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DSDC outlines five‑year plan to boost downtown Smithfield with food, events and placemaking
Summary
Heidi Gilman of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation told council the DSDC rebuilt leadership and adopted a five‑year transformation to prioritize food and entertainment anchors, streetscaping, parking improvements, marketing and signature events to drive evening/weekend foot traffic and attract investment.
The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) briefed the council on a five‑year downtown transformation strategy focused on bringing more food, art and entertainment to the historic core.
Heidi Gilman said the nonprofit rebuilt its board and governance after leadership transitions and re‑implemented Main Street’s four‑point strategy (organization, promotion, design and economic vitality). The DSDC’s first‑year focus is food and beverage because those businesses extend activity into evenings and weekends and act as anchors to spur nearby retail and services.
Gilman listed recent local transitions—new or rebranded restaurants and the creation of a social district—and outlined marketing efforts (20,000 social‑media followers and plans for TikTok and YouTube), a new logo and an upcoming website launch. Design committee priorities include streetscaping, beautification, parking improvements, and activating library park and the amphitheater. The DSDC also stressed collaboration with the town and Johnston County and invited council members to join committee meetings and downtown walking tours.
Council members thanked the DSDC for the update. Staff and DSDC said they would continue quarterly updates to council on progress and community engagement.
The presentation was informational; no final policy or budget action was taken during the meeting. Council members later discussed related agenda items, including permitting and planning board recording.
