Garner is hoping to receive federal stimulus money to make road upgrades in two parts of town.
Last week, the Town Council agreed to move forward to apply for a grant to add traffic lanes at the intersection of U.S. 70 and White Oak Road. The estimated cost of the project is $8.1 million, said Town Planner Brad Bass. The town would have to chip in at least 20 percent, or $1.62 million, for the project.
The town also wants a $1.2 million grant to make upgrades where a downtown plan calls for a focal point. Montague Street would be widened from U.S. 70 to Main Street, and Purvis Street would be widened too. Other streets would also see improvements, and sidewalks and street lighting would be installed.
The town would have to chip in at least 20 percent, or $240,000, for the project.
Garner completes façade project
Town officials and staff along with Garner Revitalization Association board members presented the first Downtown Garner Façade Grant check to Johnny Ballinger, owner of the building at 404 E. Main St. The building, which was formerly Mack's TV, has been renovated as offices. Using the building is the nonprofit agency About Face II, a group that serves youth and families in Wake County. The grant program is funded by the Town of Garner and administered in cooperation with the Garner Revitalization Association.
"The grant was created to encourage improvements to the building façades in the central business district," said Brad Bass, Town of Garner planning director. "Proposed improvements must be in keeping with the style of the building and complimentary to the historic district to be considered."
The program pays for 50 percent of approved improvements up to $5,000 and includes projects such as window and door replacement, paint removal, masonry repairs, awnings and signs.
"We are very fortunate that the Town started this fund several years ago," said John Hodges, executive director of the Garner Revitalization Association. "It has taken some time to get property owners to participate. But now that they have seen the results at the Ballinger building, we have several interested in making improvements to their buildings."
Property owners in the Central Business District who are interested in the façade grant program should contact John Hodges at 919-773-4402 or send an e-mail to downtowngarner@nc.rr.com.
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