Major construction projects
change the face of Kinston downtown
Two major thoroughfares in downtown Kinston have a new look.
The retail shopping center of Herritage Street between Gordon and Blount Streets is getting a new look with enhanced sidewalks, curbs and gutters thanks to the City of Kinston and the Golden Leaf Foundation.
Work on replacing the worn and often broken concrete began July 9, 2010 when employees from Snow Hill's Lanier Construction Company started cutting asphalt for curb-and-gutter work at Herritage and Gordon Streets. The construction firm predicts that the work will be completed by Sept. 1.
The City was successful with its request to the Golden Leaf Foundation, winning a $200,000 grant to do the work.
Storeowners along the construction path were supportive even though the construction interfered with easy access to their businesses.
Pride survey details business growth in downtown
In a report submitted to North Carolina's Main Street program, the Pride of Kinston—one of 59 Main Street programs in the State—detailed nearly $5.7 million spent or committed in Kinston's downtown during the 2009-2010 fiscal year by private and public investors. (The fiscal year covered by the report is from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.)
"We actually believe that a full accounting of downtown investment would exceed $6 million," according to Pride director Adrian King. "Our survey is just one more positive sign that Kinston is truly 'on the way' to a greater day. Our hat is off to those who have signed on to our downtown future with their hard earned investments. We are grateful."
The Pride survey reflects estimates of property owner expenditures to match facade grants, the cost of renovating or re-fitting buildings, expanding business inventories and equipment, as well as new businesses which have established offices in the Kinston Enterprise Center.
Wade Layton, Kinston city executive for BB&T, looks over the new design for an entranceway into historic Maplewood-Cedar Grove-Hebrew cemeteries. Mr. Layton delivered a check for $5,000 to the Pride of Kinston in support of the South Queen Street initiative. The recent donation represents the second installment towards a $25,000 pledge by the bank to support the South Queen initiative.
Show your PRIDE!
Order your Kinston license tag to display on the front of your automobiles. Click a plate to download a printable order form for the plate you want...
What Is Pride of Kinston?
The mission of Pride of Kinston, Inc., established in 1984, is to lead downtown revitalization in Kinston using the Main Street approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which promotes economic development within the context of historic preservation.
Pride of Kinston is one of 57 Main Street communities in North Carolina in a program coordinated by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Assistance. (www.nccommerce.com). For more information about Pride of Kinston, see About Pride.
Upcoming Events...
July 29 Aug. 5: Sand in the Streets - Carolina Beach Club
POSTPONED Due to heavy rain and flooding in the park. Rescheduled for next Thursday, August 5th.
Music fills the streets of Downtown Kinton. See and hear what you have to look forward to here...
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Click here for 2010 results...
In Your Hometown: A Look at Kinston’s Past and Future
by Amy Kibler
Pride of Kinston • 327 North Queen Street • Kinston, NC 28501• (252)
522-4676
Located in the Kinston Enterprise Center
Artist Bruce D. Ziegler has generously made available to Pride his portrait of
downtown Kinston as signature for Pride's website.