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Town approves downtown improvement grant for Bello Butcher Company at 8 N. Main
Summary
The board approved a Tier 4 downtown improvement grant for a new butcher shop/deli at 8 North Main Street; staff said $25,500 would be paid from the program and the building permit is under review.
The Wendell Town Board approved a downtown improvement grant for Bello Butcher Company to support interior infrastructure and exterior facade work at 8 North Main Street.
Planning staff described the project as a Tier 4 application that includes installation of a customer bathroom with ADA access, grease trap plumbing for sinks, facade repair and painting, and updated exterior lighting. Staff noted the applicant’s quote exceeded $51,000 and the requested grant amount is $25,500 (50% of eligible costs under the Tier 4 maximum). Staff said the applicant holds a building permit under review with Wake County and that the work would be required to remain with the building.
Roger Peterson, executive director of the Wendell Chamber of Commerce, urged support and said the business would be a welcome addition to downtown. Applicant Chris Goss described the project as a family decision to create a business that supports his household and said, "if you guys can help with the permitting, I mean, we can get construction started this week." Planning staff noted the Downtown Development Committee had lacked a quorum for a formal recommendation on May 14 but members present spoke in favor.
Staff recommended approval and confirmed funds were available in the fiscal 2025 budget (the FY25 allocation for the downtown improvement grant program was largely unspent). The board voted to approve the grant; staff explained Tier 4 projects have 12 months to complete the work with a possible six‑month extension if progress is shown.
The applicant and staff said the grant would support both the building’s permanent infrastructure (bathroom, grease trap and sinks) and exterior improvements. No amendments to the application were recorded during the meeting.
