A new Main Street Advisory Committee was approved by Roanoke Rapids City Council Tuesday night.
Main Street Development Director Ashley Thomas told the council she received a total of 19 applications representing a cross-section of the community.
Those selected were Melissa Moore Harris, Timothy Ryan Carroll, Myra Belgreat, Ashley Gorham, Duane Daniels, Ann F. Meadows, Christopher Mallory, John Thomas, and Amanda Briggs.
“Because of the strong response, not all applicants could be selected at this time,” Thomas said. “Those not appointed will be kept on file for future consideration or in the event that a member is unable to fulfill their duties.”
She said the student position on the committee remains unfilled. “This provides a meaningful opportunity for a young person to participate in city leadership and community development.”
Approximately 90 percent of the appointees either live, work, or own a business within the Main Street District. “Collectively, this group brings experience in small business ownership, mixed-use property development, nonprofit leadership, faith-based service, health care marketing, events, and beautification.”
Thomas said the goal of the committee is to help guide the goals and initiatives of “the city’s nationally recognized, locally powered Main Street Program.”
McCrory building
In a matter with ties to Main Street initiatives, City Manager Kelly Traynham told the council she had received a report from Hurt LLC, which is renovating the McCrory Building at the intersection of Tenth Street and Roanoke Avenue for second-floor apartments and commercial and retail space on the ground floor.
In that report, Traynham said the company indicated it is in project funding negotiations with two financial institutions. “With the interest rates starting to come down and getting more favorable for them compared to a couple of years ago when they first looked at this project, the interest rates have not been a good picture, but the company remains committed to completely restoring the building.”
Traynham said that construction drawings have been completed and approved by state and federal authorities which oversee historic tax credit projects. “The goal is to start the renovation in the spring or summer of 2026.”
A ledger of all invoices has been requested for submissions related to the grant the LLC was awarded for the project.
In 2023, the council approved a Historic District Building Revitalization Incentive Grant of $300,000 which was awarded to Michael J. Hurt, who owns the LLC and is revitalizing the building built in 1916.
