PEMBROKE — Town leaders are taking steps to expand businesses and infrastructure while trying to figure out how to pay for the expansions.
During its regular meeting Monday, the Pembroke Town Council discussed the challenges of obtaining money for improvements on N.C. 711 and to support the Innovate N.C. project.
Council members have been working for the past two years on a project to improve N.C. 711, which is Third Street as it passes through town. They say the portion of the highway inside Pembroke often gets congested because it can’t handle the heavy traffic caused by the growing community.
The council has requested funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation, but the state wants the town to come up with another $250,000 before it makes any decisions. The town council already has committed to allocating $1,177,899 for the project. The project’s estimated total cost is more than $2 million.
“We’re just trying to pursue whatever funding possibilities there are,” Town Manager Tyler Thomas said.
The project will include upgrading utilities, drainage, traffic signals, sidewalks, landscaping and lighting along Third Street.
Innovate N.C. is a project that focuses on construction, home health care and agribusiness. The initiative is a plan to help businesses grow and improve the town’s economy. The innovative team in Pembroke is made up of leaders from groups including the Lumbee Tribe, COMtech, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke Business Incubator, First Bank and more.
“It was very interesting seeing business leaders and educators come together for the project,” said Randall Jones, Innovate N.C. facilitator.
Jones gave an update on the two-year project.
In other business, the council:
— Recognized the West Robinson Pembroke All-Stars for claiming the District Championship, State Championship and third place at the Dixie Softball “Belles” 2017 World Series. Councilman Ryan Sampson presented the team with gift cards.
“To see what these girls have done over the years, I can’t wait to see what they do when the get to high school,” Sampson said.
— Discussed a petition for a zoning change that would clear the way for the construction of apartments on Deese Road. Town residents Alyson and Cory Lowry are asking a zoning change from a Single Residential to a Multi-family Residence. The land is currently being used as farmland.
No action was taken.
