Is something big in the works for Granite Quarry?

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 4, 2015

By Mark Wineka
mark.wineka@salisburypost.com

GRANITE QUARRY — In giving an update on possible retail development in Granite Quarry, Mayor Bill Feather seemed to be saying there’s something in the wind.

Feather told the Board of Aldermen Monday night “a financial institution” is looking at four possible locations — three of which are in Granite Quarry — that might lead to an investment of around $3 million.

But that’s all he would say.

“I know I’m being vague, but I’m giving as much information as I can,” Feather said.

Meanwhile, the town is preparing to start work on a large-scale revitalization plan, aided by planning consultants Arnett Muldrow of Greenville, S.C.

To begin that process, Arnett Muldrow representatives will be in town Sept. 15 and 16. On Sept. 15, Granite Quarry will have a “Community Kickoff Event” in which it will be soliciting residents’ input on how to make Granite Quarry a better place to live, work and play.

The kickoff will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 143 N. Salisbury Ave.

The next day, Sept. 16, representatives of Arnett Muldrow will be meeting all day with merchants and other business owners.

A big Granite Quarry event coming up is an open house at the fire station from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, so residents can inspect the town’s new Pierce fire truck.

Fire Chief Dale Brown said former Town Manager Dan Peters, who was instrumental in buying the truck, will be on hand to give it a blessing. Peters is a fire chaplain.

Deputy Town Clerk Sarah Cross said another event on the horizon is a Movie in the Park night at the Civic Park baseball field. The movie is free, and the film selected is “Home.” Popcorn, drinks and snacks will be available.

The movie is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Planning also is in the works for the town’s Sept. 19 Family Fun Fest.

Aldermen had a short agenda Monday night. In other business, the board:

• Tabled action on a $350,000 loan for a waterline, boundaries for an urban archery season early next year and a new purchase card policy for the staff.

• Approved a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with N.C. Emergency Management.

• Reported selling $8,388.58 of surplus town items on the GovDeals website.

• Approved acceptance of a $50,000 check from the Carolina Thread Trail toward construction of new sidewalks.

• Met in closed session to discuss the vacant town manager’s position and a separate “contractual issue,” Feather said.