Letters to The Telegram,

James E Williams wrote a letter to the Telegram, claiming the Event Center would make RMT a model City.. I think he’s a bit delusional.

The citizens of Rocky Mount need to know that the leaders of this town have already done their studies and visited others cities that have done related things and are very successful. If Rocky Mount listened to naysayers and their negative comments, we would be living in a ghost town.

The new Southern Bank Business Center coming to downtown Rocky Mount should prove how important revitalization can be to the growth of a city.

Michael T. Bryant, the regional executive for the bank’s western region, which includes Rocky Mount, said “We are proud to make this investment in Rocky Mount – particularly in downtown Rocky Mount. We believe having a vibrant downtown would benefit the entire community and look forward to a shared future of prosperity. Our bank officials are pleased with the direction downtown Rocky Mount is headed, the revitalizing effort, and we desire to give back to that cause.”

If James has lived in RMT, for a lone time.  He should know by now that Banks don’t last long in this City. Also When Roanoke Rapids got their Theater, everyone said the say thing. Back to the Bank building, I still have to wonder how much longer BB&T will allow them to grow, before taking them over.. Also just how many empty bank building are downtown now?

Building Buildings don’t make a city great, it never has and never will. If this was the case our city would be still on the Rise and not a downward spiral.

Currently we can’t even keep the business we have. Golden East mall is almost an empty shell of a business, Home depot is gone, and it $4 million dollar building sold for $1.4 million and will soon be a church, like we really need another on in the city. Longhorn Steak house has closed, and it sit empty. Many more business has close down or move out of the city. Why one ask, high rent, and Utilities bills. That the Wal-mart  Plaza, a unit’s rent is near $3,500/ month add Utilities and other business expenses, one wonder how you can make enough to stay open. Also Ole Navy in the same plaza has recently close too.  Rocky Mount even has lost a few fast food joints.

We don’t need retail, we need industries, and manufacturing businesses, which at one time RMT had. They left mostly due to high utilities.. When they left many jobs left with them. If the City Council was serious about getting Rocky Mount back on the Rise they would seeking these Companies out..