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Council approves train depot lease; also adopts budget amendment and sets annexation hearing
Summary
Council authorized a lease for the downtown train‑depot tenant (former 305 Trackside), approved a budget amendment to close and open water treatment funds, and set a public hearing for annexation petition AX‑1‑26. Council discussed rent, upfit period ($1,000/month) and operating rent ($3,000/month), and staff confirmed the ABC/Town permitting process for alcohol sales.
Southern Pines’ Town Council on Feb. 24 approved a lease for the downtown train depot with an operator who plans to renovate and open a downtown venue. The contract allows an upfit period during which rent is $1,000 per month and increases to $3,000 per month upon opening; council discussed an annual 3% increase to begin at renewal as an option.
Manager Reagan Parson said the tenant’s prior concept (the site’s former 305 Trackside use) involved event permitting and alcohol service, and that the town’s routine permitting and ABC sign‑off process—requiring multiple town staff signatures and police coordination—applies to this tenant’s plan. Council members asked about police impacts and community feedback; staff reported generally positive response from an open house.
Council also approved a budget amendment to close the Water Treatment Process Modernization Fund (phase 1) and open a Phase 2 fund for ongoing plant work; staff said this was an accounting reorganization rather than a transfer of additional funds. The council additionally approved Resolution 1145 to set a public hearing date for annexation petition AX‑1‑26 (609 Clerk Street) at the next regular business meeting.
All three items were approved by voice vote.
