GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1083

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Sponsors: Representatives Hasty; and Bowman.

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Referred to:  Rules, Appointments and Calendar.

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April 24, 1991

A JOINT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWNS IN NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the beginnings of most communities in North Carolina are in the downtown areas of the State; and
Whereas, there is a growing need and desire to preserve the heritage, economies, and uniqueness of the State's downtowns; and
Whereas, in recent years, the rapid and often uncoordinated growth in North Carolina's urban centers has led to the destruction of many of the State's cultural resources and historic landscapes; and
Whereas, the need for greater efforts to protect historic properties  is now particularly acute as North Carolina continues to lose hundreds of architecturally and historically significant buildings and areas which are priceless and irreplaceable assets of the State; and
Whereas, the preservation of beautiful historic centers and neighborhoods is necessary if the citizens of this State are to maintain the high quality of life and economic growth that are  so important in attracting new businesses and industries to the State; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Main Street Program has a proven successful 10-year track record of job creation and economic growth in the State's Main Street Communities; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Downtown Development Association and many other individual community programs have met with economic successes; and
Whereas, there is no central clearinghouse for what is happening in downtowns in North Carolina, as well as, in any other states; and
Whereas, there is a need to be more proactive to the legacy of the past and more reactive to the changing needs and to formulate, as necessary, those programs that will fairly aid in preserving, protecting, and promoting the visibility of these core areas that they may make economic contributions to their communities for generations to come;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission is authorized to study economic development and revitalization of downtowns in North Carolina.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the following:
(1)	What impact the relocation and housing of governmental services have on downtown revitalization efforts;
(2)	What programs could be used for the more effective tracking of downtown economic conditions;
(3)	What impact existing State laws, regulations, policies, and codes have in effecting economic growth and revitalization;
(4)	Whether the laws addressing local government's positions and authority need to be expanded or clarified;
(5)	What impact historic preservation and restoration projects have on the economic growth and revitalization of downtowns;
(6)	What programs are currently being operated on the local and State levels to promote and assist economic development and revitalization in downtowns, how effective these programs are, and whether changes are necessary to improve or coordinate these programs;
(7)	What type and degree of incentive programs would be effective or efficient in encouraging economic growth and revitalization in downtowns;
(8)	The future outlook and potential for downtowns; and
(9)	Any other issues relating to the economic development and revitalization of downtowns in this State.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may obtain the assistance and support of North Carolina Downtown Development Association, the North Carolina Main Street Center, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation North Carolina, Inc., State Historic Preservation offices, the Institute of Government, the Attorney General, the National Main Street Center, and any other recognized experts in this field as it deems appropriate in conducting the study authorized by this resolution.
Sec. 3.  The Legislative Research Commission may make an interim report to the 1992 General Assembly, and make a final report of its findings and recommendations to the 1993 General Assembly.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.