Tag Archive for: #downtownhenderson

Downtown Henderson Halloween

Downtown Henderson Announces ’13 Days of Halloween’ Promotion

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Downtown Henderson

Please join Downtown Henderson for the 13 Days of Halloween!

Starting on Monday, October 19, 2020, take a picture of you or your child in costume at a downtown business and post it online to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hendersonncdowntown under the PINNED Halloween Post. Be sure to tag the downtown business for a chance to win great prizes! You may take pictures outside or inside the business.

Downtown businesses and restaurants will be open per their usual hours, but there will be no walking trick-or-treating allowed like years past.

Instead of limiting Halloween to one night, and to prevent a large gathering of people, we are stretching out this event to give everyone time to take part while also social distancing. We will miss seeing everyone in costume in person, so we want you to fill the Downtown Henderson page with your pictures!

Please be respectful of downtown merchants and their decorations. If you go inside a business, do not expect candy. This is designed to just allow the kids to be in costume and still get out and show it off!

Please note there is a DRIVE-THRU trick-or-treat event (click here) with candy at the Henderson Police Department on Thursday, October 29. Garnett Street will remain open to street traffic, unlike past years when it has been blocked for pedestrian use.

Residents are encouraged to comply with local and state orders by focusing on low-risk activities such as decorating, limiting activities to the people you live with and holding virtual costume parties or contests.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 08/25/20: Henderson-Vance DDC Chair Discusses Downtown Parking

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

Dr. Stephen Pearson, chair of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Pearson discussed the status of parking in downtown Henderson, addressed safety concerns and shared ideas for improving the traffic flow.

When parking along the main strip on Garnett Street is full, Pearson reminded listeners that many side streets in the downtown area offer public parking as well.

In addition, the lot located near the railroad track that runs behind downtown businesses contains 150 available public parking spots.

Pearson said he doesn’t see walking a short distance to downtown attractions as a deterrent. “By having them park in another place, it forces them to go by other stores and see other things they can do in downtown.”

The DDC’s Economic Vitality Committee is currently in talks of adding public parking signs to downtown, as well as reexamining the flow of traffic, according to Pearson. “They are looking at switching street signs around, so instead of coming down Garnett Street and being pushed away from public parking, people would be pushed towards public parking.”

Calling plans informal at this time, Pearson said the DDC is also discussing the possibility of removing parking spaces and adding a median down the middle of Garnett Street. “This could help control traffic and bring the speed back down to 25 miles per hour,” explained Pearson. “It would force people not to park on the roadway but instead use the designated parking lots.”

Pearson, along with wife Amanda, also co-owns Sadie’s Coffee Corner in downtown Henderson. In addition to making people more aware of public parking options, Pearson said tackling the “myth” of downtown crime is also a major consideration in the revitalization of the area.

“I believe the myth of downtown being murder mayhemville is a crock,” said Pearson. “We’ve [Sadie’s] have been down there a year now. We know everyone on that street. All the vendors get along well, and we all talk to each other. I think Chief Marcus Barrows and the Henderson Police Department have done an absolutely fantastic job, and it’s very safe. Until people get over the blown-out hype and stop spreading the myth, it’s not going to change. That’s one of the things we are fighting with the DDC: getting rid of that perception and building consumer confidence back in our downtown.”

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

First Methodist Church

‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ to Ring in Downtown Henderson Through July

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100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL

-Information courtesy Mary Helen Jones

Each Tuesday and Thursday through July at 12 p.m. in downtown Henderson, the First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church bells will ring the hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

You are invited to come downtown, wearing masks, standing at least 6-feet apart and sing this song of hope.

Participants may stand on the steps of the First United Methodist Church or line up along Garnett Street.

Downtown Henderson to Hold Holiday Window Decorating Contest

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy the Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission

We want to fill downtown Henderson, NC with brightly decorated windows for this season! We encourage all businesses to decorate, and to help make it even better, the Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission is hosting a window decorating contest.

All businesses and residents are encouraged to decorate, but only those that complete and return the required entry form will be considered for the contest. This is to ensure the judges know which places to visit and someone isn’t inadvertently left out of the contest.

We want to make a GREAT impression for our visitors during the Christmas parade, which will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, so we want all decorations up by that date. Judging will be held during the Christmas parade.

The business must be located in the Henderson, NC Downtown District to be eligible. Entry forms are available by clicking here and are due to the HVDDC office by Wednesday, December 4, 2019.

Downtown Henderson

Town Talk 11/05/19: Downtown Henderson Continues on Path to Main Street Status

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Kathy Walters, director of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission (DDC), was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the progress being made on reestablishing Henderson and the downtown area to North Carolina Main Street status.

Returning to the DDC in September after previously serving as director in the 90s, Walters said the most important thing downtown can do is to “strategically position ourselves for methodical, careful movement towards the revitalization of this area.”

