The Waynesville town board “philosophically” endorsed an ambitious plan for the redevelopment of the Frog Level area that the new merchants association developed.

The plan is far-reaching in impact and will require a sizable financial investment to complete. Though aldermen did not agree to spend any money, there was broad agreement that the plan was a good one and will serve as a guideline for what many hope will be the revitalization of the area around the old railroad depot.

“Your approach and your philosophy is what I like to see,” said Alderman Gavin Brown as he asked the board to endorse the plan.

Mayor Henry Foy praised the process that led to the 13-page plan.

“The main thing is that we have a plan, a comprehensive plan. This is like what we are doing with our land-use plan,” said Foy.

Carol James, the owner of Mill Race Mercantile, has spearheaded the creation of the Frog Level Merchant’s Association and the redevelopment plan. She presented the plan to the board.

“We have so many property owners behind us at this time. This could have a far-reaching impact,” she said.

The town had set aside money for curbing and guttering in Frog Level are but froze that funding when the state withheld reimbursement money this summer. Town Manager Lee Galloway told the board he would recommend holding off on those expenditures until after January 2002, “after we have a clearer picture of our overall revenues.”

The two most important elements of the plan, said James, are controlling stormwater runoff and dealing with parking and curbing issues.

When heavy rains come, stormwater runs down Depot Street and into several businesses. And, with Giles Chemicals and Pierce Pottery both having many employees, parking has become a real problem.

“Some are reluctant to invest in their property until the stormwater problem is remedied,” said James.
Ronnie James, who is married to Carol and works in industrial recruitment for the state Department of Commerce, is working with Norfolk Southern to encourage them to help with landscaping in the area around the rail siding.

Carol James wants to go further. The plan developed by the merchants association envisions a rebuilt railroad depot that will serve a passenger rail service, tourist railroad and freight needs.

James told the board that the merchants in the area have discussed the creation of a special taxing district to raise needed funds for some of the projects.

James was also praised for the way the new association has worked with the Open Door Soup Kitchen and Giles Chemicals. The soup kitchen is often blamed for loitering in the area, and the industrial nature of Giles is seen by some as a drawback to redevelopment efforts. However, James said it is not the intent of the plan to relocate anyone or to shove anyone aside.

“We feel strongly that we don’t want to change the area and force things on those who have lived there for so long,” James said.

She told the board that a copy of the plan has been given to Open Door officials, and that the merchants association has offered to help them if they decide to move to a new location.

“We said we would support them if they moved. We will not force them to move,” James said.

 

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