katherine Carter of the City of Greensboro Public Relations and Marketing Department had previously given us the court order to release Mayor Nancy Vaughan's Deposition.

And we'll be using it when the time comes. In the meantime we hope you'll share this news with everyone you know so that all may see the cover-up that is still going on. After all, there are still things going on in government other than the Presidential elections.

By the way, we recently learned that Nick Piornack who you might have recently heard has taken control of the City funded Revolution Mill Project is behind on his taxes at his company Momentum Development. To the tune of $23,000. Rumor has it that the parking lot he owns jointly with James Budd and City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffman is also in trouble and is up for sale.

And while the News & Fishwrap loves to tell you stories about the losses at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum they don't talk much about Nick, James and Nancy being hundreds of thousands of dollars in the red and their combined dozens of bankrupt business ventures all with no means of paying back the City of Greensboro or the taxes they are never going to pay.

Where Were You, Eric?

Today Eric Ginsburg of Triad City Beat writes, Wide gap in campaign finance favors incumbents:

“Vaughan disagreed with Leone’s characterization, saying she has pushed for more transparent economic disclosures for council, while adding that people can make their own conclusions about her broad cross-section of contributors.”

My reply:

"Seriously?

Jamal Fox failed to disclose he owns a house.

Nancy Hoffmann fails to disclose she still works for Reffett Associates and has various partnerships with downtown developers.

Yvonne Johnson fails to disclose her non profit One Step Further is funded by the City of Greensboro.

Mike Barber fails to disclose in kind contributions by the City to his non profit, First Tee of the Triad and has refused to release his Federal Form 990s for 2 years.

Mayor Vaughan failed to disclose her and Donald Vaughan’s vast holdings in Carolina Bank which holds over $700,000 in debt for the ICRCM and also failed to disclose it to the board of the ICRCM.

And Triad City Beat reported none of it despite the fact that I documented all of this over a year ago. Where were you, Eric?"

Like the rest of our main stream media, Triad City Beat has spent the last 2 or so years ignoring the real issues only to cry wolf at the last minute.

Dear Councilman B#^%$... Sorry was choking on Methane Gas while being Racially Profiled in East Gboro

Dear Councilman B&$#%

Hello, how are you? It’s interesting that when I ask questions when I see you at events, I don’t get a response. I’m looked at as if English my secondary language and is inaudible to your ears. I am one of many of your disgruntled tax paying constituents of District 2. You remember that district? The district you said you would bring about change and represent us at the council? The district you said you wanted to be the CHANGE and instead became FOR SALE? Yeah I had to Google your candidate survey as well to remind myself. The excerpts below were taken from your candidate survey back when you had integrity and a duty to the community.

Sincerely

Half Blank Police Report

http://www.greensboro.com/district-questionnaire-jamal-fox/article_e9472d78-3663-11e3-8242-001a4bcf6878.html

Policy issues

How do you react to recent criticisms of the Greensboro police? How should the city respond, if at all?

Councilman B: The only way to move forward is by improving the police professionalism, accountability, and promoting stronger partnerships and dialogues with communities in our city.

District2Says: LIES AND LACEFRONTS! You refused to support House Bill 193 sponsored by Cecil Brockman. Black Young Men should support Black Young Men doing positive things to advance equality. But when you abuse your power with the police and have them clean up all your " alleged" domestic violence issues than it wouldn't seem right to stress the police with the bill! What is even more embarrassing is this headline from Fox 8 * See Below*

Greensboro City Council passes on opportunity to support Prohibit Racial Profiling bill

http://myfox8.com/2015/05/05/greensboro-city-council-passes-on-opportunity-to-support-prohibit-racial-profiling-bill/

Direct Link to Bill

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/PDF/H193v1.pdf

In summary (1) Prohibit the use of discriminatory profiling by law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties (2) Amend the types of information required to be reported by certain law enforcement agencies concerning traffic law enforcement (3) Require certain law enforcement agencies to report certain information concerning homicides; (4) Require law enforcement officers to receive annual education and training concerning discriminatory profiling; (5) Authorize the use of citizen review boards to investigate or review allegations of certain police misconduct; and (6) Require that certain training be provided to members of neighborhood crime watch programs established by counties and cities.

