NCLM Volume 71, Issue 1, 2021

NCLM.ORG 43 “We need to hear from community mem- bers about their visions for the future of Leland.” Pinetops is undertaking a similar effort, with an economic development assess- ment to identify key issues there. The town has launched a survey, being conducted by the state Department of Commerce, for locals to provide input. Wilson just facilitated a memorable spectacle in the demolition of the local BB&T Towers, part of a master plan the city developed for redevelopment of the downtown block it occupied. “When BB&T made such a bold commitment to build a new facility in downtown Wilson, we realized we needed to be strategic, using that investment to build momen- tum and leverage additional investment,” said Grant Goings, the city manager of Wilson, in an online update about the redevelopment project—to result in a mixed-use site with retail, residential, and parking—and the expectation that it will bring nearly $100 million of investment to the area. “We believe the impact of this block will be tremendous, a commu- nity-changing development of a scale unseen by cities of Wilson’s size.” Goings said it’s part of a “very intentional” chain of decisions. “...Because we only get one shot to get this right,” he said. “The Council believes that a master devel- opment agreement protects our public investments in the district and ensures a final product that is complementary to our community and a catalyst for future investment.” Whether it’s lining up the immediate needs of residents and businesses to make it through the pandemic together, or work on community spirit and respon- sible future planning, North Carolina’s municipalities seem to have barely flinched against the challenges. Col- lectively, they’re helping to put North Carolina overall in the best possible posi- tioning for the road ahead. continued from page 41 Talk of Our Towns Photo credit: City of Wilson. Whether it’s lining up the immediate needs of residents and businesses to make it through the pandemic together, or work on community spirit and responsible future planning, North Carolina’s municipalities seem to have barely flinched against the challenges .