For the past several years, the DDC director’s position has been funded on a part-time, contract-only basis, an arrangement that prevented Downtown Henderson, in part, from being reinstated in the Main Street Program.

“We are extremely delighted and fortunate to have Kathy on full-time with the DDC again,” said Board Chair Benny Finch in a prior interview with WIZS. “She’s had about 10 years of experience working with the City and she’s very familiar with Downtown Henderson and the Main Street Program.”

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.

“It is requiring a great deal of work from the Board, myself and the City,” Walters said of the reinstatement process. “The main thing is that we are organized, dedicated and working on the Main Street approach.”

One of the more time-consuming tasks, according to Walters, is the Main Street requirement that the City submit an inventory of each building in downtown, including photographs from all sides and an account of the building’s history/purpose.

The benefits, including technical assistance with building restoration and access to grant money, are well worth all of the efforts and are a great starting point for revitalization, according to Walters.

While the assistance the Main Street Program can offer would go a long way to attracting new businesses to downtown and helping existing businesses renovate, Walters said the growth of the area ultimately comes down to the “sustainability of the business and support of the community.”

To hear Walters’ interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Harvest Gala Offers Fine Dining in the Middle of the Street

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy hendersonncdowntown.com

The annual Harvest Gala event is scheduled for downtown Henderson, NC on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at 6 p.m. on West Young Street.

This event (weather permitting) is actually on the street itself for an experience you won’t forget. The street is closed, lights are hung, tables are set for a fine dining experience in the middle of the street with the historic downtown fire station clock tower in the background. If weather is not cooperative, the event will be held inside at 130 West Montgomery Street.

Gold Sponsors
AA Self Storage
Barnett Properties and Associates

Silver Sponsors
Kilian Engineering
WW Properties

Bronze Sponsors
Early Falsom Properties

Other contributors
Betty B’s, Breedlove Electric Inc, Quick Print, and Stella Jones Entertainment

2019 Harvest Moonlight Gala Menu – Chef Llew Sutton

Starter Treat
Salmon Cake Resting on House – Made Cocktail Sauce with Citrus Soli and Cilantro Atop

Chef Llew’s California Salad
Mixed Greens, Red Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppered Bacon, Dried Cranberries, Blue Cheese Crumbles, with House – Made Balsamic Reduction Drizzle

Main Course
Thyme Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions
complimented with
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
along with
Fresh Lemon Peppered Asparagus

Delicious Dessert
Creme Brulee in Mini Mason Jars

Tickets can be purchased on Downtown Henderson’s website (click here), or by calling Alice Sallins at (252) 767-4579.  Only 130 tickets will be sold for this event. We are designating 80 tickets for sale online, and the remainder will be sold in person or through sponsor deals.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available which includes tickets to the event, and advertising for your company in all event promotions. You may secure your sponsorship level online by changing the Ticket Type to a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level sponsor.

This is the only fundraising event for the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing Henderson’s historic downtown business district. Donations will be used for events and beautification projects in Henderson’s central business district in an effort to preserve the historic integrity, revitalize commerce and avoid further neglect and demolition.

Tickets purchased through the website can be picked up at Dataforge, 217 South Garnett Street, Henderson, NC. See Phil Hart. Phil is usually in the office from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for lunch. Feel free to call (252) 438-4000 to verify availability.

Benny Finch: Main Street Status Downtown Committee’s ‘Number One Priority’

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Benny Finch, chairman of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the commission’s current “number one priority,” the designation of Downtown Henderson and the City of Henderson as both a North Carolina and a National Main Street Program.

A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, Finch said that a lapse in the process cost the downtown area the distinction. “Once there is a lapse, you have to complete the preparatory work, applications and requirements all over again.”

According to Finch, the benefits provided to a Main Street community are well worth the time that the commission is currently putting into completing the re-certification process.

One of the more time-consuming projects, according to Finch, is Main Street’s requirement of a detailed inventory, including photos, of each building in downtown Henderson. Finch said the commission is currently working on the best way to successfully complete that requirement.

“It is a three-year [overall] process and we are more than halfway there,” Finch said. “We expect to successfully complete all requirements by 2020. This will get us back into the Main Street Program which provides design expertise, grant expertise and networking opportunities.”

To facilitate the process, Finch said the director of the State Main Street Program was invited to Henderson to provide a status report on the commission’s progress. “We are a little behind, but we are going to catch up and get it done,” said Finch.

Beyond simple bragging rights, the grants and opportunities provided by the Main Street designation help with the business growth and vitality of an area. “When you are interested in relocating to a new city, you often check out the downtown area to get an idea of the health of the community,” said Finch.

The success of McGregor Hall and the promise of the still-in-the-works Breckenridge Pavilion all add to the vitality of the downtown area and will ultimately help attract businesses, according to Finch.

“Once we become designated as a Main Street Program, we can increase our focus on business growth. Phase one is to be a Main Street City to get state and federal advantages and then grow from there.”

