Kannapolis sets aside funds to refine Midway revitalization plans – Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — More than two years ago, the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) worked with the city to begin studying how Kannapolis could make the most of Midway.

At the last city council meeting, members voted 4-3 to set aside $250,000 to take those original ideas and begin refining them into a Midway revitalization project.

In initial discussions, the DFI suggested, as with downtown development, that there needed to be catalysts to spur private development. A number of things could be considered, including affordable multi-family housing, code enforcement improvements, streetscape improvements, park or open space creation and parking. But no specific decisions were made because the city was in the midst of work on the downtown.

Richard Smith, the city’s planning director, reminded council of the DFI’s initial discussions and suggestions, but encouraged council to continue to consider several key issues for the area: the lack of control over the property, private development that would likely require a public/private partnership, and expectations for outcomes, including smaller sites with smaller-scale redevelopment, similar to downtown spaces. He said the city needs to determine what goals it hopes to achieve in the area and, most importantly, be patient, as it is a complicated issue.

Part of the hope is that the city’s renewed attention will increase interest from private investors who could buy property in the area and invest in business and growth alongside the city.

He suggested the council consider creating an urban redevelopment commission, saying the council could actually serve as the commission itself, and the commission could then hire consultants to help inventory properties, including those that may be considered blighted properties, and create a redevelopment plan.

“Landowner and public input is also critical,” he said. It’s also important to identify potential catalyst sites and create a master urban development plan that includes utility improvements.

The budget amendment that was approved states: “A capital project fund is being established for this project because of its anticipated cost, its spread over several fiscal years, and the need to potentially issue new debt related to this project. The (Community Development Block Grant) funds may also be used for this project. These initial funds will establish the financial resources to fully define
the project and possibly begin initial design work or other activities.” Meaning that initial $250,000 is just the beginning, but Smith noted that the city can and should consider applying for other funding, including the CDBG mentioned in the description as well as a possible EPA assessment grant and other funds.

Additionally, council voted unanimously to set aside $888,232 in capital project funds – which represents one cent on the 2025 tax rate – to establish a project fund for future downtown economic development efforts. There are no actual projects the funds are earmarked for at this time, but each year for five years, the same amount will be set aside. That way, if and when a new project is identified, the city will already have some money in its account ready to go.

“It’s primarily an accounting function,” said Councilor Ryan Dayvault. “We’re just setting the money aside until we decide to use it or return it to the fund balance.”