All Charles Williams asks for is patience.
He believes Roanoke Rapids has the buildings, tools and people to make the Main Street program work.
“In a way I feel like I’m a politician but I’m not,” the new Main Street director told members of the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance today. “I’m going to get to know each and every one of you. You have been so motivated putting this together. It’s impressive.”
Williams knows not every decision he makes is going to the popular. “We’re going to work together to make it work.”
Williams believes in the program. “Main Street is held up as a model of success. It’s been established in 62 cities across the state. It’s improved business revenues.”
One of the things that strikes Williams about Roanoke Rapids is its heart. “There’s a big heart for downtown.”
He wants to capture the feeling that people can be proud of where they’re from. Real estate agents tell him of Roanoke Rapids, “People who buy houses by them for life.”
Williams holds a masters in city and regional planning with a concentration in housing and community development. “Community development and economic development go hand in hand.”
One of the first things Williams will be doing is pouring through statistics. “Part of the Main Street program is doing market analysis. I want to get all the data I can.”
Williams will be working in the city’s planning and development department, City Manager Paul Sabiston told the group.
The new Main Street director sees potential in the two-story buildings with covered windows he wants to see uncovered. He said he wants to look for the low hanging fruit first, people who have property and are ready to go.
Even with property owners who are ready the research must be done first, Williams said.
Williams will start July 12 and is excited. He likes that Roanoke Rapids was formed from two downtowns. “On Memorial Day my wife and I sat on a bench and made detailed notes. The beauty is there, you can see, but it’s been covered up. I was very surprised. I thought it would be more ‘moderny.’”
