The construction next door to Northeastern Safety Supply is a welcome sound to the business's owner.

To Main Street Director Director Lance Jenkins it is sweet music.

The sound of hammers and other construction is noise being created by more than half of an $83,000 investment that has been seen on Roanoke Avenue in the last three months, a new bakery which is going beside Charles Vaught's business, which sells clothing supplies to law enforcement and other emergency management personnel as well as personal safety supplies to the public.

“I'm glad she's moving in,” said Vaught, who left behind a law enforcement career to devote more time to his business. “It gives me a lot of hope.”

Vaught, left, and Jenkins.

Driving down the avenue two days after delivering an upbeat briefing to city council, Jenkins says, “We've got a lot going for us. A lot of people take a look back at when business was thriving. Where Premier Landing is, is booming and historically you're seeing the same businesses there that were in our business district.”

Now, however, there is a shift. “Downtowns are in,” he said. “People are enjoying simplicity.”

To get to this point — a new diner on the avenue, a photography business, a gift and gourmet shop in the works, a bakery and the upcoming renovation of Fannye's in the downtown district — has not been easy.

“I knew it was going to be challenging,” Jenkins said. “I knew it was going to be a challenge. I knew if we could make a difference it could change the scope of things.”

An early illustration of proposed changes which have been completed.

Much of the battle has been linked to the loss of the textile mills. “A lot of it had to do with the economic downturn. A lot of it had to do with the burden of the theater. It made it very difficult.”

Jenkins believes in the city's leadership. “I think they're doing all they can. So many have negative thoughts but I think we're moving forward. We've got some good looking buildings.”

Driving in the 1000 block Jenkins points out a couple, Tillery Designs and david's restaurant. “The bakery, I think that's going to be real neat.”

Jenkins believes part of the renewed interest in the Main Street program has to do with the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance reaching out beyond the business district and beyond the boundaries of Roanoke Rapids. What is done in Roanoke Rapids, he says, can help others throughout the county. “The economic situation is improving.”

Connie's Cafe is now open.

People also like to have evidence the Main Street program is holding true to its mission. This can be seen in the completed sidewalk project in downtown and the beginning breath of life that is being pumped into Fannye's. “People want to see things. People want to be on a team that's winning. We are trying to create jobs for anyone who wants them. The bakery wants to bring eight to 10 jobs. Having the creation of jobs benefits more than the people of Roanoke Rapids.”

Then, Jenkins said, there is realization of potential business owners there are benefits for choosing to locate in the business districts. “There are tax credits, a lot of incentives for being in the district. We had a business owner who had an issue with the property owner's rent. We called the property owner and worked something out. I'm going to do any thing I can to help the business owners. I don't want anyone to come and feel like I'm not helping them.”

Jenkins is hopeful the upcoming fiscal year will bring the opportunity for more facade improvement grants. “We're planning for a budget like we never had before.”

Publicity by media in the area has also played a part in the interest, he said. “They're seeing the stories about our efforts.”

At Connie's Cafe in the former Java Junction building, Connie Coker takes a break from making sandwiches.

Opened since Monday, Coker is glad to be back in a building she worked at for four years when it was Java Junction. “I'm glad to see the others coming. I think it's wonderful.”