By Andie Foley
andie.foley@salisburypost.com

On Monday, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners will consider a request for an inter-local agreement with the Rowan Tourism Development Authority.

The request is for $300,000 in economic development funds to complete a dynamic outdoor venue on Kerr Street from the old Fisher Thompson Hardware storage structure. Funds will be repaid over five years, starting in 2019.

The structure was purchased by the Salisbury Tourism Development Authority in early 2017, before the Rowan County occupancy tax law was changed later that year. The new law eliminated the Salisbury authority, though its former board and Salisbury city officials requested the Rowan authority to consider completing the project.

According to a letter submitted by James Meacham, chief executive officer with the authority, the proposed project will also improve the Railwalk streetscape on parts of Lee and Depot streets. The city of Salisbury will partner with the authority to complete the project.

“The repurposed structure will provide improved vehicular and pedestrian access in the Railwalk, increasing access to current and future businesses in an effort to drive greater sales and expenditures,” said Meacham. “Additionally it will provide for a new dynamic outdoor venue for concerts, markets, performances and events to drive additional visitor spending.”

Other items from Monday’s agenda include:

• Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding an application from Charles and Luther Sowers to establish the Griffith-Sowers House as a Rowan County historic landmark.

• Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding this year’s application for HOME funding.

HOME is a federal block grant designed to create affordable housing for low-income households. This year, Rowan County is expected to receive $147,366 in funds to rehabilitate at least four owner-occupied homes. HOME funding would require a matching cash contribution of approximately $36,842 from the county.

• Commissioners will hold two public hearings for conditional use permits.

One request, from Charles Lewandoski, is for construction of a new race shop and parts sales store at Lot 7 in Mooresville Motorsports Center, located at 208 Performance Road.

The other, on behalf of Verizon Wireless, will accommodate a 165-foot cell tower at 280 Rimer Road to improve coverage and capacity within the Mt. Hope Church Road area, southwest of Faith.

• Commissioners will receive an update regarding the newly formed broadband task force.

The task force will work to promote broadband services countywide, address the needs of unserved and underserved residents and more.