Cory Riner

Staff writer

ROWLAND — Rowland residents will soon be able to apply for home repairs through a Community Development Block Grant.

Town Clerk Blake Proctor said the town is still working on applying for the grant, but that a line can begin forming.

“The grant is still being drafted, it has not gone to the state or anything, it has not yet been voted on by this board, that will happen in late October,” he said. “However, people who wish to apply to have their homes rehabbed, those should be available for citizens to pick up on Monday. Of course, they do have to meet the requirements which is low-to-moderate incomes, which is all spelled out in the application. The applications will be used as a snapshot to show need for the grant.”

The commissioners also discussed the town’s noise ordinance and the issue of tractor-trailers parking in neighborhoods, prompting complaints from residents.

Commissioner A. Jean Love said she was concerned about where the truck drivers would park their trucks.

“How are they going to get back to their house?” Love said. “Their wife might not have a car.”

According to Commissioner Marvin C. Shooter, there is no need for a new ordinance since there is already one in place that prohibits commercial trucks from parking on residential streets. He said the problem is with a lack of enforcement.

The board voted to table the matter to explore a resolution without creating a new ordinance.

In other action on Tuesday, the board:

— Discussed the town’s fire inspection policy and the possibility of contracting that work out to a certified inspector.

— Announced that a preliminary report from the state shows that the population of Rowland has dropped to 1,034. There was no information on the previous population count.

— Approved a request by Dogwood Church that it be able to use the town park from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Oct. 6 at no cost.

— Approved the installation of a drive-thru window on the CVS Pharmacy.

— Recognized Proctor as a recipient of an award for 25 years of service in local government by the International City/County Management Association.