“Successful revitalization of a downtown is incremental and happens with small steps, activities and projects.” That’s part of the Main Street philosophy of downtown revitalization and is the introduction to a draft version of the Clayton Downtown Development Association’s 2007/2008 Annual Report.
Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen provided some highlights from the past year and a half during the DDA’s first Annual Meeting on November 10 held during a covered dish dinner at the Clayton Steakhouse.
The DDA’s operational structure follows the model of Main Street’s Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.
In January 2008, the DDA held a planning retreat in New Bern, NC. During this retreat, members reviewed the Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012, mission statement, program accomplishments, ongoing programs and developed some Next Big Ideas.
A process for planning was developed and DDA members adopted twelve (12) Goal Statements, based on the Downtown Clayton: Vision 2012.
GOAL STATEMENT SUMMARY
Goal 1: New streetscape for Main Street
Goal 2: A diverse business center
Goal 3: Retain small town charm
Goal 4: A progressive future
Goal 5: Trendy restaurants with sidewalk cafes and entertainment
Goal 6: Every storefront is occupied
Goal 7: Buildings restored to their original architecture
Goal 8: Varieties of shops open to accommodate the needs of residents and visitors alike
Goal 9: An open-air market providing fresh, local produce and crafts
Goal 10: Growing visual and performing arts community
Goal 11: Attractive and informative signs
Goal 12: The social and cultural hub of Clayton
From these goal statements, specific goals and tasks were developed for 2008. (The full 2008 can be found on the Town of Clayton website at www.townofclaytonnc.org.)
Design
Downtown Façade Improvement Grant – to generate interest, the formula was increased to 50% reimbursement with a project cap of $5,000. One project was completed by the end of June 30, 2008 (FY07/08) and six approved projects are currently underway (FY08/09).
Crosswalks – worked with NCDOT to stripe crosswalks across Main Street at Lombard Street and developed an agreement between the Town and NCDOT to install a signalized crossing at that intersection. The implementation is in the hands of the NCDOT.
Gateway Entrance – The Design Committee initiated the development of a landscape design for the downtown entryway at Main Street and US 70 Business, which was installed in late June and early July. A “Downtown Clayton” gateway sign design is underway.
Downtown Design Standards – a Design Standards Workgroup has been formed to develop recommended design standards or guidelines for new, infill construction, renovation and rehabilitation. The workgroup’s goal is to make recommendations to Town Council in early 2009.
Promotion
Special Events – The 2008 Town Square Concert Series showed a 41% increase in attendance over 2007. The 2007 Live Christmas Village and Tree Lighting attracted more than 2500 people to downtown Clayton the Thursday following Thanksgiving. Helped organize the 2008 Millstock Music & Arts Faire and administered a grant through the Johnston County Arts Council.
Business Directory – produced two printed directories, 15,000 and 10,000 copies respectively. A new downtown map and directory listing has been framed and distributed to downtown restaurants and hair salons and barber shops. They are posted in windows and inside for visitors to find their way around and promote the businesses downtown. These will be updated on an occasional basis.
Economic Restructuring
Business/Property Owner Block Meetings – A series of three “Business Block Parties” were scheduled in September to provide DDA information to business and property owners, provide an opportunity for developing relationships between downtown businesses and to share ideas for improving appearance and promotion of downtown.
Open Air/Farmers Market – In April, the Economic Restructuring Committee organized and facilitated meetings to encourage the development of a steering committee to develop an open air or farmers market in downtown Clayton. The market is expected to open in early spring 2009.
Ordinances
Wall Graphics – DDA recommended, and Town Council adopted, an ordinance to provide guidance for exterior wall decorations that depict a scene, picture, illustration or design with no written message, word, insignia, logo, or advertisement. The wall graphic is intended to enhance the aesthetic appearance of downtown.
Clayton Downtown Development Grant Program – The DDA recommended, and the Town Council adopted an incentive policy to encourage and promote infill growth with new commercial development and the major rehabilitation of older buildings within Clayton’s downtown commercial district. Grant amount is the difference between the pre-construction tax value and the post-construction tax value as determined by the Johnston County Tax Administrator, over a period of five years on a graduated basis. (Details may be found on the Town of Clayton Website at www.townofclaytonnc.org)
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