Photo by Jason Benavides

June 20. By Dave Vieser. At Monday evening’s Town Board Meeting, commissioners may render a final decision concerning funding for the Smithville Revitalization Plan. Organizers have asked for $6.6 million out of the $9.6 million the town will receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. ARPA funds are a one-time windfall for governments across the United States.

The Revitalization plan is designed to improve conditions in Smithville, the historic Black community just east of I-77 which has suffered from neglect over the years according to Smithville Community Coalition officials as well as community leaders.

Mecklenburg County has committed $3 million to the plan.

Through the plan, organizers hope to retain as many existing and historic structures as possible, get sidewalks and wider streets, fix sewer-water issues and at the same time provide workforce housing that also allows current residents to stay in their homes.

The meeting begins at 6 pm in Town Hall on Catawba Avenue. It will also be live streamed on the town web site: www.cornelius.org. Access the link ‘watch meetings online.’