NC Commerce Visits Glen Alpine: Planning for Downtown Opportunity
The Burke River Trail Association believes trails are more than recreational amenities—they are catalysts for community vitality. As Glen Alpine continues to build momentum around its Downtown Park and town-center investments, BRTA worked with town leadership to explore what planning tools and resources are available to support future economic development.
In response to questions from Alderman Reid Scott about potential grant opportunities to help purchase and renovate downtown buildings, BRTA Executive Director Beth Heile reached out to the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center, a program within the North Carolina Department of Commerce that provides no-cost planning and technical assistance to rural communities.
November 6, 2025: Initial Site Visit
On November 6, 2025, Phil Boggan, ARC Community Economic Development Planner for the Northwest Region, visited Glen Alpine for an on-the-ground tour and discussion.
Participants included:
- Phil Boggan
- Beth Heile, Burke River Trail Association
- Crystal Carswell, Town Administrator
- Alderman Reid Scott
During the visit, the group:
- Walked the downtown area
- Visited the newly opened Downtown Park
- Toured the 2.5-acre parcel recently purchased by the Town
The discussion focused on Glen Alpine’s existing assets, downtown conditions, and long-term potential. A key takeaway from the meeting was that many grant programs and technical services are best accessed by local governments, rather than private individuals. Phil also explained that certain funding opportunities require towns to formally define and focus their downtown areas.
At the conclusion of the visit, it was agreed that Phil would return in the new year to continue conversations with the town’s newly elected leadership and provide additional guidance directly to the Board of Aldermen.
January 14, 2026: Follow-Up with Town Leadership
On January 14, 2026, Phil Boggan returned to Glen Alpine to meet with:
- Mayor Herron
- Alderman Wykle
- Crystal Carswell, Town Administrator
- Beth Heile, BRTA
During this meeting, Phil reviewed the range of no-cost services available to the Town of Glen Alpine through the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. He again recommended that the Town consider formally establishing a Downtown District as a way to define priorities, focus planning efforts, and improve competitiveness for future funding opportunities.
Phil also recommended the development of a 5-Year Economic Development & Implementation Plan, a process that would take several months and include:
- Stakeholder engagement
- Market and opportunity analysis
- Identification of short- and long-term priorities
Importantly, Phil emphasized that this planning process would not slow or prevent Glen Alpine from responding to time-sensitive economic development opportunities as they arise. Instead, the plan would help ensure the town is prepared to act when opportunities emerge.
Next Steps
Phil Boggan is scheduled to attend the April 13 Board of Aldermen meeting to formally present the planning services available through the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. If the Town chooses to move forward, Glen Alpine would enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accept these services at no cost.
Looking Ahead
This engagement reflects Glen Alpine’s proactive approach to building on recent investments—such as the Downtown Park—and preparing for future opportunities. By exploring available planning tools and state resources, the Town is positioning itself to better align downtown investments, support local businesses, and pursue long-term economic vitality in a coordinated and thoughtful way.
