Sanford approves $90,000 state building reuse grant and contract for manufacturing firm; staff says project will create 13 jobs

The Sanford City Council unanimously approved a contract and a grant project ordinance to bring a North Carolina Department of Commerce building reuse grant to a local manufacturer, providing $90,000 in state assistance for a building at 3030 Lee Avenue.

City staff member Crystal Gaddy described the project as a building reuse award for Cash and Rods, a performance rod manufacturer already located in Lee County that is purchasing and renovating an older building at 3030 Lee Avenue (previously the Pond Cloud Training Center). "This will bring 13 new jobs to Sanford as part of this reuse grant," Crystal Gaddy told the council.

Gaddy told council the funding package includes $90,000 from the Department of Commerce and that the company will provide a 5% match; the transcripted audio includes a numeric reference that appears inconsistent with a 5% figure. The council approved the contractual agreement among the city of Sanford, Cash and Rods, and the Department of Commerce and then adopted a grant project ordinance to appropriate the $90,000 in state grant funds to the project.

Council member Rhodes moved approval of the grant project ordinance for the North Carolina Department of Commerce building reuse program (vacant building category for Cash and Rods); the motion carried with an affirmative voice vote.

City staff said the location is 3030 Lee Avenue and that the site previously operated as the Pond Cloud Training Center. Staff also noted the project will include a retail component in addition to manufacturing.

The council did not request additional details at the meeting; staff said they would answer any further questions as needed. No additional budgetary appropriations beyond the state grant and company match were discussed on the record.