Honoring the Past, Building a Future
Casting Call I love this fun quote: “The guy couldn’t play a dead man in a cowboy movie.” As we approach this fall’s City Council elections, let’s make sure we’re not just filling seats. Rocky Mount deserves authentic leadership, council members who don’t just talk about preservation, restoration, and repurposing at election time, but who … Continue reading A Heads Up From Stepheny’s Fishing Spot – A Casting Call
With Mayor Roberson's announcement that he will seek a seat in Congress, I want to offer my congratulations and sincere best wishes. It takes vision, courage, and energy to step onto a larger stage, and Rocky Mount can be proud that one of its own is willing to answer that call. Mayor Roberson’s leadership — … Continue reading Wishing Mayor Roberson Well — and Keeping Rocky Mount Strong
WRAL VIDEO CLIP ---SAVING THE EPSTEIN BUILDING IN ROCKY MOUNT,NC https://www.wral.com/news/local/rocky-mount-approves-downtown-development-dec-2024/ Bill West's recent article in The Telegram also reported this news. The Downtown Major Incentive Grant Program awards up to $500,000 for large-scale renovations of buildings in the central part of the city. They have awarded 250K for the Epstein building. The purpose of … Continue reading Rocky Mount, NC: Celebrating The End Of The Year On Main Street
I'm sure like me, you have opinions about things that need better understanding before putting them out there. In my case I'm referring to the Census that took place in 2023. My concern is how the Census impacts a historic neighborhood like Happy Hill. Happy Hill in Ward 4 has been shifted to Ward 2. … Continue reading Census Change: Happy Hill Shifted To Ward 2 – How’s It Working Out
Stepheny's Free Plan calls for a sexy black book that, among other things, has the names and contact info of every out of town owner of Main Street commercial architecture. I would send them a collective weekly e-mail about anything that is positive, any progress being made around their investment with the intent of bridging … Continue reading Part 3: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge
The empty building, 146 SW Main, next door to Virginia's is owned by New Yorker, Robbie Hothan. He also owns the Coco-Cola building in town. The renovation is on hold after encountering mildew and taking flooring out that has not been replaced. The board over the broken window is a deep bruise that vandals caused. … Continue reading Part 2: Costly RM Downtown Plans Are Unnecessary-Ask Stepheny At No Charge
Main Street Rocky Mount 