The Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance has several new things in store, including plans for an extension of the Farmer’s Market in Centennial Park and a partnership with Key Fitness to bring a race similar to television’s Amazing Race to the avenue.
Main Street Director Lance Jenkins unveiled these plans and the possible formation of a committee to address the People’s Theater in the downtown business district during RABA’s monthly luncheon today.
“The city is willing to work with us to make that happen,” Jenkins said of the Farmer’s Market.
There are still some ordinance issues that must be addressed to start the market, but Jenkins said the police department has assured the organization it would not be a problem closing little used Jarman Street each Monday so farmers could bring in their goods and have their trucks turned to face the park.
This would mean the Roanoke Valley Farmer’s Market would have a third day of operation beyond its Wednesday and Saturday hours on Highway 158.
Once plans are finalized the market would be begin operation in late spring or early summer.
On May 5 Key Fitness and RABA will sponsor a 5K Amazing Race. “This is not about how fast you can go it’s also about what you know,” he said.
Jenkins also said he would like to get up a committee on the rehabilitation of the People’s Theater. “It’s something I would like to see happen. No building is beyond repairing.”
Jenkins also discussed some of the initiatives currently under way on the avenue as well as some new grant opportunities.
Those grant opportunities include:
A $2,500 award from Dominion Power, which can go toward special projects.
An application to Z. Smith Reynolds for a two-year grant of $40,000 each year to go towards operating expenses.
A Lowe’s Home Improvement grant which the organization is still awaiting word on. The grant is for $20,000.
An application to O’Sail of Lake Gaston, which RABA is still awaiting word on. “I think the people in Lake Gaston are benefitted from this area and vice versa,” Jenkins said.