Here is what our GLORIOUS City Council had to say. (Direct Copy and Paste)

City Councilman Jamal Fox said while some of these measures are “common sense” he’d also like to see community meetings held to determine what issues are being seen in Greensboro.

The council decided not to put a resolution supporting the state guidelines for police departments and sheriff’s offices to a vote Tuesday night.

City councilmembers said there are good elements to the bill but said they didn’t want to give blanket support to measures that weren’t specific to local issues.

“The will to create change is there and we need to keep it there,” said Councilwoman Sharon Hightower.

Now according to the East Greensboro Study Committee Summary Report; Greensboro population is 40% black, East Greensboro’s population is 68% black making up 2/3 of total black population of Greensboro. Now for some reason, which since Sharon Hightower is the chairperson of this committee can answer why isn’t there any statistics regarding crime rates in the survey??  The only mention of crime in this 40 page report is “Aspiration” to reduce crime, Reduce crime, safe area/ less crime, “crime”, etc. (You get the point). Now residents that give a damn in East Greensboro really know the areas of crime and the raw numbers. The GOPD does as well

**Shakes Bob**

Ian Mance wrote in article in June 2012, regarding racial profiling in general, but specifically NC from 2000- 2011.

http://www.unc.edu/~fbaum/papers/Trial_Briefs_Ian_Mance_2012.pdf

The numbers show black drivers are more likely to be stopped by police than white drivers; they show significant disparities in treatment once these motorists are in police control. Statewide, blacks are 77% more likely to be searched. This data doesn’t come from a sample of data like the Crooked Council, (excuse me I mean City) like to use. This data was taken from ALL STOP AND SEARCH ACTIVITY IN NORTH CAROLINA! Over 3,800 CONSECUTIVE DAYS!!!! The report provides powerful evidence of profiling and differential treatment of minority drivers. This report lists several counties surrounding Guilford County and the council is under the impression regarding HB193

******see below again*******

City councilmembers said there are good elements to the bill but said they didn’t want to give blanket support to measures that weren’t specific to local issues.

So let me understand this Jamal, Sharon, Mary, Mike, Tony, Mayor Vaughn, Yvonne, Justin, and good ole Nancy.
Wake County, Durham County, Cabarrus County, and Mecklenburg County were dealing with racial profiling as a local issue in 2011. So it’s safe to assume than it’s still a very real issue for those counties in 2015… So Guilford County has been delivered and set free from the bondage, illegal police searching and stigma caused by racial profiling, by who? JESUS!!???
***Speaks in inaudible Pentecostal tongue***
Maybe Jesus had mercy because Councilman Fox works at Belk’s? Black people in East Greensboro and police get along and there is mutual respect?? I’m sorry I must have been inhaling the methane in my backyard from the White Street Landfill that District 2 isn’t making ONE THIN DIME FROM!
(I have gas money in my backyard but none in my car) #ALLGASMONEYMATTERS

Now riddle me this Batman? What district is showing the highest Citizen Generated Calls for Service? The most man-hours by police? Yep, that’s right you guessed it!

DISTRICT 2 YOU ARE THE WINNER AGAIN!

So let’s put this all together to prove my point.

·         68% of the black population is in East Greensboro

·         25.5% of man-hours for police are spent in District 2 (which is the highest)

·         District 2 Citizen Priority Level 1, 2, 3 calls from May1 –June 13 2015 where the highest was 26.6% of the total city in 43 days.

·         In 2011, a complete review of all stop and search activity in NC showed 77% of blacks stopped in surrounding counties were profiled and stopped and searched

·         Greensboro City Council went on record and said those are not our local issues

·         Councilman Fox wants to have more meetings and "forget" ( I mean discuss these issues)

·         Some council members might be open (allegedly) to buying food stamps from the spouses and baby mommas of East Greensboro who get EBT because their spouse or, child’s father was profiled and locked up. ( She cant draw them anymore)

·         Nancy has one of the best bob’s in Greensboro. Seriously it moves and swings perfectly every time she thanks concerned citizens for their support and outcries at council and reminds them this isn’t the forum for that type of talk and directs them to the City Attorney. (Seriously though Nancy I do need your stylist # my stylist in East Greensboro can’t understand I want the privileged white woman with good credit bob).

Come out to Bennett College this Sunday @ 3pm at Pfeiffer Chapel or Hall. (Look for the signs) and hear your local candidates debate on why they need that 13K a year and HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND REFERENCE THIS BLOG!!!

