JULY 2024
FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S DESK

Dear Residents of Elizabethtown,

We started our monthly meeting by recognizing several Town employees for their service. We are grateful for their dedication to the Town residents and businesses.

Juanita Hester was recognized for her service as Town Clerk for 35 years. Mayor Sylvia Campbell presented Ms. Hester with a plaque and flowers.

After 29 years of service, Police Lieutenant Dwayne Cheshire retired from an active career in law enforcement. Mayor Sylvia Campbell presented Lt. Cheshire with a copy of the Town Resolution honoring him, along with a presentation of his badge and service weapon.

Our new Police Chief Mark McMichael was ceremonially sworn into office.

During the meeting, the Town Council approved critical agreements with North Carolina Sustainable Futures, Inc. for the Live, Work, Play project in Elizabethtown Industrial Park. This includes the Infrastructure Reimbursement Agreement and the Ground Lease and Option to Lease Agreement for residential housing, paving the way for the construction of 284 workforce housing units.

This project aims to address housing needs for various local entities such as our local businesses, Cape Fear Valley Bladen County Hospital, Bladen County Community College, Bladen County Schools, and governmental agencies, reducing the commute for their employees. Additionally, it offers housing options for new businesses looking to relocate or expand in the area.

The next steps involve finalizing an interlocal governmental agreement between the County and Town, along with securing approval for a resolution to accept and utilize the $15 million earmarked for infrastructure needs at the Live, Work, Play project. The County Commissioners are set to vote on these documents during their July 15th meeting.

Overall, this has almost been a three-year-in-the-making project that promises to enhance local housing options and support economic growth by accommodating both existing and prospective businesses in the region.

Other actions:

• The Town Council approved a text amendment to the zoning ordinance dealing with Truck Terminals that would not allow the overnight parking of trucks within a residentially zoned area.

UPCOMING EVENTS
now – July 7     Downtown Sidewalk Sales continue
July 4               Town office closed
July 4               Fireworks at White Lake
August 5          Town Council Meeting