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By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

Mocksville Town Board member Justin Draughn would like to see West Depot Street extended from Salisbury Street to Valley Road.
He’s also open to tearing down the two buildings – an education center and an older office space – that occupy the 5.4 acres the town bought last year from EnergyUnited.
But none of these ideas are etched in stone, and board members learned earlier this month that the next study will give more details about the feasibility – financially and realistically – of potential projects for the property, bordered by South Salisbury Street and Valley Road.
The plan needs to include discussions and possible collaborations with nearby businesses such as the chamber of commerce, community foundation, Cognition and private property owners, said board member, Carl Lambert.
Eric Thomas, DFI consultant from the UNC School of Government, which is working with the town on the project, said the next step will also include tools the town has to reach the results it wants.
The town paid EnergyUnited some $2 million for the property, which has Town Center zoning.
Thomas said initial feedback from stakeholders shows: a desire to increase the residential stock, preferably with retail spaces on the lower floors and residential areas above that. More parking and more public spaces were other suggestions.
He added that the topography of the site could limit some uses.