Encourage Rehabilatation of Older Buildings

There are many businesses that would like to upgrade their buildings, but when they go to the town to find out what they need to do, they are usually scared away by all the regulations. They feel meeting all the regulations is too ominous and just doesn't make economic sense. So they just leave the building as it is. That's why so many buildings in town look like they do. Other cities have adopted "Rehabilitation Codes." These codes would apply less stringent regulations for people trying to rehabilitate an existing building. Look at it from this perspective, these buildings are sitting there falling deeper and deeper into disrepair. The buildings are not meeting any of the current rules for water retention, landscaping, of even appearance. And even if the owner or a potential renter wanted to upgrade the building, maybe they are scared to meet all the regulations, maybe they're scared to go before the Board of Adjustment to plead their case, or maybe they're scared the costs will be astronomical. If this is the case, the town needs to change its policies so that rehabilitation is encouraged rather than discouraged.

Redevopment of East Howard St. and West Howard St.

With the blessing of the property owners, I would like to turn both sections of Howard St. into "Redevelopment Zones." (Section 1: between the Wilcox Emporium and ASU; Section 2: between the Dan'l Boone Inn and the First Presbyterian Church.) The town would encourage developers to turn these areas into high-density, mixed-use projects where businesses are located on the first floor and student housing located on the upper floors. This is a good way to increase the tax base and provide much needed student housing closer to campus where they can walk rather than use their car. (The primary purpose of this area is to reduce dependence on the automobile so while parking will be provided for the businesses, parking for the residents will be limited--not every one is going to be guaranteed a parking space; hopefully however, satellite parking will be provided on the periphery of town so the residents will not be stranded). Another benefit of redeveloping this area for high-density student housing is that it doesn't encroach on nearby neighborhoods, so Grand Blvd., Oak St., and Tracy Cr. will be protected! Another area that could be a potential "Redevelopment Zone" is along Blowing Rock Rd. between Hardee's and Wachovia. This could be turned into a high-density, mixed-use area with hotels, restaurants, shopping and housing. This area would be more automobile friendly than the Howard St. areas as more parking would be provided. Boone or Kraut Creek could also be incorporated into the project. Currently, the creek is culverted. But with this project, it could be brought above ground and the shops and restaurants could line the creek--providing a refreshing refuge for patrons.  

The Howard St. Project

How long have we been waiting on this Howard St. Project...15 Years!!? The town has the plans, but no money to get the project done. Maybe the town doesn't need the money? Maybe all the town has to do is provide incentives to developers to get this project underway? The town has already helped out by providing engineering plans--maybe all we need now is to help out with some tax credits and creative financing. This way the property owners here increase their economic potential and the town gets out of the development business and saves the tax payers money. In the end, Howard St. is enhanced and the town increases its tax base. Other cities such as Baltimore, Maryland have successfully taken this approach to redevelopment. Boone could use these cities as models.