Reidsville downtown plans move forward

The Reidsville City Council is moving ahead with developing downtown.
The council voted this week to award a contract for Market Square to the lowest bidder and approved a $450,000 budget amendment for construction and improvements to South Scales and Settle streets.
Mayor James Festerman said the council isn’t “cutting any corners” on the Market Square project.
“I think Market Square will be the crown jewel of the downtown,” Festerman said.
City Manager Kelly Almond called Market Square the “keystone” of
Reidsville’s downtown redevelopment efforts.
“That will kind of be the bookend for that end of downtown,” said Almond. “It will provide a space for all kinds of activities.”
Market Square will include a covered pavilion with restrooms, a grassy lawn area behind the marketplace, and a performance stage with dressing rooms.
Tammy Spencer, director of economic development, said Market Square would be a multi-use area and a “great gathering place” for the community.
“This has been in the making now for two years, so we are definitely ready for the dirt to move,” she said. She expects construction to begin in June.
The council Tuesday held a public hearing and approved the closing of an alley behind the 100 to 102 block of South Scales. RANA LLC bought the old Bank of Reidsville building and plans to use the second floor for residential condominiums and the first floor for retail space and an upscale restaurant. The closing of the alley allows the owner to place a staircase and elevator outside the original shell of the building, preserving its historical integrity.
While moving ahead with development downtown, the council voted to demolish three city structures as recommended by Michael Pearce, community development director. The structures are former homes at 714 Prince Williams St., 134 Ridge St. and 323 Lindsey St.
In other business, the council approved:
n A text amendment to insert an exhibit center/event center as a permitted use in the highway-business zoning district.
n A text amendment regarding density requirements for duplexes in the office and institutional zoning district.
n A text amendment to exempt ornamental accessory structures from the front and side accessory building setback requirements in the city’s historic districts.
The council also recognized:
n Rockingham County Help for the Homeless and its 10-year plan to end homelessness.
n May as “clean sweep” month in Reidsville.
n National Public Works Week, which is May 18 to 24.
n National Police Week, May 11 to 17, and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, which was observed in North Carolina on May 9.
Staff writer Miranda Baines can be reached at mbaines@reidsvillereview.com or 349-4331, ext. 35.