Wednesday the schooling begins as members of the city’s Main Street program team travel to Salisbury to learn what is expected of them as they work to improve Roanoke Avenue.

Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance Secretary Sherry Wade, Interim Main Street Director Phillip Wade, Kathy White and Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director Chris Wicker will be in Salisbury for three days of training, Mrs. Wade said today.

“We’re excited,” Mrs. Wade said. “This is the first official meeting with the Main Street program.”

Mr. Wade said the group will learn the principles of the Main Street planning model and learn how it helps economic recruitment and how it is done from a historical perspective.

As the program continues a plan will be developed to help improve the avenue and determine what model best fits Roanoke Rapids, whether it should focus on tourism, entertainment or some other area, he said.

Alliance President Kim Simpson told The Spin today Main Street officials will be visiting Roanoke Rapids on Oct. 30 and then in February or March other experts will be in the city to offer advice on the direction Roanoke Rapids should go. “They will have a group of professionals giving us $100,000 worth of services.”

This expertise will give the city and the alliance advice on landscaping and help determine what era best fits a redesign of the avenue, Simpson said.

Officials from the Main Street program are keeping in contact with the alliance and the city, Simpson said. “They are sending us newsletters along with information on grant opportunities.”