A North Carolina Main Street Program
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 (see the map below). The group also developed a guiding vision and set of goals.
Main Street Pittsboro Program 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 Board Secretary
Director of Project Development for Renewable Energy Services, LLC, a utility-solar developer
Betsey Elbogen
Owner of Perch Coworking, Member of the Pittsboro Business Association
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
Chris Kennedy
Town Manager, Town of Pittsboro
Greg Lewis
Co-owner of The Sycamore at Chatham Mills; Co-owner of 39 West Catering; Member of the Pittsboro Business Association
Maria Parker-Lewis Board President
Pittsboro Business Association Member and Events Chair; Co-owner of The Sycamore at Chatham Mills; Co-owner of 39 West Catering
Lesley Landis 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
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