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Wilson This Week -- April 23, 2025 |
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Lake Wilson Dam Project to begin this summer
Everyone loves Lake Wilson, one of our area's most scenic, beautiful and relaxing spots. A project beginning this summer will help protect it for decades to come.
The dam, which was built in 1960, is inspected annually to check for any structural issues. The 2024 inspection again found the dam itself to be operational and safe, but it raised a concern about tree growth in the earthen dam on either side of the concrete structure.
The inspector noted that tree roots can compromise the earthern dam in ways that are hard to see from the surface. Also, as we all know from past hurricanes, trees are often uprooted, which also could compromise the dam.
So this summer we will begin a project to remove trees and add articulating concrete block to reinforce the earthen dam. When the work is done in six-nine months, most people won’t notice a change except some trees will be gone. But as we walk around the lake, we still will have plenty of shade and birdsong.
Dams are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. They are currently reviewing the plans – once those are approved the city will schedule the start date.
While making these improvements, the small foot bridge near Lake Wilson Road (pictured) will be replaced with a more permanent structure.
How will this affect fishing or walking at Lake Wilson?
Once the project starts, fishing will not be allowed in the construction area, but will be available everywhere else at Lake Wilson. The boat dock will not be affected.
The walking trail will be disrupted at times. Any closed areas will be clearly marked. There is a possibility that construction could cut off a section preventing the full loop. If that happens, we will place signs in the parking areas so walkers and runners can adjust their routes.
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Help rebrand Downtown Wilson
Historic Downtown Wilson is ready for its next chapter - and your voice matters! Big thanks to everyone who joined the Community Workshop with CivicBrand to share ideas. Couldn't make it? There's still time to get involved. Help shape the future of downtown by taking this quick survey.
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All aboard the Mini Train!
Choo Choo! The Wilson Recreation Miniature Train is back on track every Sunday! Enjoy $1 (cash only) rides every weekend from 1 - 5 p.m., now through Halloween. Bring the whole family to 500 Sunset Rd. NW and make it a memory!
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 Gig East honored for helping bridge digital divide
Wilson's Gig East Exchange and Greenlight were recently honored by the N.C. Rural Center with the Community Advocate of the Year Award.
Pictured, from left, Brittany Smith, Greenlight's community and engagement manager; Donald Richardson, Greenlight general manager; and Ashley Harris, Greenlight education coordinator, accept the award from City Councilwoman Gillettia Morgan at last week's Council meeting.
The award recognizes community-level advocates whose work is in service to our state's rural communities and inspires others to work together to improve their communities. It recognizes leaders who exemplify servant leadership, think and act boldly to address complex issues, and exhibit an unwavering commitment to advancing rural economic development on various fronts.
City, Bryant Corp. reach deal on Cherry Hotel
The Cherry Hotel will be brought back to life by The Bryant Corp., the group that is currently building a hotel adjacent to the city's downtown ballpark.
The Wilson City Council voted last week to approve the sale of the hotel at 333 Nash St. to the Bryant Corp. for $813,949. The city had owned the property since 2018 and had been pursuing redevelopment plans.
The agreement calls for the developer to invest at least $20 million in property improvements and to create at least 10 jobs for at least 10 years. The Bryant Group would be prohibited from selling the property for a decade. In exchange, the city would waive fees connected to the project, plus assist with utility connections.
The Bryant Group now has until July 31, 2027, to submit development plans for the Cherry Hotel. If the plans fall though in any way, the city would have the option to repurchase.
Malcolm Bryant, founder of The Bryant Corp., told City Council last week that the company was excited to be a part of the downtown redevelopment. "Wilson is doing something special,” he said.
He also gave a quick update on the hotel that is being built at the ballpark. Final plans were expected this week and the company expected to apply for building permits immediately. One feature of the hotel will be a balcony that will overlook the third base line and that will be available for functions for 75-100 people.
The Bryant Group is a family-owned business based in Owensby, Ky., that manages commercial, hospitality, residential, and light industrial properties. You can learn more about them using the link below.
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Reminder -- there's a lot for you to do!
We talked a few weeks ago about how this is the busy season, and, boy howdy, is it ever!
Thursday is the opening night for this season of Gigs at the Park, featuring the fabulous, fan favorite The Embers featuring Craig Woolard! That free concert will be 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. It's supposed to be a beautiful evening if we can avoid rain. Learn more at the link below!
This week is Spring Cleanup Week, which include a shred-a-thon this Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, at the former Wilson Mall, 1501 Ward Blvd., near the former location of Roses. Residents can bring up to 50 pounds of personal documents for secure shredding. To ensure smooth processing, please remove all bindings, including staples, paper clips, and binder clips. This event is for residents only—commercial businesses are not eligible.
You can also bring electronics for recycling to the same location. Please don't bring anything with broken glass or otherwise hazardous to handle.
You can get free mulch this Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, at Toisnot Park. If you bring a truck or trailer, our employees will have a scoop to help load. You are also welcome to bring smaller containers. This will be ground up yard waste so not the fanciest mulch, but the price is right, right?
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We are now accepting signups for Waters of Wilson cleanup, which will be Saturday, May 3. Bring your church group, excited kids, bored teenagers, anyone who'd like a fun morning of volunteering. We need team leaders and also volunteers who can bring kayaks or canoes for water-based cleanups. See more info below. |
Finally, the Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market returns Saturday, May 3, to the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. Every Saturday, from 8 a.m.-noon, you will be able to get the freshest local produce, meats and even N.C. seafood while also being able to buy crafts, plants, gifts and other items. There is usually some fun event going on, including Maggie palooza at the opener, a chance to meet dogs fostered by the Maggie Society.
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