Cramerton manager outlines downtown parking, stormwater timeline; police get grant, Brownfields bid fails

Town Manager David Pugh briefed the Board of Commissioners on multiple operational items at the May 19 meeting, including an imminent downtown parking and stormwater project, wayfinding signs and town communications.

Pugh asked for board feedback on a proposed 4'x8' downtown parking sign scheduled to go up near the gazebo and Center Street entrance, with construction of the parking/stormwater project to begin June 1 and brick paver installation anticipated in early July. He said business owners were notified about three weeks earlier and that project information would be posted on the town website and Facebook pages.

Pugh also reported that NCDOT confirmed SPOT funding for a study of Eighth Avenue and the intersection area at Tenth Street. He told commissioners the town did not receive a Brownfields Grant after three applications; the town spent about $5,000 on the first application and $2,500–$3,000 on each of the last two applications.

In staff reports Police Chief Brad Adams said the department received "a grant of approximately $75,000.00" intended for electronic software and hardware dedicated to investigating internet crimes against children. Fire Chief Foulk reported that Officer Hattaway completed technical rescue school and that the department will hold a 10‑year anniversary open house on May 21 displaying a rendering of a new ladder truck. Parks and Recreation staff reported positive community response to the Goat Island Games.

Manager Pugh said the parking lot will close June 1 to begin construction and that updates, including QR code‑linked signage, will be used to inform the public.