Historic districts
would be a
plus for city

There have been at least a couple of historic district initiatives in Whiteville over the years, but none has been approved because of an unnecessary fear of restrictions.
Historic districts can be as restrictive or as loose as the city and its citizens choose. Other than the benefits of working to maintain a city’s historical integrity, there are good reasons why Whiteville should consider a historic district, with tax credits heading the list if federal designation can be obtained.

There are a number of empty storefronts in downtown Whiteville now, but the cost benefit of buying and renovating them is still not economical in many cases. A 40 percent federal tax credit spent on historic renovations (that’s a 40 percent discount taken straight off the bottom line), might entice both large and small investors to look at downtown.

A historic district has garnered new interest along the Madison Street residential corridor as well. Many visitors remark at how quaint and attractive Madison Street is. It is still an appealing place to live.

But many residents have been disappointed by unfortunate changes in recent years where the charm of the corridor has been chipped away, bit by bit.

The same large tax credits apply to residential as well as to commercial properties.
Some people might view historic districts as snobbish, but if tax credits can lure investors to renovate older storefronts and homes, then property values increase and taxpayers win.

Charming small Southern towns are appealing to many people, and the vitality of downtown is critical to the overall health of any city. That’s why the pros and cons of a historic district are worth taking a look at again, especially in light of recently vacated commercial buildings and homebuilding disasters along Madison Street that have affected the city’s character.