Charles Williams, the executive director of the Roanoke Rapids Main Street program, will be leaving on July 15.

Williams said the decision to step down was mutual, a decision between himself and the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance Board of Directors. “I wish all the best for the board and Roanoke Avenue.”

Williams said he will leave the city's Main Street program having gotten many things in place for the next director. Those things include the mapping of infrastructure, revamping bylaws and obtaining funds for facade improvements as well as helping guide the crafting of the avenue vision statement. “A lot of the ramping up work is now in place. We've built up our inventory, email lists and social networking which is the beginning of the Main Street program.”

He said work on outdoor dining and outside merchandise displays has been laid. “I met a lot of the business owners.”

There has been a $185,000 investment in the avenue since the Main Street program began, Williams said. “I wish only the best for RABA and the city. The city has enormous potential.”

Williams believes the goal of revitalizing the avenue will be met. “I'm excited to see what Roanoke Rapids is going to look like in the short term and long term.”

Steve Dennis, vice president of the alliance's board of directors, confirmed the decision was mutual. “We appreciate the work he did with us and it will not affect our moving forward with our plans. We wish Charles and his wife the best.”

In a press release Dennis said, “The Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance and Executive Director Charles Williams have chosen not to renew our employment contract for the upcoming fiscal year. RABA is accepting applications for the Executive Director’s position.”

The application and additional information will be available at www.roanokeavenue.com