Town looks at plan to replace downtown awnings with canvas

The Sparta Town Council informally agreed by consensus Dec. 5 to provide money to help replace the wooden overhangs downtown with canvas awnings. Later in the same meeting, however, council members expressed skepticism about the proposal.

Bob Choate, executive director of the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce, asked council to set up a fund for facade improvement for downtown merchants.

"We're concerned about businesses leaving downtown. There's a distinct possibility we may lose a couple more," Choate said. "If we don't keep downtown alive, we lose our tourist trade." He said tourists brought almost $14 million into the county this year.

Choate said canvas awnings would improve the appearance of downtown. "The overhangs need to be removed," he said, because they detract from the distinctive brick and stone work of the buildings.

He said Morganton, Hickory and West Jefferson have used canvas awnings successfully.

Choate, who until recently served on the Morganton City Council, said Morganton "had a vibrant town. Then the shopping centers came in and sucked business out of downtown."

He said Morganton then was enrolled in the Main Street Program, a designation that is recognized nationally, he said. The designation allows a town to obtain advice of consultants from places such as Raleigh. After 20 years, Choate said, Morganton is vibrant again. Sparta also has the Main Street designation, he said.

Choate asked council to appropriate $5,000 to $6,000 per year for the project. Under Choate's plan, council would encourage downtown merchants and property owners to replace the existing overhangs with canvas by offering to pay half the expense on a first-come, first-served basis. He said the awnings cost about $70 per running foot.

Choate said the awnings could be plain or include different designs or advertising. In response to council members' questions, he said the canvas would withstand wind, and if placed at a 45-degree angle, "the snow will roll right off." He said they would last seven to 10 years. "We've got to preserve our downtown and this is a first step," Choate said. He said he has not yet discussed the proposal with the chamber board as a whole, but other chamber members have responded favorably to it.

Mayor John H. Miller said, "We need to know the plans, who will be in charge of it."

Choate responded by suggesting the Sparta Revitalization Committee oversee it.
 
 

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