West End resident urges Moore County to use NC 211 upgrades to attract diverse businesses
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Summary
A West End resident asked the Moore County Planning Board to ensure upcoming NC 211 improvements and sewer extension bring businesses and family-focused amenities rather than duplicative retail, and asked how residents can participate in revitalization planning.
Chad Mesias (resident of West End) used the public-comment period at the Moore County Planning Board meeting to urge planners and commissioners to take additional steps so planned infrastructure improvements translate into a revitalized downtown for West End.
“My name is Chad Mesias. I live in Westend… I wanted to say three things,” Mesias told the board, identifying recent and planned projects—NC 211 widening, a Tractor Supply at the NC 211/73 corner and a public sewer extension to the 7 Lakes District—as opportunities to revive the small town. “I see the updates coming to West End as a great opportunity to revive our small town and to revitalize it,” Mesias said.
Mesias said West End risks “redundancy” in retail if local leaders do not shape incoming development: he counted multiple gas stations, two Dollar Generals and a Dollar Tree along the eight-mile NC 211 corridor and said the community needs businesses that provide competitive jobs and family activities. “I don't think it really serves our families that are there,” he said of some planned commerce. He asked how citizens can help attract businesses that provide better-paying jobs and entertainment options for families.
The board acknowledged Mesias's comments during the public-comment portion of the agenda; no formal action was taken during the meeting in response to his remarks. Mesias’s comments were recorded as part of the official meeting minutes and will be available with the meeting record.