Star commissioners approve NC STEP plans to spend $100,000 ♥

As published October 13, 2011 in the Courier-Tribune

by Hugh Martin

STAR - The Star Board of Commissioners heard all the presentations and approved all the requests from the town’s Small Town Economic Prosperity (STEP) committee during the board’s regular meeting on Oct. 10.

STEP co-chair Donna Strong reported that the committee had held 15 community meetings since July 8, 2010, and had developed three main strategies for implementing the $100,000 grant that the town will receive from the North Carolina Rural Center.

Committee member Jim Callicutt explained the first strategy, which is to support existing and local businesses, agriculture, industry and new endeavors. At the heart of this strategy is the development of the Star Heritage Center, also known as The Pink House, at a cost of $29,000.

Committee member Eddie Bernard, who is also a write-in candidate for town commissioner, reported on the second strategy, which is to develop “Quality of Life” facilities and amenities that will attract regional workers and retirees. The committee requested that $14,000 of the grant be used to update the town park by adding a fitness trail, volleyball court and a “tot lot,” which will be designated for small children.

Committee member Marla Coulthard described the third strategy of strengthening tourism and marketing Star as an entrepreneurial community and innovation HUB. The remaining $59,000. would go toward applying for National Historic District designation and an aggressive retail renovation project for the downtown business district.

The initial planning grant of $25,000, which is not included in the $100,000, was used to pay for meetings, the production of a Star brochure, a newsletter, website development and travel and associated costs.

Art Jackson, STEP coach from the NC Rural Center, explained the process that the committee went through and told the board that he had encouraged the members to come up with more ideas than could be funded.

“If there happens to be money left over it can be applied toward some of the extra projects,” Jackson said.

Mayor Susan Eggleston thanked all those who served on the committee, expressing appreciation on behalf of the town for more than 800 hours of volunteer time put in by committee members.

In other business, Commissioners James Parker, Richard Hinson, Jennifer Fountain and Alice Clemens heard:

• That Commissioner George Kivett is a patient at Autumn Care in Biscoe.

• That the route for the Twinkletoes 5K, scheduled for Dec. 10, had been marked.

• Hobbs Upchurch & Associates engineers are working on the sewer expansion for Carolina Growler.

• A quarterly report from STARworks;

• Businesses and churches in Star will sponsor trick-or-treating and a trunk-or-treat on Halloween evening.