 

 

Nancy Hoffmann Campaign Contributors whom Hoffmann voted taxpayer money/largess for, which Greensboro's press won't report

Marty Kotis
Wayne Abraham
Andrew Brod
(Agnes) Gary Brame
George Carr
Dawn Chaney
Betty Cone
Shirley Frye
John Graham
Chip Hagan
Ross Harris
Cyndy Hayworth
Nancy Hoffmann
Beth Huger
Henry Isaacson
Marc Isaacson
Tobee Kaplan
Milton Kern
(Emily) Ed Kitchen
Deborah Lankford
The Lebauers
Reid Phillips
Nick Piornack
The Samet family
Michael Shiftan
Susan Schwartz
Desmond Sheridan
Barry Siegal
Doris Tanger
Cecilia Thompson

http://candidatereports.myguilford.com/files/1612_DOC080315hogf-08032015134439.pdf

Kinda makes you wonder, don't it?

True Confessions Of Ben Holder: Episode 4

In True Confessions of Ben Holder: Episode 3 I ended with the following public information request submitted to the City of Greensboro on Saturday. If you've not read it I recommend you begin with the True Confessions Of Ben Holder: Episode 1 and follow the links to read the entire series:

"Please Send me the entirety of Ben Holder's work summaries for his recent contract with the City of Greensboro.

Thanks -Billy Jones"

I'm still waiting for the City's response and don't know when it will come but on Sunday morning while I was at work Ben e-mailed his response:

"1 dui Billy...and marijuana and rolling papers isn't crack...have at it lil Billy...hide behind your computer and type your stupid bullshit...its obvious you have nothing better going for yourself.  I promise...in person...you wouldn't talk so tough. "

Why does everything have to be about violence with Ben? Does he not realize that differences can be resolved through communication? I'm only seeking answers to questions and all he wants to do is hurl insults and threaten me. It's as if I questioned his status as the god almighty himself.

Then at 7:19 AM Ben e-mailed the following:

"I challenge you and your "writers" (goddamn you're pathetic) to a public debate.  What do you say, tough guy?"

Now I realize that debating is a time honored political tradition and a means to put on a show but I just couldn't see how a debate would provide the evidence I've been trying to get from Ben for over a year. But I'm not running for office. Besides, after any public debate the fact checkers these days always prove all the debaters to be wrong about something. Debates are about gaining public opinion, not about spreading truth. I also had concerns about Ben's real motives which I expressed in my reply at 3:47 PM Sunday after I returned home from work:

"Benjamin,
Considering I have previously heard audio recordings of you threatening me with physical violence and that you have threatened me in the comments on my blog previously ( http://greensboroperformingarts.blogspot.com/2014/04/ben-ran-on-whim-holder.html ) the fact that I heard you threatening police officer, Sal Leone, on audio recordings and your recent violent assault of George Hartzman in City Council Chambers your comment could be construed as a threat of physical violence.

Are you threatening me again, Benjamin?

As for your challenge to a public debate: why would I want to debate a man who is threatening me with bodily harm? It sounds as if you are trying to trick me to coming to some place where you and your cronies might gang up and attack me. No, Benjamin, we'll begin with you giving me answers to my previous questions along with sufficient documentation on Monday morning so that I may post them along with all the rest of our conversations-- every single word-- before moving on to more questions.

Do questions scare you Ben? How could the mighty Ben Holder be scared of questions?

And Ben, it's a pretty damned good indication that since Roch hasn't jumped in to help you, even though you tried to drag him in, that his faith in you is waning. At least that's how I read it.

It looks really bad when you respond to simple questions with name calling, threats and intimidation tactics. You can push lots of people but you can't push me. If you put a hand on me I put you behind bars. Your threats will serve to prove it was premeditated. Then the courts will lock you in an institution and take your children away from you. Even if you beat the shit out of me I win and you lose.

Grow up, be smart and answer my questions or I will ruin you.

Remember: I've got nothing left to lose. I lost everything I own. My only child is dead. I'm even fucking suicidal and have admittedly been in therapy for years so I don't care if you kill me.

(ONE SENTENCE REDACTED. BEN HOLDER HAS MY PERMISSION TO RELEASE IT AS IT IS ABOUT BEN)

You have a lot to lose.

Think about it.

