Development News for Morganton, North Carolina

City Council Celebrates Public Service Recognition Week

The city council recognized Public Service Recognition Week (May 3-9). The week celebrates the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of public employees who serve the city daily. Their impact is seen in neighborhood safety, infrastructure reliability, public space quality, and government responsiveness. The proclamation emphasized that public service is a commitment to helping people and improving lives, forming the backbone of the community. The council expressed gratitude to all public employees for their service, recognizing their efforts and contributions to creating and sustaining the community. [cite: 468-513]

City Approves $150,000 in Loans for New Downtown Restaurant, Union Grill

The city council approved a $75,000 loan from the Main Street Restaurant Loan Program and a $75,000 loan from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan program to Union Grill, Inc. (112 West Union LLC) for the renovation and operation of a restaurant at 112 West Union Street. The Main Street loan is for kitchen equipment and has no job requirement, with half loan/half grant forgiveness. The CDBG loan is tied to entitlement funds, requires job creation (five full-time or ten part-time jobs), and involves a one-year monitoring period. The total private investment in building renovations is estimated at over half a million dollars. [cite: 934-1014]

City Council Approves Preliminary Steps for New Affordable Housing Project, Linhardt Landing Inc.

The city council granted preliminary approval for the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds for a new affordable housing project called Linhardt Landing Inc. The city will act as a conduit debt issuer for $12 million in revenue bonds. The project is a 144-unit low and moderate-income rental housing development on approximately 25 acres on East Union Street. It will include a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units for individuals and families with incomes between 30% and 70% of the area median income. The city will have no legal responsibility, financial risk, or liability for the bonds. This approval allows the developer to apply for 4% funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and disaster recovery funds. The developer has extensive experience in affordable housing and has received positive feedback from other communities where they have completed similar projects. The project's bond attorney will be Maguire Woods LLP, and all costs will be covered by the developer, who will also pay a 1% fee to the city. [cite: 1015-1128]

City Council Honors Employees for 20 Years of Service

The city council recognized Mark Hall and Chad Medford for 20 years of service. Mark Hall was presented with a 20-year pen by Councilman Chris Jernigan for his work in planning and his new role. Chad Medford, studio production specialist, was presented with his 20-year pen by Councilman Butch McWain, who praised his enjoyable demeanor and professionalism. Crystal Hastings was also recognized for 20 years in public safety, though she was unable to attend. [cite: 64-106]