ECU students and neighbors urge Greenville to fix roads, add sidewalks in Truman neighborhood

Daniel Walker, student body president at East Carolina University, and neighborhood resident Anne Maxwell told the Greenville City Council on Feb. 23 that streets and sidewalks in the Truman neighborhood need immediate attention.

Walker said a recent, localized pavement condition index (PCI) study found the neighborhood scored between 68 and 72, roughly 10 points below the citywide PCI of 82. “We think that this is a strategic investment from the city,” Walker said, arguing that repairs would reduce crashes, protect pedestrians and cyclists, and boost property values that in turn increase city revenue for schools and other services.

Anne Maxwell, speaking for the Tarver University Neighborhood Association, asked the council to prioritize sidewalks and bike lanes so residents and students are not forced to walk in the street. Maxwell said many sidewalks “stop right in the middle of a block,” creating safety risks for students and other pedestrians.

Council members acknowledged the concerns. Several said they supported working with neighborhood groups and university representatives to identify short‑term repairs and longer‑range capital investments. Council member Hardy was thanked by Walker for his assistance on the PCI effort.

The council did not take formal action at the Feb. 23 meeting; councilors encouraged staff to coordinate with residents and to include the neighborhood in pavement‑maintenance and sidewalk planning discussions.