You've proved yourself capable of using e-mail, you've run out of excuses"

As to the redacted sentence: I've known it for years. People who are really close to Ben along with the e-mail recipients, Mayor Vaughan, Councilman Barber, Councilwomen Hoffman, Abuzuaiter and Hightower, George Hartzman, Sal Leone and I all know what that thing is but it is up to Ben if he wants the public to know. Ben has a right to keep it secret even though he's done a very poor job thus far.

At 4:09 PM Ben sent the following one word e-mail to myself and Roch Smith jr.

"Roch?"

I replied:

"Yes Ben, in one of your previous replies to me you you attempted to drag Roch in to back you up. He didn't bite. Looks like you're all alone."

Roch and Ben have been tight for years. I had been expecting Roch to chime in at any time but he never did. A few minutes later I followed up with:

"Yes Ben, Roch.

You brought him into the conversation early on. I've known for years who Herky Fishbine is. So do a whole lot more people. So stop denying that you tried to drag Roch to your defense.

I'll ask the questions, you'll have all the type you need to answer them.

You've already got Monday's questions so start working.

And get your documentation in order.

If you've lost them let me know and I will resend them as I have saved every exchange between us. Every single pixel."

Roch and I take opposite sides and fight a lot. But I've never known a time when at least one of us-- usually myself, sometimes Roch-- honestly believed he was right. Roch doesn't fail to chime in when he thinks I'm wrong. We've even had another fight about a completely unrelated topic since then. Roch doesn't like the way I go about searching for the truth. And to be honest, my methods are very hard on everyone involved-- myself included. But I believe-- and Roch will probably disagree-- that I get results. Or at least more questions that need to be answered.

I didn't hear back from Ben on Sunday. It would not be until Monday morning before I heard from Ben again and that will be a part of True Confessions Of Ben Holder: Episode 5.

Stay tuned for more Trouble. That's Trouble with a capital T.

Lexi Eagles Doesn't Fly In Her Understanding Of How Government Is Supposed To Work

In her N&R Letter to the Editor, Lexi Eagles praises City Council members who voted for Hobbs Road Rezoning and put down council member(s) who voted against it:

"And although Councilwoman Marikay Abuzuaiter’s remark that she had not prepared a speech drew applause (as though not preparing one’s remarks warranted approval), I found Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann’s “speech” to be thoughtful, thorough and well-reasoned."

Lexi apparently doesn't understand how City Council is supposed to work. The fact that certain Council Members had prepared speeches ahead of time is proof positive their minds were made up before they came to Council meeting.

But according to rule of law Council members are not legally supposed to make up their minds until they hear all the evidence and opinions of the speakers.

What was witnessed was by definition: a Kangaroo Court and the proof is in Council videos. The vote was rigged, the prepared speeches proved as much.

Robbie's Rezoning

Rumor has it that last week former Greensboro Mayor Robbie Perkins met with City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffman and Sue Schwartz in an effort to get City Staff to push to rezone property at Hobbs and Friendly from residential to commercial.

Why would such a rumor be circulating? Has Robbie been behind these rezoning efforts all these years?

Greensboro City Market Signs Illegal Contract

Remember our old friend, downtown developer and con artist, Jim Budd? Well it looks as if the Buddman is at it once again. This time he entered into a contract with Downtown Greensboro Inc and the City of Greensboro for an event called City Market using the corporate name Zazz Hospitality Group. Problem is: According to the North Carolina Secretary of State there is no such legal entity as the Zazz Hospitality Group nor has there ever been.

Leaving one to wonder of the possible involvement of Jim's business partners Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann and Nick Piornack.

Of course I could be wrong entirely. You see, I found the contract by doing a Google search for the search terms "Zazz Hospitality Group" So I checked the other companies listed on the contract:

Running With Horses Llc belongs to a Mr Julian N Loflin of Greensboro.

Momentum Development Partners, Llc belongs to Nick and Budd.

So how do I know Nick and Budd own Zazz? Because they told the News & Record they do:

"Recently, Jim Budd and Nick Piornack, Zazz Hospitality Group and Momentum Development renovated a mill on Barnhardt Street and opened The Worx, a restaurant which provides “classic, comfort, and cheer.” (Be sure to try the signature Barnhardt burger when you go.)

