News
Town begins to seek Uptown easements
ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – With much of the planned housing rehabilitation complete in the Uptown Revitalization area,
“The town has three things for which we need easements in the project design,” said Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins, who oversees the project. “Overhead utilities, underground utilities and landscaping improvements all require an agreement to let work proceed within the Uptown district.”
Property owners could be affected by one, two or all three types of easement, depending on their location.
“I’ll be setting up meetings over the next couple of months with property owners along the Uptown Revitalization corridor,” Hankins said. “My staff, the project engineers and I will go over the plans and show how the utility improvements benefit their property and everyone who uses or visits Uptown.”
Utilities now on overhead poles in Uptown will be relocated underground to improve the curb appeal of the businesses.
“Removing the clutter of overhead utility lines gives a business corridor a cleaner, more historic look and safer sight lines for pedestrians and drivers,” Hankins said. “I look forward to meeting each of the property owners. Many have already visited the project design meetings and understand the positive impact these changes will have for the entire community.”
Landscape changes will also require easements, as some landscaping may adjoin or overlap property lines.
“The Uptown project will allow freer pedestrian access, better parking and more business traffic,” Hankins said. “The landscaping plan is an important part of the Uptown improvements, and will keep the corridor beautiful for many years to come.”
Once all easements are final, utility work will begin, installing conduits to carry individual electric, communications and utility lines and pipelines to manage stormwater runoff.
After utility work is underway, Hankins will be working with Uptown businesses to participate in the Façade Improvement Grant Program, which offers matching grants to owners to restore and upgrade their business fronts. A micro-enterprise loan pool is under development, and will allow businesses to borrow low-interest funds for business activities within the Uptown area.
The Uptown improvements are funded by the town, private investment and a $700,000 Community Development Block Grant from Virginia Housing & Community Development.
Any Uptown property owner who would like to set up a meeting sooner with Hankins should call 483-0907 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
