The Spring Lake Board of Commissioners have accepted an invitation from the county to join the Cumberland County Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership programs.
These programs give the town access to additional funding opportunities for community development and housing, as well as access to other resources for low-to moderate-income individuals for related initiatives.
Town gains access to federal programs
What’s happened: Cumberland County Chief of Staff Tye Vaught, who’s serving as the county’s interim community development director, proposed an agreement between the county and Spring Lake for the Cumberland County Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs during the board’s regular meeting Monday.
Why it matters: According to Vaught, Spring Lake receives the largest allocation from the county from the federal funds split among Cumberland’s eight municipalities, making frequent use of the Cumberland County community development rental rehabilitation program as well as the housing rehab, first-time homebuyer and affordable housing development programs. The programs through CDBG and HOME focus on assisting low- to moderate-income individuals and removing blight conditions.
What’s next: Spring Lake Town Manager Jon Rorie said he would like to utilize the programs to fund the removal of blighted homes in neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to apply for the programs by visiting the county’s website.
First Friday on Main starts in August
What happened: Mayor Kia Anthony announced that First Friday on Main is set for 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 3 on Main Street in Spring Lake.
Why it matters: Anthony said she and others were trying “to bring back life to Main Street after hearing about town parades and gatherings that took place in previous decades.” She said Main Street was the heart of Spring Lake and said it needs “to beat stronger,” hence bringing a monthly town festival, which could spur more economic development for the town.
What’s next: Anthony said musical act Michael Daughtry and the Drift and other activities such as vendors, food trucks and a children’s play area would highlight the first monthly event in August. Food trucks can apply to take part for $75, as long as the business is up to date with permits and required inspections, and craft booths can apply for $50. Churches and other nonprofit organizations and agencies can provide information tables at no charge by contacting Town Clerk Carly Autry at clerk@townofspringlake.com.
Anthony said the goal was hosting “First Friday” at no cost to the town, with events supported in part by sponsorships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
Anthony said letters would go out to property and business owners on Main Street announcing the street closures.
New Arts Trail mural unveiled to the board
What happened: Appearance Commission Chairwoman Cynthia Wilt revealed the third mural on the new Spring Lake Arts Trail would be painted in Spring Lake at 412 S. Main St. at the current Stitch-in-Time embroidery shop. The artist will be Max Dowdle, who painted the first mural on Spring Avenue. The mural is set to be completed by October and dedicated at a Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 8.
Why it matters: The Spring Lake Military and Veterans Advisory Committee and the Spring Lake Appearance Commission worked together to commission the Special Forces-themed mural. The mural showcases a Special Forces soldier along with the motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, “De Oppresso Liber,” and the Special Forces crest.
In other business:
- Commissioner Raul Palacios also said the town’s Appearance Commission would be seeking proposals for a sculpture to be placed at the Main Street roundabout.
- The board unanimously approved a rezoning at the intersection of Warfield and Elizabeth Street from “O&I,” or office and institutional, to R-6 residential. The rezoning would allow for up to 13 units on the four lots, which would also increase density in that area.
- The board also amended its purchasing procedures from requiring three quotes for any purchases over $100 to allowing purchase orders to be approved by department heads for $1,000. Anthony said that although there once was a time that the town needed to be that stringent with spending, this decision to streamline efforts came from a place of stability.
- The board also approved a resolution adopting the state’s municipal records retention and disposition schedule to keep the town in compliance with those regulations, which were updated in 2021 by the North Carolina Dept. of Cultural Resources.
- Rorie also announced a new staff and board training based on the book “Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity” by Charles L. Marohn.
The town board also expressed condolences for Ray Adcock, who once served in various roles as alderman, mayor pro tem and mayor in Spring Lake between 1991 and 2001. Adcock was a long-time Spring Lake businessman who owned the Adcock Funeral Home on Hwy. 210. Flags at Spring Lake buildings were lowered to half-staff in his honor.
The Spring Lake Board of Commissioners will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. on July 22 at the Grady Howard Conference Room of the Spring Lake municipal complex.
Jami McLaughlin covers Spring Lake for CityView. She can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com or at 910-391-4870.
Awesome Spring Lake! We are excited to have you now manage the town’s finances. Thank for “walking” through the mess that was inherited. Many do not want to do that clean up wor per se but would love to jump on the bandwagon once it’s started and almost complete. Kudos to each of you for sticking together for us residents and working through the last few years as your work and diligence has paid off. Now… the work begins for each of you with a clean slate per se, where you can demonstrate to us that you deserve to remain onboard. Thanks again… Let the renewed Spring Lake era begin!!!