Robbinsville – Plans to revamp downtown were discussed in the most recent town meeting, which was held via teleconference April 22.
Local resident John Colwell – who also works with REVVED UP – was sent by the town to the 40th N.C. Main Street Conference in New Bern from March 10-12. Colwell has volunteered 20 hours a week for the next three years to help implement a program that would give the downtown area a much-needed facelift.
“It is important to try and apply as a Main Street Community again in 2022,” he said. “I think we will be way ahead of the game if we continue to do what we can on our own without being an official Main Street Community.”
Colwell recapped the meetings and seminars he attended at the conference, from which he drew several ideas that could be utilized in Robbinsville.
Improved wayfinding signage – which Colwell noted could be funded through GREAT grants – was just one aspect of his takeaway. An informational kiosk and stronger push for a social media presence, plus improved lighting, parking and architecture could also be in the works.
“Everybody will have to work together to implement the strategy and make it happen,” he said.
The town aldermen discussed several other measures, including:
* Finance director Sonya Webster indicated that in light of the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, the town needs to be as tight as possible over the next few months and not spend anymore money than absolutely necessary.
* Alderman Brian Johnson made a motion to put three vehicles on sale via surplus: a 1996 Ford truck, 1992 dump truck and 2014 Chevy Traverse. The motion passed unanimously, and the bids will be unsealed in June.
* A request for new road signs, which would cost $2,053, was pushed back to be included in the 2020-21 fiscal year budget.
* Alderman Debbie Beasley made a motion to approve repairs to the Volvo backhoe, which would total $1,400. The motion carried unanimously.
* Discussions on sewer jet repairs and the road to the Fort Hill water tank were tabled until the next meeting.