In his first address to city council since being named Main Street director, Lance Jenkins told the panel to expect changes in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue in the coming weeks.

“We are expecting to see physical improvements to the buildings in the 1000 block of Roanoke Avenue in the coming weeks as part of the facade improvement matching grant,” he said, explaining Charles King recently submitted an application for grant funding.

As it is now.

The state Department of Commerce's Urban Development Division has offered a design proposal including awning colors and styles and paint options for his buildings. “It is our understanding that Mr. King has the intention to move forward with these recommendations … you can expect to see physical changes to the avenue in the coming weeks.”

Jenkins acknowledged there was much work to be done to reach the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance's goal of uptown and downtown revitalization. “I want to assure you that no matter what lies ahead, we are going to work countless hours to make the avenue thrive once more. There are businesses old and new that call the avenue home and it is RABA's responsibility to revitalize this historic portion of the city and create economic change for this region.”

Jenkins said RABA is on the same page with the city. “We want to see the city of Roanoke Rapids thrive. We want to create jobs in the avenue district, we want to bring new businesses to the avenue and watch them succeed, but most importantly we want to be part of bettering the city of Roanoke Rapids as a whole. The support the city shows RABA confirms that Roanoke Rapids believes in the future of Roanoke Avenue.”

There are many people, Jenkins said, who remember the avenue as the city's hub of commerce , people who also watched it lose that title through commercial expansion. “Our goal of uptown and downtown revitalization will be reached and when it is, those who grew up here can once again see the avenue prosper and our younger generation can witness the birth of a new avenue district, one that should stand the test of time.”

Jenkins said the physical changes, along with the sidewalk improvements slated to begin in the 1000 block at the beginning of the year, will be the proof of the alliance's efforts. “That is why we still seek grant funding, plan fundraisers and do all we can for the business and property owners to ensure the avenue changes for the better.”