![]() ![]() “The sashes have rotted out of those windows,” Morris explained regarding the structures holding them in place. “A good strong wind could put that glass out in the middle of the street and endanger our citizens,” said the city’s building codes enforcement officer, Chuck Morris, in detailing problems Thursday night during a Mount Airy Board of Commissioners meeting. Not only is its internal structural integrity being compromised by roof leakage, cracked exterior windows on the Franklin Street side of the building pose external hazards to passersby which officials say is an everyday risk.Ĭracks in the plate glass are what first brought the issue to municipal attention. A structure long considered a fine exponent of the fabled white Mount Airy granite it was made from stands in major disrepair. Now this century-old, former center of commerce sits vacant and has been for some time. Many longtime local residents also will recall that Northwestern Bank later occupied the spot for many years, which occurred after Surry County Loan and Trust merged with Northwestern in 1961. The building served as the bank’s headquarters until 1934, when it became the site of Surry County Loan and Trust Co. The Bank of Mount Airy originally was located there, with that name etched in granite above the front entrance and still visible. The three-story building that towers over the Franklin-Main corner was constructed in 1923, according to Mount Airy Historic District records. Main St., which housed major financial institutions of this city in its heyday. The city of Mount Airy has another problem building on its hands, the former site of a bank on the corner of North Main and Franklin streets in the heart of the central business district.Ĭracked windows that endanger the public and a flow of rainwater damaging neighboring property have emerged as immediate concerns for the structure at 201 N. With organizations ranging from scouts, rescue squads, the arts, Meals on Wheels, to the American Red Cross each of the organizations that comprise The United Fund of Surry seek to identify and fill in service gaps for residents in need not only in Surry County but across county lines and the Virginia border as well.įor more information visit City takes aim at former bank building “We strive to make our community a healthy, happier, safer place to live for people of all ages,” said Hiatt. The mission of United Fund of Surry is to strengthen and serve the community by helping to meet the needs of its neighbors. ![]() With the support of our local businesses and the citizens of Surry County, we are confident that we can meet this goal,” Hiatt said. “Our agencies have faced an increase in demand and costs for their services over the past couple of years. The goal is higher because costs keep going up and the United Fund is trying to be there for its member organizations. The organization was able to eclipse that goal and raise nearly $470,000 in the last campaign. This year’s campaign goal of a half million dollars is up from the 2022-23 campaign goal of $430,000. It’s a win-win because employees can give to United Fund of Surry and receive a tax credit,” said Hiatt. “A workplace campaign is very easy to run and is a one-time ask for employees to give through payroll deduction. Now that things are getting back to normal, she urges businesses to ramp up their efforts to invest in their community by making it easy for employees to give. “That’s why we need everyone to step up to the plate now and help us meet our goal.”Īccording to Hiatt, the number of workplace campaigns declined during the pandemic because so many employees worked from home. “Each year the cost of doing business keeps increasing for our member agencies, and that means they need increasing financial support from United Fund of Surry,” said executive director Melissa Hiatt. Monies raised through the annual campaign help support 26 member agencies which provide assistance to more than 26,000 residents of Surry County. ![]() With less than seven weeks remaining in this year’s campaign, the United Fund of Surry is just 31% shy of its goal to raise $500,000. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |