Letter of Support for Code Enforcement & Downtown Grants

Please approve this as our city needs it

I support this initiative.

Great project!

Great way to improve the look of downtown I as a business owner feel its time we move forward I been working non stop improving the look of my business because it attracts so many people for services and it draws people to the area

I support the Downtown Development Incentive Grants. That said, licensed contractors, inspection of work and production of receipts for the work should be required for participation. No more mismanagement of grants in RMT! No work, no receipt from licensed contractor=NO MONEY!

We can and should do so much more, but this is a fabulous place to start.

I'm FOR Mainstreet. I remember "the way it was!"

I think property owners need to be financially liable for decaying property. How far will $5000 go toward renovation. Is it incentive enough?

Very important effort to start moving downtown forward!

A step in the right direction!

Property owner on Main Street

I'm definitely in support of both the funding and code enforcement initiatives, IF, proper grants management, accounting and oversight practices are adhered-to including performance measures for all grant recipients. Moreover, the code enforcement initiative is paramount and should be applied fairly and consistently across properties regardless of ownership. Actual and perceived conflicts of interests in the granting of funds or the enforcement of building and fire codes must be avoided if future revitalization plans are to be successful and supported by stakeholders. Given the deteriorated condition of some properties and the physical connectivity of these buildings, the risk of conflagration is now great. The urgency of this initiative for our historical downtown district cannot be overstated. Also, if not already done, I recommend that a preliminary structural assessment be performed (or updated) first, and, have grant funding awarded based on the priority of needs with imminent threats being funded first. My opinions.

I would like to know that there is a mechanism to guarantee that the funds are being spent as intended and not pocketed. I would like to see existing city council members' properties (if any) excluded from the grant.

IMPORTANT TO MAKE THIS EFFORT!!!!

Code enforcement + Incentives = A brighter downtown. I support this.

I support the Façade Grant to improve Downtown Rocky Mount. We need to give visitors to the RMEC a beautiful and welcoming Downtown Rocky Mount.

I support this Downtown Development Incentive Grant

This grant will be a positive addition to the efforts encouraging investment in downtown Rocky Mount.

Thank you, Stepheny and Ben!

I am a investor in the RM area and highly support this action.