GDDC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2001-PRESENT

Below is a partial listing of the more important program accomplishments made possible by volunteer efforts and support.  MANY THANKS!

INVESTMENT: Building Rehabilitation & Improvement Projects

330                             new jobs created,
60                                new business openings,
13                                businesses relocating Downtown,
5                                  Downtown business expansions,
60                                façade and building renovations and
35                                buildings and properties sold 
$34,055,897.77        in Downtown reinvestment to present.

GDDC FUNDED (reserve funds)

Run for the Money has helped leveraged a total of $22,907.00. 
Rotary Centennial Pavilion, a partnership between Rotary Clubs, the City of Gastonia and GDDC, was a project conceived by the three Rotary Clubs in Gastonia in honor of the 100th birthday of Rotary International.  The finished structure was a gift to the City of Gastonia and its citizens.   Dedication celebration Saturday, 16 April 2005  

INCENTIVES

Revolving Loan Fund, Congresswoman Sue Myrick was instrumental in securing $100,000.00 to capitalize a revolving loan fund to assist development in Downtown Gastonia, pending HUD disbursement of funds. 
Section 108 Gap Financing Program established in 2005 in partnership with the Chamber and the City of Gastonia. 
Center City/Downtown City Incentive
Mini-Grant Façade Program designed to assist MSD business and property owners in renovating downtown buildings.  This program alone has awarded approximately $72,600.00, leveraging these dollars into approximately $713,000.00 of investment downtown, creating a return of approximately $9.82 for every dollar invested in the Mini-Grant Façade Program by GDDC. 
Downtown National Register Historic District enables contributing structures to be eligible for State and Federal Rehab Tax credits up to 40%.  New Market Tax Credits are also available in the appropriate census tract. 
Self Financing Bonds supported by GDDC give local governments’ flexibility to pursue multiple types of economic development projects including redevelopment of existing industrial and Brownfield site, affordable housing, and community and Downtown revitalization, 2 November 2004. 

DESIGNATIONS

Downtown Gastonia National Register Historic District, established 6 January 2004, contributing structures to the district is eligible for State and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.  A workshop by SHPO on National Register District and Tax Credits was held 23 September 2003. 
Preserve America Community designation in 2005 makes Gastonia and Gaston County eligible to apply for grant funds.  GDDC applied for grant funds from this program 14 February 2007. 

PROGRAMS

Ghost Gallery to bring live and vitality to an empty storefront window, adding interest and continuity to our Downtown commercial district, creating interest for the pedestrian and help make the property more attractive to business prospects looking to locate Downtown. 
Cooperative Advertising offered to Downtown MSD businesses for the holidays in partnership with the Gaston Gazette. 
Safety and Security, off-duty police in addition to regular patrol officers offer additional protection to help curb panhandling and vandalism.  Establishing a police presence will help with the perception that Downtown is unsafe. 
Downtown Business Community Watch brings law enforcement and the Downtown community together as a team to reduce crime and address other issues that address the livability in the Downtown area. 
Downtown for the Holidays an educational and promotional effort to help get the word out about events that originate or take place in Downtown Gastonia. 
Mini-Grant Façade Program
Downtown Banner Program 70 banners purchased by GDDC for the MSD, banners were hung in partnership with the City of Gastonia.  
Mums on Main

PUBLICATIONS

Newsletter, The Downtowner
Publish and distribute Newsletter, 10 times annually, ‘The Downtowner’ to inform the community about GDDC programs, events and educate on preservation issues. 
Educational/Promotional Brochures
Stakeholder brochure:  Why Downtown Is Important to the Entire Community as an education tool for the community on the importance of Downtown revitalization.  The Mini-Grant Façade Program brochure was developed to promote this encentive program designed to assist business and property owners with exterior building renovations within the Downtown MSD, started January 2002. 
Visitors Guide to Historic Downtown Gastonia was developed to promote and educate the community as to what Downtown Gastonia has to offer.  GDDC also works in partnership with the SHPO to promote preservation as an economic development tool and educate on the benefits and incentives offered such as the State and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and New Market Tax Credit Programs.  
Logo for Gastonia Downtown Development Corporation
Developed the GDDC logo to establish and identifiable symbol for the revitalization effort that expresses our past while looking to the future
Web Site www.gastoniadowntown.org      

OTHER

Commercial Maintenance Code was adopted by the City Council 3 February 2004 to assist in the protection of real estate values and neglectful landlords. 
Sidewalk Vending, Merchandising, Dining ordinance created. 
Downtown Permitted Use changes
Planters GDDC purchased 25 planters to help improve the streetscape in the MSD. United Way Mural funded in part through our Mini-Grant Façade Program. 
GDDC moves to 162 S. South Street, Suite 102, The Standard, October 2006 to help spur interest and success of the project.  GDDC was the first tenant to commit to a three year lease. 

Many thanks in advance for your continued support.