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Hope Mills town manager to present ‘State of the Town’ report

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HOPE MILLS — Town Manager Scott Meszaros tonight is scheduled to present a “State of the Town’’ overview that includes updates on a number of issues, including planning, parks and recreation and public safety.

The town Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

The town continues to experience a record number of voluntary annexation petitions, according to information in the agenda packet. Between June 2021 and July 2022, there were 10 voluntary annexations for commercial and residential development, according to the “State of the Town’’ presentation in the agenda packet from Meszaros to the board.

That includes more than a thousand proposed single-family residential developments and 20 acres of industrial development, the agenda materials state.

The town also is seeing an increase in commercial and retail development. Recent commercial development includes two standalone Starbucks, Popeyes, Barbara Ann’s Chicken and a second Jersey Mikes.

In January, the town began conducting its own planning and zoning practices related to fees, application intake and zoning processing. According to the Inspection and Permitting Department, June was the busiest month for permit issuance and fee collections in the town’s history. The town collected nearly $90,000 in fees and issued 240 permits, according to information in the agenda packet.

With parks and recreation, the materials say permit drawings for Phase 1 construction have been submitted for approval and construction is scheduled to begin in the fall for Heritage Park Phase 1. The town is also making improvements at municipal park, including a baseball-themed splash pad and an inclusive playground.

The presentation also is expected to include an overview of how the town used $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and nearly $4.7 million in state funds.

Most of the ARP money — nearly $2.4 million — went for street improvement projects, according to information in the agenda packet. About $1.6 million was earmarked for quality of life projects like the basketball court and ballfields at the Golfview property. Just over $1 million was earmarked for public safety, the agenda materials state.

The state funding was used for outdoor park improvements and infrastructure, the agenda materials state.

In other business, the town will consider authorizing the town manager to contract with Dormakaba USA Inc. for the installation of touchless automatic sliding glass doors at a cost of $10,628.05.

According to a memo to Meszaros from Public Works Director Don Sisko, the board directed the Public Works department to look into the installation of an ADA-compliant front door at Town Hall. Due to the age and condition of the current front doors, Sisko’s department is recommending replacing the door with a hands-free automatic sliding door.

The town will also hold a closed session to discuss a personnel matter under attorney-client privilege.

Jason Canady covers Hope Mills for CityViewTODAY. He can be reached at jcanady@cityviewnc.com. Have a news tip? Email news@CityViewTODAY.com.

Hope Mills, Board of Commissioners, State of the Town, Scott Meszaros

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