Next, Zazz Hospitality Group will open Spice Cantina, offering a fresh, authentic and fun vibe 
and generous patio for
specialty drinks and 
dining, next door to 
The Worx."

Another on the long list of the City of Greensboro helping crooks to get out of paying their state and federal taxes.Can a city be charged with aiding and abetting or just city employees?

Oh, and while we're at it let's give thanks to Jim's lifelong friend Rebecca Hannah for putting Jim back on our Radar here at EzGreensboro.com. There's nothing better than old friends to dredge up shit you don't want anyone else to know.

Parklets? Anyone Remember What DGI Did To Hamburger Square?

The News & Record is reporting that Downtown Greensboro Inc is complaining there is no place to sit downtown. Their solution: have people sit in the street in parking spaces converted to sitting spaces and dubbed parklets.

Rhymes with outlets and toilets. Kinda reminds me of using the outhouse at my grandparents' house half a century ago. Hot in the summer, cold in the winter and always too far away.

What's ironic is that it was only in the autumn of 2012 that Downtown Greensboro Incorporated proposed removing the benches from Hamburger Square because they were afraid shoppers might see homeless people sleeping there. Now, in a sudden change of opinion DGI wants to see homeless people sleeping all over downtown Greensboro.

Seriously folks, I couldn't write comedy that good.

Of course, if you really want to know what this is all about then you need look no farther than Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffman who along with her business partners is hoping to push more downtown visitors to use her pay to park lots located new Lewis and Elm Streets.

Isn't that right, Dawn Chaney?

RLF Communications Moves Into Nancy Hoffman's Building

RLF Communications, a City of Greensboro vendor, is moving into a downtown Greensboro location owned by Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann. Some believe this will be reason for Ms Hoffmann to recuse herself from future votes involving City contracts with RLF.

Me, I'm just the messenger.

GPAC's First Casualty

The Greensboro News & Record is reporting today that the non profit North Carolina Shakespeare Festival and it's various offerings including Charles Dickins' “A Christmas Carol” youth summer camps and more will be no more.

“Unfortunately, the prospects of funding programming for the upcoming 2014-15 season, and for future long-term sustainability as a standalone organization, did not materialize sufficiently to commit to continued operations,” Hedgecock said.

She said the board doesn’t know what will become of the Spirit Center, its 53,000-square-foot performing-arts campus at West Ward Avenue and Green Drive in downtown High Point."

Being that all of Guilford County's major foundations have promised most all of their money to build Greensboro's downtown performing arts center over the course of the next 10 years don't be surprised if this is the first of many who fail.

And who was it that worked hardest to push this through? Nancy Vaughan, Mike Barber, Yvonne Johnson, Nancy Hoffmann and Zack Matheny.

Is Trouble Going To Take The Fall?

Yesterday, in Why Did Trouble Come To Greensboro?, I wrote of how Ben Holder, aka the Troublemaker, was pushed by Greensboro City Manager Jim Westmoreland and certain members of City Council, namely Mike Barber and Mayor Nancy Vaughan, into desperately grabbing the only carrot they were offering him.

And I'm an expert on carrots, remember? (I don't know why the picture displays so poorly.)

Last night Sal Leon and I were having a little discussion about the goings on downtown and Sal and I formed an interesting theory: Well actually its Sal's theory but I'm signing on. What if the plan is for Ben Holder to take the fall should efforts to resolve issues at Heritage House fail?

There are some things that back up this theory.

First off: if you were Jim Westmoreland would you stick your neck out by hiring Ben Holder after what Ben has done to council members Nancy Hoffmann, Jamal Fox and Marikay Abuzuaiter over the course of the last year? Not without some promises from a bunch of city council members that your job would remain safe you wouldn't. Ben turned in Hoffman for code violations on her buildings, ran against Marikay calling her a liar and campaigned against Fox even though Ben and Jamal weren't competing with one another. And while Ben appears to be tight with Mike Barber and Yvonne Johnson he did run against both of them and Marikay last year.

I know politics makes strange bedfellows but just a few months back Ben and Marikay's husband got into a fistfight at a Greensboro City Council meeting because Ben said she was lying about being a confidential informant. I really cannot believe Marikay or Nancy Hoffmann are in bed with Ben even if Ben thinks Hoffmann might be.

