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Board approves downtown improvement grant for Bello Butcher Company at 8 N. Main
Summary
The Wendell board approved a Tier 4 downtown improvement grant of $25,500 (50% of quoted cost) for building infrastructure and facade work at 8 North Main Street for the Bello Butcher Company.
Wendell — The Wendell Town Board voted to approve a downtown improvement grant for the planned Bello Butcher Company at 8 North Main Street, awarding $25,500 toward interior infrastructure and exterior improvements.
Planning staff described the application as a Tier 4 grant request with a quoted project cost a little over $51,000; Tier 4 grants offer up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible project costs. The proposed work includes installing a customer bathroom and ADA‑compliant access for a currently vacant space, grease trap plumbing for dish, hand and prep sinks, repairing and painting the facade, and updated exterior lighting. Staff said the applicant currently has a building permit under review with Wake County and that the building is more than 10 years old.
The Downtown Development Committee did not reach a quorum at its May 14 meeting and therefore did not issue a formal recommendation; members present spoke in favor, staff said. Town staff said funds exist in the FY25 budget allocation for the downtown improvement program and additional funds are in the draft FY26 budget; tier‑level grants must be completed within 12 months or may request a six‑month extension if progress is shown.
Owner Chris Goss, who spoke at the meeting, said he and his wife Lauren plan to operate the butcher shop/deli and that interior improvements are prioritized; he said the awning is “top of the list” for exterior work and that permitting help from the town would speed construction. After board discussion, a motion to award the grant passed unanimously.
Staff noted the grant requirement that funded infrastructure remain with the building. The award will be drawn from FY25 or FY26 funds depending on timing of project charges.
