DGDC Board of Directors discusses plans for 2008
By Anessa Myers
Published in News on January 20, 2008 12:28 PM
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Board of Directors met Wednesday to discuss projects and events the organization is planning in 2008.
Construction on the three Self-Help homes on South John Street began Jan. 4. Now, if residents drive by, they can see the foundations of the homes beginning to form.
DGDC Director Julie Thompson said she expects the houses to be finished within six months.
The three homes will be designed to look like historic houses in the area that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They also will be built with the same materials to give the neighborhood a uniform look. Each home will have a covered front porch and at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They will range from 1,096 to 1,258 square feet, perfect for a small family, Mrs. Thompson said.
The project is part of the Comprehensive Historic Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, which helps to create single-family, owner-occupied homes in a neighborhood of "blight, distress and decline." The idea is to make the area a more attractive and safer place to live.
Board members also discussed improvements to downtown businesses including facade work at Salon 150 on South Center Street.
The Flying Shamrock will also be expanding into the adjacent space at 117 N. John St. The grand opening of the space is expected to take place in conjunction with a golf tournament the business is planning to benefit the Disabled Veterans Association on St. Patrick's Day. Details are still being discussed.
Big O's Barbeque will be open for business again on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 11 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to Bland, Heekin, Smith, Strickland and Stanley on East Mulberry Street.
Pittman Business Solutions opened its doors with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon- cutting on South William Street.
Also, Thomas Vick accepted a new job and will no longer operate the Corner Coffee Shop.
Members also discussed the Paramount Theater opening in February, Sherry Archibald being hired as the theater's director and other business including Borden Mills Loft Condominiums, Jazz on George and Center Street Jams.