Town Council Meeting

Waterfront and Community Plan – Advisory Committee 3.23.2021 Tommy Harrell – discussed Oak Bank relationship with non-profit. Due out non-profit identify. Larry – Community needs to own the issues that need to be addressed beyond Allison’s plan – think strategic. Must do real work. Sandy - Several roles to play – don’t displace folks from homes; utilities and housing issues – how to help folks fix up houses/waterfront need to prioritize. Must do notification all future meetings. Eboney to get utility bills to review. Marvin – Need to develop trust. Art – Original waterfront proposal for his duties was economically based; plan has evolved and includes multiple other societal things. Must stat focused on priorities and derive sequential order. Sandy – Community needs involvement in waterfront; we will hear from them. Art – Outside elements will come in to be involved in Hertford. Larry – County should invest in Town, then shop/eat here. Art – Master plan needed to drive outside resources; master plan will excite investors. Larry – Little Washington planning doc’s are thorough. We should visit them. Art – Prioritize and pass ideas to other communities. Sara – Remind group of resp’s as laid out be the TC. Art read the job description. Larry – Overarching objectives as part of plan: how to keep people in their home? How to get resources into town? How to become homeowners? Sandy – Priorities listed in public input. Job creation = 1. Discussion of the tool. Art – Focus on challenges and opportunities of each plan. Sara – Key issue is acquisition of private properties. Marvin – Community will want to know what will come first? Larry – Access to waterfront is an issue vs. town property development. Town may move first as money flows. Sandy – Too many effects ongoing; hard to track. Sara – Placement of bridge plan; ensure placement. Discussion – Town/County relationship could grow as this project grows. Tommy Harrell – Upgrade of rails for leased lines to take people would be very expensive; might take congressional input. Sara – educational and biological aspects of the waterway. Pam – discussed platforms up the river and impact on economics. Discussion – funding “how to” of platforms; discussion of business growth and “shark tank” Tommy – Gentrification discussion led to analysis of community businesses to serve it, like corner store. Discussed ongoing funeral home project as an example. Art – Leadership needs to be pulling in the same direction as ARPDC. Discussion towards a “shared vision” and how to get the word out. Media discussion and Pam said a “booth” could be generated. Ashley Hodges presentation on utilities: should be seen by all residents.