City of Statesville and DSDC Respond with Coordinated Efforts to Support Downtown Businesses During Infrastructure Repairs

While this may feel like déjà vu for some downtown visitors and businesses, the City of Statesville and Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) are working proactively – together with the Statesville Chamber of Commerce – to not only address the repair swiftly but also support downtown businesses throughout the process.

At the heart of the issue is a much-needed combined repair and replacement of both the City’s sanitary sewer and NC DOT’s stormwater systems in the intersection, bringing these critical services up to modern standards. City Engineer Matthew Hubert noted that the work will improve the reliability of the underground infrastructure and reduce the risk of future disruptions in the area. 

Both S. Tradd St. and E. Front St. are NC DOT-maintained roadways, but the City is leading the repair effort with DOT’s cooperation and support.  While the exact timeline depends on weather and subsurface conditions, the City hopes to complete the work within a 30-day window once construction begins. The repair project will be fast-tracked through an emergency bid process, expected to go out as early as next week, with selection criteria that prioritize a contractor’s ability to mobilize quickly and efficiently. The goal is to minimize disruption and deliver long-term improvements.

To support impacted businesses, the City has installed LED traffic signs that display “Road Open for Local Business” and custom blue barricade signage reminding passersby that shops remain open and accessible. “We know this kind of disruption is frustrating,” said City Manager Ron Smith, “but we’re committed to being responsive, creative, and collaborative in how we support our local businesses through it.”

Michael Young, Interim Executive Director of DSDC, stated, “We think of business interruption in terms of floods, fires, theft, and data breaches. But an unexpected road closure can be every bit as disruptive and financially painful to a small business.” Young added, “The City can only do so much. We need to devise a game plan, which can be implemented at a moment’s notice, to help local business mitigate the effects of road closures, just as soon as it happens.”

According to Young, the plan has been broken into three parts: what the City can do, what the DSDC and Statesville Chamber can do, and what individual businesses can do to minimize the impact of road construction and closures. Once finalized, it will be uploaded to the DSDC’s online toolbox for business and property owners.

Liz Petree, Community Engagement Manager for DSDC, said that between the Chamber and DSDC, their social media and newsletter campaigns reach over 20,000 readers a month. “We are getting the news out there,” Petree stated. “There are no reasons for customers to stay away,” she said.

Young added, “If temporary signage like individual driveway signs or directional signs are not permitted, we will work on ordinance changes. If deliveries are not made, we will figure out why and how to fix it. For every roadblock, there is a workaround.”

The organizations are encouraging affected businesses to work together. “There is strength in numbers,” Petree said. “If you are a small business, you need to be a shameless self-promoter, partner and work with your neighbors, and stay informed.” She added, “But most importantly, keep your customers informed.” Petree suggested that businesses use their customer contact lists to send postcards and emails, post regularly on social media platforms, and keep a phone script handy for employees to help customers navigate roadblocks. If business warrants it, she also recommended adjusting store hours or using the downtime for remodeling or expansion.

“We didn’t want to have to get good at this,” Young said. “But we are going to use this road closure to help businesses now and to do better at dealing with the unexpected in the future.”

For updates on the repair timeline and access information, visit www.statesvillenc.net/downtown-statesville-sinkhole or www.downtownstatesville.com.