So what would you do if you were in Jim Westmoreland's shoes and you were considering hiring a very controversial figure for what might be a very controversial job? You'd put it to a City Council vote so that you wouldn't have to take the blame. But everyone involved knew Ben Holder would never get hired publicly, Marikay Abuzuaiter would never have it and they would never find 5 council members with balls enough to hire Ben in front of the television cameras. Not even Tony Wilkins who I consider the bravest of the lot would dare face Marikay's wrath after what has taken place between Ben Holder and Marikay. And to prove my point, not only was it not voted on but Marikay was quoted as saying:

“This has certainly gone behind council’s back with someone who has stood here and screamed at almost every person on this council,” said Abuzuaiter. “I’m not sure what is going on here, but it does not smell pretty.”

And this:

"Abuzuaiter said, “that contract was signed two days prior to anyone finding out about it.”

You see, Holder's first task is to take on Heritage House and while I agree with Jeffery Sykes that Ben will do everything in his power to make his efforts successful this wouldn't be the first city contract designed to fail. Ben is facing overwhelming odds. Not that Ben isn't up for a challenge but when you're being set up by the very people you're working for challenges become the impossible.



For example: from the Rhino:

" Part of the overview includes designing a “Blight Fight” program in which independent contractors can report violations to the city and then – if they are not taken care of by the property owner – the independent contractor who reported them is hired by the city to bring them into compliance."

Go back and read that again. "...the independent contractor who reported them is hired by the city to bring them into compliance." How is Ben Holder going to accomplish that? Is he going to be given broad powers, police powers, the right to subpoena, the right to charge offenders with crimes, the right to take property from the worst offenders? How is Ben Holder going to be able to bring offenders in-line if he isn't given such broad powers usually reserved for governments and if he is given such powers is that not asking for a lawsuit?


And is it even legal to give such broad powers to one person?

Of course the City of Greensboro and the Greensboro City Council will be off the hook because #1. there was no council vote to hire Ben and 2. Ben is a private contractor and is therefore responsible for his own mistakes. Maybe that's why the City Manager allowed Ben to work for 10 days without insurance, doing everything he could do to make sure Ben got the job and no one else did. And if the City does get sued the city council will deny responsibility and let Jim Westmoreland fall with Ben. Or not, according to State law, Jim Westmoreland can't be sued for doing his job so the worst that could happen is that he gets fired. And that requires no less than 5 city council members.


Let's also not forget that Greensboro has a history of deliberately undermining efforts to clean up problem properties and eliminate slumlords. The City of Greensboro previously funded a State lobbyist to help do way with the proven successful RUCO housing standards which would have solved the Heritage House problems altogether. Does that sound like a city that would want Ben to succeed?

And then there's the matter of the contract between Ben and the City of Greensboro: While a 14 page contract is said to have been released to certain media outlets at least one city council member is secretly telling us that the real contract contains 24 pages.

As Sal said to me, 5 members on City Council must be secretly supporting the hiring of Ben Holder, otherwise city staff would have never put their necks on the chopping blocks. My opinion is three of those 5 are Nancy Barakat Vaughan, Mike Barber (who promised Ben a job) and Yvonne Johnson. Now who's the other two?

My money is on Zack Matheny and believe it or not, Nancy Hoffmann who reluctantly got on board as other Council members are holding dirt on her. But you tell us which 5 or more council members you think are setting Ben up to fail.

And Ben, as mad as you may be with me there are secrets about you I have never blogged and never will blog. Roch Smith jr knows them as does David Hoggard and Cara Michelle Forrest. I think you can figure out what I'm talking about. It's nobody's business but your own. I've known them as long as I've known you and never made it public. I plan to keep it that way. There are people out there right now trying to use me and others to ruin you-- I believe you're getting played. Good luck, brother, I think you're about to find out who your friends really are.

This Has Nancy Hoffmann And Corruption Written All Over It

Click here.

Momentum Development Then And Now

According to the Wayback Machine it was Momentum Development Partners in November of 2010 and in January of 2012 they made big promises but in 2014 using the name, The Greensboro Parking Group, LLC with their principal offices now listed as 6221 O'Conner St., Suite 200, Raleigh, NC, 27617, where they ran a total of 5 businesses, maybe more including PROMENADE PARTNERS, LLC, the Greensboro Parking Group was found to have unlawfully taken incentives from the City of Greensboro.

