Bringing back business

Wednesday night your questions can be answered on how the Main Street Program can help revitalize Roanoke Avenue.

The program affords a city or town the opportunity for revitalization through the help of a director and an assessment team which evaluates the city’s needs.

Building improvements are crucial to the future of Roanoke Avenue, for example how improvements made to Tillery Design have helped tax revenues in the city. Prior to the improvements made to the building to prepare for a business, its value was $62,740, after the improvements it was valued at $71,127.

The Roanoke Avenue Merchants and Professional Association estimates there are 36 vacant buildings stretching from the Roanoke Canal Museum to the old train depot at the intersection of Roanoke Avenue and Julian R. Allsbrook Highway. “If only a third of them are renovated that will increase the tax base by more than $100,000,” Kim Simpson, president of the organization, said at a recent city council meeting. “It will probably create jobs vital for our survival.”

A resolution approved by city council supports the program but only promises to pledge funds when the city feels it can do so. “The city of Roanoke Rapids and its council has embraced the concept of downtown revitalization and wishes to ensure the ongoing vitality of its downtown business district by working with the Roanoke Avenue Merchants and Professional Association to create in the future, when funds are available, the position of downtown development director and continue its support of the Roanoke Avenue Merchants and Professional Association.”

Tomorrow, Chris Johnson from the Main Street Program will be at the Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall at 6:30 p.m., to discuss the program with residents, officials, city council and county commissioners. Anyone interested in the program is encouraged to attend.