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Rising Sun details grant-funded downtown demolition, Safe Streets kickoff and parks upgrades
Summary
Town leaders said state demolition grant money will fund three building demolitions and church renovations but cannot be spent until after July 2026; separately the town will kick off a federal Safe Streets grant to study pedestrian hazards and is finishing dog-park and pavilion work.
Town Administrator told the board the town has an approved state demolition grant for three Main Street buildings but that the funds cannot be used until after July 2026; demolition costs were described as "well in the 200,000s." The administrator said a separate grant will fund exterior deck work and interior renovations at the old church to convert it into a cultural center operated by a local, resident-based tenant that has not been finalized.
The town will launch work under a federally funded Safe Streets grant to evaluate pedestrian hazards in downtown; the Assistant Town Administrator said the first kickoff meeting is scheduled the day after the meeting. The Safe Streets project could lead to larger sidewalks, improved crosswalks and other pedestrian-safety measures in the downtown area.
Parks work is underway: the Assistant Town Administrator said Veterans Park pavilion roofing and support repairs will require a temporary roped-off area but the playground will remain open; the dog park's turf replacement is nearly complete and the town plans to add playground equipment and restrooms. The Chief and other staff reminded residents to be attentive to increased pedestrian activity during warm weather and to expect detours for the Little League parade and related practices.
On public safety staffing, the Chief reported a police candidate is in the final stages of training and is expected to graduate on March 26, after which the town anticipates the new officer will complete final training segments and enter active service. The Chief said three additional applications have been received and one is certified.
What happens next: the town will hold the Safe Streets kickoff, continue grant procurement steps while awaiting state disbursement timing, and complete park turf and pavilion repairs in the coming days or weeks.