Previously, on February 27, 2012, James Budd and his partner Blaine A East filed voluntary bankruptcy. for $5.4 Million Dollars. Did no one from the City of Greensboro check their credit in 2013? Or did James Budd use his influence with Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann to manage to make problems go away?

Mr Budd's partners Clark and Blaine East, along with Stephen Cella and Benjamin Minton are currently appealing the decision of a Florida court. Seems they have so many problems in Florida I don't yet know where to start.


Rocco Scarfone had problems in Florida too. Coincidence? Or do con men see Florida as a place filled with lots of easy marks?

The revolving door continues:

"Stonecrest Village Partners LLC is a North Carolina Limited-Liability Company filed on November 27, 2006. The company's filing status is listed as Current-Active and its File Number is 0879103. The company's principal address is 6221 O'conner St., Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27617 and its mailing address is 6221 O' Conner St., Suite 200 Raleigh, NC 27617.

The company has 3 principals on record. The principals are Blaine East from Raleigh NC, Jim Budd from Raleigh NC, and Scott Hallihan from Raleigh NC."

Scott currently has a house for sale in Raleigh. Tell him I sent you. But I'm not telling you to buy the house.

Why has Jim Budd gone through so many business partners in so few years? And don't forget that $800,000 law suit in Moore County.



And while the property is valued at $1,043,600, the sale price was $1,050,000 which leaves one to wonder if they have any equity in the property should they not be able to return the $200,000 acquired from the City of Greensboro under false pretences.

Now tell me, what have I missed?

I Told You Nancy Hoffmann Lies Like A Brick And I Was Right

On Saturday, June 14 I wrote:

"Remember the downtown buildings Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann was recently in the news for failing to comply with the Good Repair Ordinance she helped draft and voted for?  I'm being told Hoffmann has no intentions of fixing her building on Lewis Street and is currently negotiating to sell two out of the three that were cited for violations of the Good Repair Ordinance The deal is supposed to close over the course of next couple of weeks."

I accused Ms Hoffmann of being in the building flipping business and I challenged her to prove me wrong. Well today Triad City Beat proves me right again:

"Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann is planning to sell her building downtown on Lewis Street.

The building is under contract with Andy Zimmerman — who owns the property next door that will house Gibb’s Hundred Brewing and Greensboro’s Makerspace — he said. Zimmerman says they plan to come to agreement for purchase and close on the deal within 60 days, after which he will immediately start renovating."

The only reason Nancy Hoffmann is on the Greensboro City Council is to line her own pockets. And from the looks of things she has done so quite well.

If Not Nick And Jim Then Who Are Nancy Hoffman's Business Partners?

Several people have been questioning and some even denying my long held contention that Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann's business partners in South End Partners LLC are in-fact Nick Piornack and Jim Budd, the owners of Greensboro Parking Group, LLC, the company that was recently awarded $200,000 in incentives from the City of Greensboro despite the fact that the company has failed to meet its obligations to the City.

In the comments at Mayberry wanting to be Chicago, Roch Smith jr writes:

"Hoffman's corporate filing only list the manager of the LLC. As I wrote last week, I emailed her to ask her to clarify if she has a business relationship with anyone from Greensboro Parking LLC. She has not replied. That will have to speak for itself."

I encourage you to follow the link and read in in its full context.

Councilwoman Hoffmann's failure to respond to Mr Smith speaks volumes. Like I said before, Nancy Hoffmann lies like a brick.

I mean seriously Folks, you don't name a company "Partners" unless you have partners or your intention is to defraud. 

Nancy Hoffman Lies Like A Brick?

Remember the downtown buildings Greensboro City Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann was recently in the news for failing to comply with the Good Repair Ordinance she helped draft and voted for?  I'm being told Hoffmann has no intentions of fixing her building on Lewis Street and is currently negotiating to sell two out of the three that were cited for violations of the Good Repair Ordinance The deal is supposed to close over the course of next couple of weeks.

So here's the challenge Ms Hoffman: Sell them and prove me right or fix them and prove me wrong. Selling them proves you a liar and proving me wrong will cost you a sale. Either way, you're fucked. Oh, and either way, fix the building on Lewis Street instead of just getting into the commercial real estate property flipping business.

Your call.

I wonder if she is trying to sell one of those buildings to Stone Brewing Company? Would that be using her position as a City Council member to her personal advantage? City of Greensboro rank and file employees are sometimes fired for that very thing.