More money sought for streetscape plan

Despite already accumulating nearly $1.8 million toward streetscape improvements in downtown Mount Airy, city officials are eyeing up to $850,000 more for the project.

The Mount Airy Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 last Thursday night to seek that potential sum from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

“July 30 is the deadline for this,” City Manager Darren Lewis said regarding applying for the ARC grant.

The ARC was established by Congress in the 1960s to work with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and an improved quality of life.

In Mount Airy’s case, this includes plans for a major facelift along Franklin Street, mainly targeting the section from North Main to Willow streets, and possibly on to North South Street.

The outlook also calls for improving a heavily used public parking lot on Franklin Street.

Along with moving unsightly overhead power lines underground, the project is to include modifications for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility such as 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 have said.

Any funding awarded for the project from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be on top of money previously allocated.

This includes two grants of $487,500 and $475,000 from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund of the N.C. Department of Commerce, along with $522,000 from the office of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Another $300,000 has been committed by the city government from surplus sales tax revenues generated locally, which Mayor Jon Cawley said Monday is not coming through regular municipal funding channels including property tax proceeds.

Total cost unclear

“How much do you think it will take to get that project completed?” Commissioner Marie Wood asked the city manager.

As has been the case in recent months, no total figure was again available Thursday night.

But, Lewis replied, “it will probably take that $850,000,” the total sought from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Not getting ARC assistance could affect the scope of the project, he explained.

Though the improvements envisioned would benefit the public in general, Mount Airy officials say one of the main objectives of the streetscape effort involves enhancing the redevelopment of the former Spencer’s textile property nearby.

A Marriott hotel is now being developed in the Sparger Building on that site, with a convention center proposed elsewhere on the grounds which the Franklin streetscape work will benefit.

“It will all tie in with the convention center, the improvements,” Lewis said.

Money awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission will require a local match, which the city manager said can be covered by that previously garnered from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund.