COUNTY

City pair offers one-two punch for developing downtown, FUSE

Newly hired Phil Boggan joins Kristy Crisp in guiding key goals for growth

Bill Poteat bpoteat@gastongazette.com
Economic Development Director Kristy Crisp talks with new Economic Development Specialist Phil Boggan as they walk along South Street in Gastonia Friday, April 6, 2018. [Mike Hensdill/The Gaston Gazette]

One is a Gaston County native who is familiar with the downtown landscape, both physical and political.

The other is a newly-arrived "outsider," bringing with him a wealth of energy, ideas, and experience.

Together the two are working to achieve the twin goals of establishing the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District and linking it to a vibrant downtown which hosts a unique mix of retail and residential development.

Gastonia Economic Development Director Kristy Crisp and newly hired Economic Development Specialist Phil Boggan sat down with a Gazette reporter recently in the dining room of Webb Custom Kitchen to discuss plans and progress for both the downtown business district and for FUSE, which will serve to link downtown to the newly developed Loray Mill. FUSE is a focus of Crisp while Boggan will concentrate on the downtown area.

GAZETTE: Mr. Boggan, what prompted you to leave Louisiana and come to Gaston County?

BOGGAN: In my work in Louisiana, I had been taking on more and more management responsibilities and getting further and further away from what I love to do — that is the hands-on work of historic preservation and downtown development. I had been visiting North Carolina on vacations and made a decision to relocate to the Charlotte area. I see this position as an opportunity to focus on grassroots downtown economic development.

GAZETTE: What do you look forward to about working in Gastonia?

BOGGAN: I like a challenge. If every building in our downtown had been restored and the perfect mix of retail and residential had been obtained, there would be no reason for me to come here. It's obvious the city is committed to investing in downtown. A lot of the infrastructure is in place — sidewalks and streetscapes. And there is a really nice stock of intact historic buildings.

GAZETTE: How are things working so far in this "partnership?"

CRISP: I think we work very well together and complement each other well. I'm a native of Gastonia. I know a lot of the history and the people. I really value the perspective Phil brings from his years of experience. With his hiring, the city has made a commitment to downtown. Originally the position was to have been part time, but it was elevated to full time, and I don't think we could have found a better person. Our goal is to join downtown to Loray Mill, to develop the FUSE District and to grow downtown as well.

GAZETTE: A multi-use stadium, that will be home to the Gastonia Grizzlies, is the cornerstone of FUSE. When do you think that stadium will be built and functioning?

CRISP: Our goal is to have the Grizzlies playing there in the summer of 2020. That's what we're pushing for.

GAZETTE: In addition to the stadium, one of the cornerstones of the FUSE District will be the redevelopment of the old Trenton Mill property. A lay person might see that as just a run-down old building next to the railroad. How do you all envision it?

BOGGAN: It's important to remember it's not about just how we envision it, but how prospective investors and entrepreneurs envision it. There are federal and state funds to help fuel the restoration of old buildings. It will be very near the stadium. It will be close to new restaurants. We envision it, and I think others will envision it, as a great business opportunity.

CRISP: There are three keys to both the development of FUSE and the revitalization of downtown — people, a destination, and energy. People are our greatest asset. We are working to create an exciting destination. And as we build toward that, a lot of positive energy will be generated.

BOGGAN: We're hoping this will be a true destination, the western gateway to the Charlotte metro. So far as Franklin Boulevard goes, we will need to handle peak-time traffic efficiently so that we can create a comfortable pedestrian environment for downtown and for FUSE.

GAZETTE: How important is residential development to the future of downtown?

BOGGAN: Residential development is the heartbeat of any downtown. The new generation wants to live in a place where they can walk and not be so dependent on their cars. The millenials are looking for a different experience. They want the "cool factor." They want restaurants and retail to be available just a short walk away.

GAZETTE: Final thoughts?

BOGGAN: Gastonia is well ahead of the curve. I think you will see significant downtown results over the next three years. We are way ahead of many other cities.

CRISP: I'm definitely excited. A lot of things are going to come together over the next two years and over the next five years. FUSE is going to happen. Downtown is going to grow. Again, it's exciting.

Bill Poteat may be reached at 704-879-1855.

Boggan brings extensive experience to downtown position

Phil Boggan, Gastonia's new economic development specialist who will focus on downtown revitalization, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of West Alabama and a master's degree in historic preservation from Tulane University School of Architecture.

After working briefly as a public school teacher, he began his career with the Louisiana State Historic Preservation Office as the certified local government coordinator and eventually became the director of the Louisiana Main Street Program.

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Boggan shifted the Main Street focus from rural to urban as he launched the Urban Main Street initiative to revitalize New Orleans' traditional commercial corridors. He was recognized for those successful efforts by first lady Laura Bush during a Preserve America Summit.

Over the last 10 years, Boggan headed the Office of Cultural Development, overseeing the state's policy, legislative, and programmatic efforts in archaeology, arts, historic preservation, cultural economic development and creative place-making.

The city of Gastonia pays $50,000 a year.