For years, people in Huntersville have heard about the town's efforts to try to revamp the downtown area. They have heard about, but have not seen much being done about it.
They said they will believe it when they see it.
"We've been working on it for at least five years that I know of," Jay Hill said.
Hill owns The Cafe 100 in downtown Huntersville. He wants to see revitalization in the area.
"Revitalization is better for everything," he said. "The better things look, the brighter lights that are put in, the better business we'll have."
Now town leaders say it's happening for sure.
Eyewitness News reporter Angela Hong asked Mayor Jill Swain what was different this time around.
"Because we are actually putting our money where we want our plans to be," Swain answered. "We've made $5.5 million of investments in our area that includes road plans and acquisitions."
Swain says the town has recently purchased nine parcels of land to make way for new developments and to improve downtown congestion on Old Statesville Road coming from Interstate 77 and Interstate 485.
The plan is to add a two-way pair road design that will connect Old Statesville Road with Main Street with a roundabout at each end.
"When we add the two-way pair, that will filter a lot of the traffic off," Swain said. "That opens up land for development."
Phase one of the project begins now with environmental studies. Road construction will start in the next two years.
Town leaders also have high hopes for the Anchor Mill property that sits between Main Street and Huntersville-Concord Road.
A developer has expressed interest in turning the site into a mixed-use development with businesses and residential space.
The mayor said it's taken awhile to get to this point because some owners were holding onto their land, but town leaders have decided they can't wait any longer. They are moving forward with their plans.
"We've been patient," Swain said. "I think our residents have been a little frustrated with the patience. On the other hand, we don't want to do things the wrong way."
She said in about five years’ time, downtown Huntersville will look very different.
"There is going to be walkability. There is going to be a dynamic atmosphere. I'll be able to see a vibrant downtown but one that still have character,” Swain said.
Huntersville officials said the development and roadwork also helps them prepare for further growth to the east side of town.
New subdivisions are already in the works in that area.
They said they will believe it when they see it.
"We've been working on it for at least five years that I know of," Jay Hill said.
Hill owns The Cafe 100 in downtown Huntersville. He wants to see revitalization in the area.
"Revitalization is better for everything," he said. "The better things look, the brighter lights that are put in, the better business we'll have."
Now town leaders say it's happening for sure.
Eyewitness News reporter Angela Hong asked Mayor Jill Swain what was different this time around.
"Because we are actually putting our money where we want our plans to be," Swain answered. "We've made $5.5 million of investments in our area that includes road plans and acquisitions."
Swain says the town has recently purchased nine parcels of land to make way for new developments and to improve downtown congestion on Old Statesville Road coming from Interstate 77 and Interstate 485.
The plan is to add a two-way pair road design that will connect Old Statesville Road with Main Street with a roundabout at each end.
"When we add the two-way pair, that will filter a lot of the traffic off," Swain said. "That opens up land for development."
Phase one of the project begins now with environmental studies. Road construction will start in the next two years.
Town leaders also have high hopes for the Anchor Mill property that sits between Main Street and Huntersville-Concord Road.
A developer has expressed interest in turning the site into a mixed-use development with businesses and residential space.
The mayor said it's taken awhile to get to this point because some owners were holding onto their land, but town leaders have decided they can't wait any longer. They are moving forward with their plans.
"We've been patient," Swain said. "I think our residents have been a little frustrated with the patience. On the other hand, we don't want to do things the wrong way."
She said in about five years’ time, downtown Huntersville will look very different.
"There is going to be walkability. There is going to be a dynamic atmosphere. I'll be able to see a vibrant downtown but one that still have character,” Swain said.
Huntersville officials said the development and roadwork also helps them prepare for further growth to the east side of town.
New subdivisions are already in the works in that area.
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Altercation led to fatal double shooting on The Plaza, police say
- Report: Woman bites into moldy Burger King sandwich
- Half-eaten fish comes back to life, jumps on plate
- Gas can goes up in flames at Charlotte gas station
- Last US Airways flight to take off before airlines merger
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/4SORQHWGRZHU3H3WUZMJ7URZRM.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/4GI3UCW6XJF4JLILYCNVCGDTKA.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/O7DXMJBBGNAXJNEJBIAHFTNY6I.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/GQKMK4XFLFC2TAAXXA4VPQTFWM.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/35F3JSWHUREVJAA6IZVS35HROQ.jpg)