Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sanford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in business jobs with high priority
Goldsboro facade and entertainment grant program
The city is close to creating a hybrid redevelopment program for Goldsboro with $75,000 in first-year funding for facade grants and cultural events along Historic Goldsboro Boulevard. The Main Street board will manage it and set grant rules with community input. It's not a full CRA, but it's the most significant reinvestment tool Goldsboro has had proposed in decades.
Downtown and 17-92 corridor development pipeline
A dozen projects are moving — from a co-working space and a redesigned 14-unit apartment project to a $20 million pharmaceutical expansion in Goldsboro and an indoor pickleball complex. Staff is also actively courting tenants for long-vacant spots like the former Family Dollar, where the burglar bars finally came down.
Downtown vacancy and the grease trap program
Commissioner Austin said downtown looks bad with vacant storefronts, blamed the oil and grease program for scaring away the Don Julio's/Patio Grill project, and asked for a 'tiger team' to help stalled projects; staff will bring grease-trap ordinance options to a workshop.