City seeking $500,000 for mill village revitalization

The City of Union will seek $500,000 in state funding for the second phase of a program of infrastructure and other improvements in the Union Mill Village.

Union City Council voted unanimously Feb. 21 to approve a resolution agreeing to provide a $72,550 match to a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The city proposes using the grant, which is being sought through the State Village Renaissance Program, for Phase II of the Union Mill Village Revitalization Project.

A background briefing on the project prepared for council by Jason Vance of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments states that the CDBG funds would be used “to undertake clearance, water and sewer line upgrades, sidewalk construction and exterior facade improvements, and to improve the overall appearance of the Union Mill Area, and address crime and safety issues.”

The project includes:

Water And Sewer Facilities

• Replacement of 1,335 feet of 8 inch PVC sewer line ($259,900)

• Replacement of 288 feet of 2 inch PVC water line ($5,880)

Clearance

• Demolition and clearance of residences ($49,120)

• Asbestos inspection services ($8,000)

Residential Facade Improvements

• Improvements of up to $7,500 each for 10 houses ($75,000)

• Services of a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist ($7,500)

• Asbestos Inspection Services ($6,500)

• Legal Recording Services ($5,000)

Street Improvements

• Construction of 900 linear feet of sidewalk ($67,950)

The funds would also be used to cover engineering ($42,700) and administrative ($45,000) costs.

Robbie Moody of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments said Tuesday that Phase I of the mil. village improvement program was the planning phase. Moody said that phase has been completed and the results served as the basis for the city’s application for Phase II. He said if all goes according to plan and Phase II is funded and completed, the city will also seek funding for a third phase.

Union Mill Village is the area of Union between West Main Street, Blassingame Street, the railroad line and the Pinckney Street. The area takes its name from the old Union Mill which burned to the ground in 1998.

By Derik Vanderford, Staff Reporter with The Union Daily Times