BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — In a move to revitalize the downtown area of Inez, the Martin County Economic Development Authority has announced plans to acquire two notable properties. In a Jan. 10 EDA meeting, chairman James Ayers revealed the pending acquisition of the historic Inez Deposit Bank building and the Rockcastle United Baptist Church of Old Zion on Main Street.
The Inez Deposit Bank building, constructed in 1923, is being donated by Inez resident Linda Booth to preserve the county’s heritage. The two-story sandstone building with arched front openings stands on 63 East Main Street opposite the Martin County Government Center. Ayers expects the deed transfer to occur within the next week.
In a decision to bolster downtown revitalization, the EDA also voted to purchase the Rockcastle United Baptist Church of Old Zion for $25,000. The vote followed a discussion in an executive session with Chip Gauze, a pastor at the church. This acquisition is contingent upon a successful title search and the approval of a grant from the Local Government Economic Development Fund Program.
“This purchase will allow the Authority to continue its efforts in revitalizing the downtown area,” Ayers stated after the meeting. “A vibrant downtown is an important component in recruiting industries into the county, particularly as companies consider locating at the Honey Branch Industrial Park. This acquisition and the potential preservation and rehabilitation of the structure will be a small step in the right direction for these efforts.”
The bricked church house was built in 1821, predating the formation of Martin County in 1870. The area, known as Arminta Ward Bottom, was part of Floyd County. Although remodeled through the years, the church retains its original structure at 123 East Main Street.
In other developments, Shelia Maynard from Professional Cleaning Services addressed the board about maintenance needs at the Martin County Business Center, including urgent roof repairs.
The board also approved financial reports filed at the Kentucky Department for Local Government. The budget estimate for Fiscal Year 2024 includes $275,000 in rent, $2,300 in gas well royalties and $1,700 in earned interest. The cash balance at the start of the fiscal year was $534,349, making the total available $813,349. The budget appropriates $225,000 for operations.
EDA director Carolea Mills discussed various ongoing initiatives, including an $800,000 brownfields grant application to remediate the old jailhouse and historic bank building. The funding would cover hazardous materials removal, surveys, structural engineering and other expenses.
Mills is also working to link electricity students at the TEK Center in Inez with opportunities at the Martin County Solar Project. She has been attending monthly meetings to stay informed about job openings at the solar project.
“We want to get the word out about what they’re looking for,” she said, adding that there are currently job openings for electricians and journeymen.
The new downtown stage in Inez, funded by solar developer Edelen Renewables, is 90% complete. The EDA has $1,700 remaining of Edelen’s $25,000 donation.
“We’re going to stain the wood so that it looks nice, and we’re going to stone the bottom of it,” said Mills.
The director emphasized the need for housing development, tying it to the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority’s interconnected trail system currently under construction in Martin and 17 other counties.
“We desperately need housing,” she said. “If we do trails, people will have to have a place to stay… We want people to come here and stay, eat in our restaurants and that kind of thing. We should look at housing opportunities. So, I’m just planting that seed.”
The EDA announced its next meeting will be March 13 at 5:30 p.m.
