Grant funding continues to pour into Mount Airy for a “streetscape” project in the area of Franklin and Willow Streets downtown, which will include burying utility lines and other enhancements.
The latest financial boost has come in the form of $487,500 from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund of the N.C. Department of Commerce.
City Manager Darren Lewis announced that development during a meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners last Thursday night, when he updated ongoing efforts to improve the Franklin Street section from Willow to North Main streets.
The local grant was among 31 awarded to rural communities around the state in recent days.
Along with moving unsightly overhead power lines underground, the project will include modifications for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility including widening sidewalks, landscaping, lighting upgrades and more as part of an overall enhancement and revitalization of the target area.
Pedestrian safety, accessibility and aesthetics will be improved while promoting economic development and job creation, officials said.
The streetscape initiative is expected to generate $1.7 million in investments, according to information from Gov. Roy Cooper’s office accompanying the grant announcement.
“We are fortunate to be the recipient of multiple grants,” Lewis said.
In addition to the latest one for $487,500 through the Rural Transformation program, these include a previous grant of $475,000 from that source and $522,000 from the office of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis. Also, $1.5 million in state funding was awarded for water and sewer projects on Franklin and Oak streets.
The city government has committed up to $500,000 toward the effort.
Lewis said around $3.5 million has been made available to invest in the streetscape-area plans, with the aspects not including the water-sewer improvements estimated at about $1.8 million.
“We’re excited about what we’re doing there,” the city manager added. “We’re excited about what’s going to be coming.”
The big picture
Conceptual drawings and other advance preparations must occur before the work can begin, for which no firm timetable has been announced regarding its completion.
“It is in the beginning stages of the planning process,” Lewis said.
While the sidewalk and other improvements will be important in terms of pedestrian safety and aesthetics, the streetscape project is part of a larger vision.
The city manager says it will serve to create “the next thoroughfare to get to historic Main Street.”
The Franklin-Willow project will help provide a gateway between North Main and a new Marriott hotel and a conference center planned for the former Spencer’s textile mill property that has been undergoing redevelopment for new uses.
It also will provide connectivity to the nearby Market Street Arts and Entertainment District.
“I think it’s going to be a great enhancement to the businesses,” Lewis said of the streetscape project, while also benefiting visitors to downtown Mount Airy.
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