BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Seeking to revive a stretch of downtown Inez long marked by deteriorating properties, the Martin County Economic Development Authority is considering a phased redevelopment that would pair new construction with public green space.

At a Dec. 10 meeting, EDA director Carolea Mills outlined plans for a project centered on 21 East Main Street and adjoining lots, where the authority recently demolished an aging structure. The initial phase would create a park-like area, she said. The longer-term goal is to construct a new building to support small businesses and upper-floor housing.

“We tore the building down to build a building,” Mills said, describing the demolition as a step toward addressing a shortage of usable commercial space.

Several existing buildings, she noted, are not currently suitable for occupancy.

Mills also turned the board’s attention to another Main Street property acquired by the authority. The 19th-century United Baptist Church of Rockcastle Creek has suffered termite damage and requires structural repairs.

The authority has $6,000 allocated for advertising the old Inez Bank Building project. Mills proposed redirecting the money toward stabilizing the church. Although the termites have been exterminated, the building needs repairs to its foundation, including replacement of lower beams.

“The longer we let it sit there exposed, the worse it’s going to get,” Mills said. “It would just be another building that we’re not taking care of.”

Board members advised Mills to obtain repair estimates for their consideration.

The EDA meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Martin County Government Center. The next monthly meeting will be Jan. 14.