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Council backs SHPO grant application, sign replacements and downtown office support for Downtown Sanford, Inc.
Summary
Council consented to pursue a SHPO grant to update historic-district design guidelines, move forward on a Wall Street historic study list and replace historic-district entry signs; Council also agreed to provide $195 toward DSI's proposed downtown office lease.
Downtown economic development and historic-preservation items took up several agenda segments at the April 14 work session, with Council giving consensus on grant applications, a study list and signage replacements and agreeing to support Downtown Sanford, Inc. (DSI) on a proposed downtown office lease.
DSI Director Kelli Laudate reviewed the organization’s annual impact report to the North Carolina Main Street program, highlighting public and private investments, façade and building improvements, nine cohorts of the RISE small-business program and efforts to encourage small-scale lodging. Laudate also raised parking and wayfinding ideas, including signage directing visitors from the Tesla charging stations in Jonesboro.
DSI Chair Ashley Davenport said the Depot Building office no longer meets the group’s needs; the proposed downtown lease would be $855 per month, $195 above their current rent, but would eliminate storage-unit costs. Council agreed to make the additional $195 available to DSI to cover the difference.
Long-Range Planning Administrator David Montgomery requested permission to apply to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for Certified Local Government funds to update the Downtown Sanford Historic District design guidelines. Montgomery said statewide CLG grant funds available this year total approximately $120,000–$130,000, grants have a 60/40 match requirement, and applications were due April 30. Council consented to proceed.
Montgomery also described pursuing a Wall Street Historic Study List as a preliminary step toward potential National Register nomination; Council consensus was favorable. He proposed replacing existing historic-district entry signs and poles at an estimated cost of $16,000; Council supported moving forward with sign replacement. The Historic Walking Tour map (approx. 1.5 miles from Depot Park) and associated signage with QR codes were also discussed as a DSI public-art-style project.
Council agreed to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Byron Buckels and Council Member Mark Akinosho to the Depot Building Renovation Project Committee. No formal ordinance or grant award was approved at the meeting; staff were directed to submit applications and pursue next steps as appropriate.
