By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY – Efforts that began more than three decades ago resulted this month in national recognition for Salisbury, where a unique mix of retail, entertainment and historic preservation earned the downtown a spot as one of the best places in the country.
The American Planning Association at Tuesday’s City Council meeting recognized the city and two groups for making downtown Salisbury one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2012 under the Great Places in America program.
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Kluttz thanked city visionaries who created Historic Salisbury Foundation and Downtown Salisbury Inc. and ushered in the National Main Street Program.
Ed Clement, Margaret Kluttz, Jim Dunn and others understood the value of historic preservation and adaptive reuse of Salisbury’s old homes and buildings, Kluttz said.
“They were often met with opposition, but little did the opponents realize that historic preservation would be our economic development in the city,” she said.
Mayor Paul Woodson asked Kluttz to accept the award with him in recognition of her contributions as the city’s longest-serving mayor. Her tenure lasted 14 years.
Woodson last week presented the key to the city to Clement for his service to Historic Salisbury Foundation.
Kluttz on Tuesday noted Randy Hemann’s service as the longtime executive director for Downtown Salisbury Inc. and said she has never seen stronger momentum in the city center or more enthusiasm for Salisbury.
Historic Salisbury Foundation last weekend hosted the largest OctoberTour ever, which attracted more than 3,000 people to the heart of the city.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Kluttz said.
President Susan Sides accepted the award on behalf of Historic Salisbury Foundation, and President Mark Lewis accepted for Downtown Salisbury Inc.
Downtown Salisbury is the second North Carolina neighborhood – after New Bern’s Middle Street – to win an APA Great Places award.
“Salisbury stands out because of three decades of planning and partnership,” said Ben Hitchings, president of the N.C. Chapter of APA.
He noted $117 million invested in the downtown area, including restoration of more than 300 homes and buildings and creation of 1,000 jobs.
Vibrant downtown Salisbury has benefitted from enduring relationships with contributing organizations, Hitchings said.
The success is the result of a collaborative effort by many people over many years, Woodson said.
“City Council has made downtown a priority,” he said.
Making a great neighborhood takes time and perseverance, said Joe Morris, the city’s director of Community Planning Services.
The city’s visionaries created a pathway based on sustainability, preservation and creative problem solving, Morris said.
“Our commitment to planning as a city organization and as a community has carried us far,” he said, “and will be the foundation of our future success.”
Morris noted the contributions of city boards and commissions, as well as guiding principles laid out in ordinances and planning documents that have shaped the city’s “progressive trajectory.”
Private property owners have invested generously in the downtown, and volunteers have logged thousands of hours to help make the neighborhood a center for business, entertainment, culture, government and soon education, with the coming Rowan-Salisbury Schools central office, Morris said.
Councilman Brian Miller thanked city staff for their contributions, and longest-serving councilman William “Pete” Kennedy said Salisbury is so special, he’s run for election 10 times.
Councilwoman Maggie Blackwell urged residents to support downtown by shopping local.
“Downtown is a thriving place, and we can keep it so with our efforts,” she said.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.