Belville sees renewed interest in long-stalled downtown development

BELVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Belville says renewed interest from development groups could mark progress in its long-running effort to develop its downtown.

According to the town, downtown development has faced 18 years of stalled progress and litigation.

Belville says renewed interest emerged after the largest property owner placed downtown property up for sale. Town officials say they have since held several conversations and meetings with development groups.

The town did not identify the property owner or the development groups involved, and no specific development plans were announced.

“There is still much work to be done before we can move into the next phase, but we are optimistic that this is a significant turning point for the downtown revitalization,” Mayor Chuck Bost said.

Bost said the town has discussed downtown development for years without seeing those plans come to fruition.

“We have talked for so long about developing the downtown and nothing came to fruition,” Bost said. “In fact, it sometimes felt we would never be able to make progress to build a downtown in Belville. But I think, for the first time in a long time, we are moving the ball!”

Bost said the town will continue working on its downtown plans and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Belville is located along the Brunswick River in Brunswick County and was incorporated in 1977.