One on-going source of contention and an area that will have to be addressed before Main Street status is granted, is the requirement of a full-time director’s position. For the past several years, the director’s position has been funded on a part-time basis only.

“Our direction right now is looking at a full-time director funded by the City,” Finch said. The director’s salary has previously been paid by a combination of City and County funds.

“I have surveyed over 60 Main Streets across NC – a third are private, non-profits, a third are funded by the city and a third are a combination of funding,” said Finch. “There is no specific funding requirement other than the position be full-time when the process is complete.”

Finch said progress is being made in better establishing the director’s position and the downtown development office. “At one time, the director was housed inside the Chamber of Commerce building. It now has an office of its own in the fire station building. That gives us a presence and a home-base to work from.”

Getting all of the requirements completed for Main Street accreditation, including the change in director status, is at the forefront of Finch’s mind. “I want to be out front with the Main Street committee when we take the picture at the fire station. I want Henderson to be recognized in the region and across the state as a great Main Street City.”

To hear the interview with Benny Finch in its entirety, please click here.

Vance County NC

Henderson Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony to be Held Sat., Dec. 1

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-Information courtesy Paylor Spruill, Assistant City Manager, City of Henderson

The Henderson, NC Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018. The parade begins at 4:45 p.m. and will proceed along Garnett St.

Floats, fire trucks, and vehicles with trailers participating in the parade will line-up on the Dabney Drive Extension (enter from Raleigh Road Only) at 4:15 p.m.

A tree lighting ceremony will follow the parade at 6 p.m. in front of the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center and the Perry Memorial Library in downtown Henderson.

Become a Part of Historic Downtown Henderson With an Engraved Granite Paver

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-Information courtesy the Henderson Downtown Development website

Become a part of Historic Downtown Henderson! For each $300 contribution, an engraved 8″ x 8″ granite paver will be placed on Garnett Street. Your payment is a charitable contribution to the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission and will be used towards continued revitalization efforts in downtown Henderson. The HVDDC is a 501 (c)3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible.

The pavers are installed around the trees in downtown Henderson. The engraving must be no more than 12 characters per line, including spaces. You can personalize pavers for yourself, your friends, family members or your organization. There are many possibilities!

Downtown Henderson is the area’s only historic commercial district and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. Over 75% of the structures contribute to the downtown’s unique turn-of-the-century appearance. For years to come, residents and visitors can enjoy a unique commercial historic district that bears the name of people who have contributed to the revitalization of downtown Henderson. Leave your legacy in granite!

For additional information, including a link to the order form, please click here.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Planning Board Denies Request to Restrict Downtown Business Hours

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In a unanimous decision Monday afternoon, the Henderson Planning Board, a recommendation board to the Henderson City Council, denied a requested amendment to zoning ordinance language that would place restrictions on the operating hours of downtown Henderson businesses.

The Henderson Police Department, in conjunction with Development Services staff, made the request to restrict hours of operation for nightclubs, taverns, lounges and dance halls in the B-1 district to Sunday through Thursday from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 a.m. to midnight.

The request also stipulated that restaurants in the B-1 district obtain a special-use permit if offering live music or dancing.

Vance Johnson, Henderson’s assistant chief of police, spoke on behalf of the police department and stated that the amendment was requested due to the volume of 911 calls received late at night, specifically as it related to the multiples businesses that have occupied 200 S. Garnett St. since 2012. The building was most recently the location for Flickers Sports Bar.

According to Johnson, police reviewed data from 2012 to 2014 and found that 63 calls were made after 10 p.m. on weekdays and after midnight on weekends at the 200 S. Garnett St. location.

“These were all serious calls,” said Johnson. “During some of those calls, police had to deploy gas to disperse the crowds.”

Johnson said the most serious of these incidents involved a young man being shot in the head after being caught in cross-fire. “Calls were nonstop when this location was open. Every morning after this business would close, we’d walk around the property and find beer and liquor bottles, shell casings and bullets.”

Henderson City Planning Director Corey Williams clarified that although much of the data focused on specific downtown locations in the past, the proposed amendment – if approved – would cover the entire B-1 downtown district.

Once the public hearing portion of the meeting was open for citizen input, attending community members ranging from long-standing downtown business owners to downtown development staff were vocal in their disapproval of the amendment.

The majority of those who spoke emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining downtown businesses, a goal they felt would be hindered by restrictions on operating hours.

Holding individual downtown business owners responsible for security was offered as a counter solution to restricting hours.

“Warrenton’s City Manager shared with me that whether than restricting hours, they wrote an ordinance that required a security plan that was approved by the police department,” said Henderson Downtown Development Director Kaine Riggan. “I think there is a better solution here than limiting hours that are going to keep me from being able to market properties downtown.”

After closing public commenting, the Planning Board voted to deny the requested amendment. Restricting hours on downtown businesses will not move forward to the City Council for review at this time.