From October to December 2023, three businesses opened in Marion and four ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held by the Marion Business Association. During that time, one popular business, Link Hot Dogs, closed its doors.
That was part of the quarterly MBA report presented to the Marion City Council on Tuesday. The City Council held its first regular meeting for March on Tuesday at the Marion Community Building.
During the meeting, MBA President Walt Bagwell gave the report to council. He said the three businesses that opened from October to December were the new Burger King building at 703 W. Henderson St., the T-Mobile store at 361 U.S. 70 West and Diamond Thieves Body Piercing and Tattoo at 791 E. Court St.
From October to December, the MBA held four ribbon-cutting ceremonies. They were for the Peavine Trail off State Street, the 40th anniversary celebration for Spencer’s Hardware, the T-Mobile and the Burger King buildings.
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As for new owners or new locations, Kincaid Insurance at 163 S. Main St. was sold to new owners, The Woodland’s Financial Group, while Tate’s Insurance at 945 N. Main St. got a new owner, Piedmont Insurance. Main Street Exxon was renamed as North Main Motor Co. The new event venue at Beam Funeral Home was completed and Mission McDowell Hospital completed its expansion. Radio station WBRM relocated to 80 S. Main St. and Artesana Ice Cream was purchased by Amie Myers. The Sugar Hill bridge Project and the mini storage units on Rutherford Road were completed. The Kwik Mart at 1038 E. Court St. got a new owner, according to the MBA report.
In November, the popular eatery Link Hot Dogs closed its doors on East Court Street due to a rent increase. However, Link Hot Dogs is looking for another space. The restaurant’s owner was referred to real estate agent Rhonda Silver’s properties on Rutherford Road and Crawford Street and the former building for the Man Cave, according to the MBA report.
A prospective business owner named Daniel Mitchell is interested in a hobby shop space. No space was available that he liked.
From October to December, the Lady Marian Plaza on the five lane was sold to Namdar Realty Group. The former Boondocks or Sagebrush building on U.S. 221 South was sold to local businessman Anwer Gillani, according to the MBA report.
Street improvements
In addition, the City Council approved a plan for improvements along West Henderson and Logan streets that could make these areas of downtown Marion more accessible for pedestrians.
Planning Director Heather Cotton gave a presentation about a plan which “is the first step in the process of remaking Henderson Street and Logan Street as “complete streets,” rebalancing their design to better meet the mobility needs of residents, visitors and downtown businesses while promoting a more walkable development pattern and connecting downtown to neighborhoods on the west side of Marion.” This latest plan builds on previous ones that were done in 2012, 2016 and 2022.
The guiding principles focus on the right sizes for Henderson and Logan streets, a priority for pedestrians and cyclists, improved safety, integrating Henderson and Logan streets into downtown Marion and its surroundings and creating a more attractive area. The key destinations in the planned streetscape are the Larry D. Miller Business Complex, the Tailgate Market, the Depot District, the former Foam and Fabrics building and the Marion Fire Department, according to the plan.
The plan calls for several recommendations on Railroad Street and the railroad bridge such as planting some shade trees and construction of a sidewalk on the west side of Henderson Street. It also calls for some improvements on West Henderson Street in the area from Blue Ridge Street to Depot Street. These include the construction of a median and additional sidewalks and installing a mid-block crosswalk rapid flashing beacons.
A survey was conducted about these corridors and 70 people responded. The results showed that local residents want a more appealing environment for this part of Marion. Their responses included “make it more aesthetically pleasing” and “turn it into a pedestrian friendly town.” They also stated that there is a high need for safety and comfort. Walking is currently unappealing to most people.
One of the recommendations in the plan is the creation of a roundabout at the Railroad and West Henderson intersection, along with artwork in the center.
Council members approved the plan for the West Henderson and Logan corridors. However, city officials said this is only a plan and doesn’t mean the council will enact these changes right now. Much of it will depend on funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation which could take years to happen.
In other business, the Marion City Council:
• Held a public hearing about the annexation of the Whitson property on Valley Street. The .21 of an acre has one house and the property is owned by Dennis Whitson. After hearing no comments from the public, council members approved the annexation.
• Heard a presentation from Fire Chief Ray McDaniel about the purchase of fire department equipment. After hearing from McDaniel, council approved the purchase of a NO SMOKE Direct Source Diesel Exhaust Filtration System, including installation, in the amount of $69,972 for the Fire Department. The filtration systems will be installed on Fire Department vehicles that are parked in the station bays. The city received a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant of $86,000 for the purchase of the filtration systems, so the purchase came in well under the budgeted amount.
• Heard a report from Vance McNees, city staff’s liaison to the Tree Board. The Arbor Day events will take place in April for the fifth graders at both Marion Elementary and Eastfield Elementary.
• Recognized Walt Bagwell as the Citizen of the Month for March.
• Announced the grand opening of the new City Hall will take place on Monday, March 25 at the former Fifth-Third bank building.
