
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 18, 1995                   TAG: 9501190031
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROCKY MOUNT SEEKS $35,000 FOR REVITALIZATION

Business and community leaders in Rocky Mount are trying to raise $35,000 within a month to jump-start a new economic revitalization program.

"We want to spruce up the town, maybe bring in some more businesses," said Keith Flora, co-owner of Flora Funeral Service Inc. and a member of a 4-month-old task force known as the Community Partnership for Revitalization.

Civic leaders announced the fund-raising goal Tuesday at a gathering of 75 people. The campaign coincides with the town's application for planning assistance under the Virginia Main Street program.

The Main Street program, in which nearly 1,000 cities participate nationally, connects localities with experts in redesign of building facades and in marketing programs. It provides no money, but enables communities to prosper faster than they might on their own, spokesman Ted Alexander said.

Rocky Mount's application is due Feb. 23 and will be judged by April 30. State officials expect about 10 cities and towns to apply and will admit four to the program. Eighteen cities and towns already are receiving assistance, which continues indefinitely.

Local officials launched the fund-raiser to supplement a $25,000 contribution for revitalization work from the town of Rocky Mount and Franklin County when the 21-person task force was formed in October. A part-time project manager, Hilde Hussa, has been hired.

Goals of the program include filling empty stores and offices in the town of 4,100 people, improving the appearance of buildings, reducing traffic and parking problems, promoting businesses and enhancing sidewalks, street lighting and parks. Of particular concern is downtown, which competes with three outlying shopping centers and will be further challenged by a Wal-Mart planned in 1996.

The campaign is seeking donations, said task force Chairman Charles McDaniel, co-owner of Franklin Drug Co.

"We're not looking for $50 or $75. We got to have larger quantities to do what we want to do," said McDaniel, who added that he has pledged $1,000 over two years. The task force said all of its members or the businesses they operate have pledged money to the effort.

by CNB