South Front Street business owners say they are being neglected

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Downtown Wilmington has seen a lot of change and growth over the years and we are seeing even more expansion as new developments move forward on North Front Street. But business owners on the south end of Front Street are concerned about their development and growth.

Paul Cowan, owner of Down Island Traders at 111 South Front Street, said with the development on North Front Street moving forward he is concerned businesses on the south end are getting left behind.

“They are still treating us like the ugly stepchild. Everything is moving north,” said Cowan. “The city doesn’t pay much attention to the south side.”

Cowan said it took two years for him to get trash cans in front of his businesses. He also said there aren’t recycle bins past Market Street downtown.

Eli Ellsworth, is the owner of Barbary Coast at 116 South Front Street, he said he also feels the south end is being neglected by the City.

“Take a look at Front Street south of Market right now. My tax dollars don’t make it south of market as it is. Zero park benches. Zero recycling and new round trash cans every 30 feet,” said Ellsworth.

Ellsworth named a number of festivals and parades that stop at Dock Street and extend up to Cape Fear Community College. He said they are missing out on the opportunities to draw in business from those events because draw people away from the south end.

“St. Paddy’s parade stops at Dock. Azalea Fest and River Fest stop at Dock yet go all the way north to Cape Fear Community college. What are people spending money on at Cape Fear Community College during these events?,” Ellsworth asks.

Also he said they don’t get much attention when it comes to the look of the area.

“We are treated as an after thought when it comes to upgraded sidewalks, curbs, street lights, benches, fancy street signs and beautification. It’s plain as day,” said Ellsworth.

Bill McClanahan, owner of Enchanted Realm, a stain glass shop at 124 South Front, said there isn’t much lighting on their end, they need more parking and there isn’t enough south end promotion around town.

“We are getting a lot of development on the north side of town, which is great, development is great, but we are a little disappointed that we are sometimes forgotten on the south end,” said McClanahan.

City councilman Charlie Rivenbark said the city is working on some of those concerns.

“We are trying to change the lights out to LED lights, and this is something that I feel pretty strong about. I’m going to see if I can get it on the improvement plan for this year,” said Rivenbark.

While he says improving lighting is a priority, Rivenbark said there isn’t too much that can be done about parking because of the land area.

“We certainly care about every part of downtown, we are doing more improvements on the north end and on the south end we certainly don’t want anyone to feel neglected,” said Rivenbark.

Councilman Paul Lawler said new growth and development downtown is beneficial to everyone downtown.

When it comes to promoting the south end Lawler mentioned the Municipal Service District proposal which sets aside funding for marketing and promotion.