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Town Center Plan
January 2007
Appendix 1
Morrisville Planning Director, Ben Hitchings, was next to present. He gave a brief self-
introduction and also noted that on January 29, 2006, the North Carolina Railroad would
celebrate the 150
th
anniversary of the its completion. Mr. Hitchings then gave a brief PowerPoint
presentation explaining the need for a downtown in Morrisville, highlighting some important
issues – providing a pedestrian-friendly downtown for residents, preservation of historical
structures and themes throughout the community and using those designs that have lasted and
persevered to further develop the core area designated for this project. Mr. Hitchings then
introduced the next item on the agenda -- an open “round-table” discussion by the Planning &
Zoning Board, with opportunities for the residents to give input.
Discussion
Chairman Peter Prichard suggested beginning the discussion by talking about some of the
structures in town requiring attention. He noted there had been some prior discussion about
relocating those buildings. He added this was inevitably going to be a very long-term project.
Planning Board member Ward Mercer clarified that everyone understood the orientation and
location of the area, and gave an explanation of his vision of a “walkable” community.
Planning Board member Catherine Willis stated that she was strongly opposed to moving any of
the structures; she also expressed concerns about rezoning in the core area.
Planning Board member Esther Dunnegan reminded the group that history is more than a
building; it is also an examination of the culture at that time and the lives of those who have
lived there and what their life was like. It was important to examine the “everyday” person of
that time – the mill workers, farmer, store owners, etc. She felt the best example thus far was
presented in writings in the Pugh papers – records of who purchased what at their stores; which
of the customers were extended credit and who paid their bills on time. She reiterated the
importance of remembering the lives of the people who lived here before. She felt it was best to
leave the homes in their original locations; not only that, but to speak to the older residents and
hear their stories. She finished by saying it was important to focus on the core, but they should
also look at the relations between Morrisville and the surrounding communities such as Shiloh,
Carpenter, Sorrel’s Grove and Nelson.
Chairman Peter Prichard wondered if there was a way to preserve the buildings or mark the trail
that needed to be preserved.
Lifelong resident Billy Hartness discussed his home, which is on the National Register of
Historic Places, with the board. He asked if they wanted his house; and if so, did they also want
the meat house behind it, as the two went together.
Ward Mercer added that he was concerned about losing all the old buildings due to development
and it was important to start identifying and marking those buildings. He asked if it was possible
to obtain assistance from any preservation societies.
Historian Ernest Dollar answered yes, it was. He offered to consult with contacts that he had in
those societies. He also suggested looking at what other towns have done so far as preservation
goes; he didn’t feel it was necessary to move buildings and create a “fake” downtown – just
incorporate them into the plan. He added there are many creative ways to build a downtown, it
would just take some time and research.