ROSEBORO — The rejuvenation of the downtown is continuing in earnest with the announcement of four new businesses with plans to open soon as part of the Main Street Revitalization project.

Tuesday night, Mayor Roland Hall told an intimate crowd of residents gathered for the regular board meeting about the planned openings. In addition to a new pharmacy, furniture store and dialysis clinic, Hall introduced another business, the Main Street Cafe, which, he said, is expected to open April 11.

In an interview following the meeting, cafe owner Judy Stone commented that the restaurant could be open as soon as April 1, but it will most likely be by April 11. She also explained that she will be serving deli-style foods at her cafe.

Plans continue, too, the mayor said, for the pharmacy, slated to open July 1, and the new furniture store, which will be named Rupert’s Furniture. The furniture store is expected to open on April 1 in the exact location of the old Tart and West Pharmacy on Roseboro Street in the downtown.

In addition, Hall also updated the group on the opening of the new dialysis clinic, which is planned for a fall opening.

“This is proof that we do all we can to revitalize our downtown,” a proud Hall said, noting all the new growth was clear evidence there was interest in the small Sampson County town.

In addition to the new openings, town clerk Drenda Ammons also updated the board on some of the work being done on the old First Citizen’s Bank building, noting that new owner Richard Walker was working diligently on the revamp.

“He has worked on it pretty regularly,” Ammons explained. She also added that he has been able to remove a significant amount of mildew and mold from the facility.

“That is very encouraging,” Hall commented.

Talk then moved from town growth to town grants during Tuesday’s meeting, with Ammons updating the board on a number of funding sources being sought, some of which, if awarded, would help pay for more parking in the downtown area.

One grant, from the USDA, Ammons pointed out, had been submitted and was under review. She also established that only one other group had applied for the funding.

Hall also reminded the group that the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) is still something that will impact the community and that residents need to get ready by keeping the town clean and making it welcoming to people who may choose to reside or visit the area.

He also commented that he would be attending a planning retreat in regards to BRAC on March 18 to get additional information. The mayor further explained that there will be a community update by Sampson County economic developer John Swope on March 30, at 3 p.m., for those who have continued interest in the movement.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.