(The author, David Smith, is Mt. Gilead’s new manager. He’s already held three public meet-and-greets in an effort to learn more about the town. Below are some of his takeaways, and he’s planning more columns: Part 2 – Trees and Beautification, and Part 3 – Parks and Recreation.)

The work of revitalizing Mt. Gilead will be about placemaking and creating wealth. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been listening and talking to a variety of folks. I’ve come away from these sessions with some “big picture” insight. I wanted to share a little.

“Strong leadership is essential. Success requires vision and planning. You’re all in it together now.  Place matters – take advantage of it.” Restoring Prosperity, 2008, Brookings Institute Report 

Placemaking is about creating great Third Places. Third Places are critical components to diversifying and sustaining a strong local economy and to becoming a desired destination for residents, visitors and businesses. As defined by Ray Oldenburg in his seminal book, “The Great Good Place”: “Third Places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement and establishing feelings of a sense of place.” Third Places, then, are “anchors” of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. Oldenburg suggests the hallmarks of a true Third Place are: free or inexpensive; food and drink (not essential, but important); highly accessible (within walking distance for most); involve regulars who habitually congregate there; welcoming and comfortable; both new friends and old. 

I’m convinced that Mt. Gilead needs more Third Places: more restaurants, parks, a bakery/deli, safe hangouts for students and families and visitors, and art spaces, living/work spaces … and these are just a few examples.

Historically, in most small towns and Mt. Gilead, downtown/Main Street was the essence of a Third Place – where people shopped, met friends for a soda, coffee or ice cream, ran into friends on the sidewalk and enjoyed conversations. This is the spirit that is desired on all of Mt. Gilead’s Main Street: an environment that encourages ALL people to congregate and interact with others outside of the home or workplace. The Speckled Paw and the Burger Shack are just a couple of examples of current, popular Third Places in Mt. Gilead. 

Future amenities that will attract people to use Mt. Gilead’s Main Street as a Third Place include strong wi-fi (this should be treated as an economic development project, as it is a growing recruitment (remote work and live) strategy for towns), shaded seating, sidewalks that are buffered from passing vehicles allowing patrons to converse and watch the world go by, food options, more art studios/galleries, living space and more businesses that are open past 5 in the evening. And pocket parks. Playgrounds. A welcome center/area/space that is controlled/safe with public restrooms that are clean and safe. 

Mt. Gilead will truly benefit from supporting more Third Places, which are typically locally owned businesses, as well as thoughtfully designed and appropriately placed outdoor spaces. Third Places (a variety of indoor and outdoor gathering places) will provide the critical mass to support existing and additional businesses in town, and invite more people to be on the streets and sidewalks, all of which elevate the perception of safety, encourage positive experiences and memories for residents and visitors, and build a stronger sense of community for all residents, particularly with young professionals, students and remote workers. 

When the Main Street business/living district, the core of a city or town, is strong, the rest of the community is strong, healthy, vibrant and prosperous. If the Main Street business/living district is not strong, there must begin an intentional focus and commitment to balanced development of the economy, buildings, streetscape and civic infrastructure. It is about strengthening the core that supports a great quality of life throughout Mt. Gilead! It is about creating wealth in the community. 

Happy to be your Manager! Respectfully, David

Have ideas or thoughts? Contact me at manager@mtgileadnc.com or (336) 972-2927.