In May 2011 Pittsboro applied to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and was accepted into the North Carolina Main Street program — a program designed to help historic downtowns rebound from the loss of businesses and capitalize on their unique assets to retain existing businesses and attract new ones.
Public charrettes facilitated by consultants from the state were convened and attended by property owners, business owners, and interested citizens. The Main Street Pittsboro group defined the physical boundaries of our district. The group also developed a guiding vision and set of goals.
The top goals that were agreed on in the three areas of the comprehensive Main Street program approach are:
Design Committee & Goals
- Improve sidewalks, streets, streetscape, alleys, signs, accessibility
- Improve parking
- Add more public gathering spaces/parks
- Improve building facades and preserve historic character
Promotions & Marketing Committee & Goals
- Promote local history, arts, foods, and sustainability
- Develop a branding campaign
- Develop and present focused events featuring local artists, musicians, and public art
- Develop cooperative marketing with local businesses to increase foot traffic downtown
Economic Vitality Committee & Goals
- Recruit and retain more businesses, ensure business variety
- Develop a downtown “destination”
- Develop business incentives
- Identify buildings needing renovation
Main Street Pittsboro Board
Commissioner Mike Dasher
Liaison with Chatham County
Chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Managing Partner at Orange Communities, LLC
Thomas Delafield
Director of Project Development for Renewable Energy Services, LLC, a utility-solar developer
Doug Emmons Board Treasurer
Former Board Chair of the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation; Former Board Chair of the Chatham County Literacy Council; Retired Marketing and Business Development Executive
Commissioner Michael Fiocco Chair, Design Committee
Liaison with the Town of Pittsboro
Commissioner of the Pittsboro Town Board; Principal & Land Development Manager at Civil Consultants, Inc.; Co-owner of Flyleaf Books
Greg Lewis
Owner of Pittsboro General Store and Roadhouse; Owner of 39 West Catering; Pittsboro Business Association Member
Jim Nass
Board Chair of the Chatham Park Additional Elements Committee; Chairman of the Pittsboro ABC Board; Retired USPS Executive; Independent Business Consultant
Maria Parker-Lewis Board Chair
Pittsboro Business Association Member and Events Chair; Owner of Pittsboro General Store and Roadhouse; Owner of 39 West Catering
Lesley Landis Board Secretary & Chair, Promotions Committee
Principal & Graphic Designer at Lesley Landis Designs; Board Member of the Chatham Arts Council; Founder of Wake Up Wednesday; Member of the Pittsboro Business Association
Kitty Mecham
Owner of Liquidambar Gallery & Gifts; Artist; Member and Former Chair of the Pittsboro Business Association
Randy Voller Chair, Economic Vitality Committee
Principal & Real Estate Broker at VRC, Ltd; Co-owner of Voller Properties LLC; President of Sustainable Prosperity Inc.; Member of the Pittsboro Business Association; Former Mayor of the Town of Pittsboro