We wholeheartedly support the decision that came from that meeting, making the Main Street director a city employee.
This bold stroke shows an endorsement and emphasis put on economic development like we have never seen come from city council in recent history.
(This is the first of a two-part editorial series on city council's meeting Tuesday night. The series concludes Friday with commentary on the sanctity of closed sessions)
It is a public statement from city leaders they want to see Roanoke Rapids progress.
Much of that has to be credited to City Manager Joseph Scherer, who sees the value of the WestPoint building and also made the recommendation the Main Street position be one that reports directly to him.
This move adds stability to the Main Street program and has the potential to carry forward the work done by current director Sherry Hux.
The motion will likely end the struggle of having to do fundraisers just to keep a manager onboard and will allow Roanoke Avenue Businesses Alliance fundraisers to be more about developing the avenue to improve its appearance and, more importantly, bring new businesses to the district.
We see and have toured Main Street districts in the past and see no reason why Roanoke Rapids can't enjoy the same amenities and distinctions.
RABA helped to bring 36 sustainable businesses to the avenue, facade improvements and other much needed facelifts, including new street lamps and sidewalk improvements.
They have set the next director up well, giving them a guide map to follow that could very well be the turning point needed to bring back some semblance of the vibrancy the avenue once saw.
This position, however, will not be a cushy job as the goal of the Main Street director is not only to create a fluid uptown and downtown business district, but to work with city council, the city manager and the Halifax Development Commission to bring vitality to the whole city as well.
That's why Scherer will be looking for someone with an urban planning background, experience with Main Street programs and someone we would dare say has a passion to follow in the very visible footsteps RABA has set in charting the course for rehabilitation of the city's business district.
The city has done well at managing its obligations, as Tuesday night's audit report showed. Its fund balance is healthy, there are legitimate commercial projects under way and there seems to be somewhat of a fervor to move from out of the shadows of the theater deal, which the city is managing as best it can.
The decision Tuesday night likely saved the spears and arrows that were ready to be hurled from naysayers who want to believe all that is embarked upon in Roanoke Rapids is destined to fail.
That now a crucial step was made to preserve the Main Street program and focus on citywide economic development projects is a sure sign it won't fail and that is the good news — Editor
