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What Do We Do
Many times KDPDC is asked, what’s the difference between Kernersville Downtown Preservation and Development Council, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce?
Kernersville Downtown Preservation and Development Council, Inc. is the ONLY official non-profit organization focusing entirely on downtown and more specifically on business development area outlined by specific boundaries. Kernersville Downtown Preservation and Development Council, Inc. was formed as an economic development organization focusing entirely on the economic development of downtown. Within those boundaries KDPDC is sensitive to providing services as contracted and agreed upon between the property’s owners within downtown Kernersville. While the other organizations often work with or partner with KDPDC they do not totally focus on the economic development of downtown Kernersville.
The following are questions that are commonly asked followed by brief answers. We hope this gives some clarification as to who we represent and how we work toward the goal of downtown development and revitalization.
How is KDPDC funded?
Funds come from the Town of Kernersville and various fund raising projects.
What is KDPDC’s focus?
KDPDC’s primary focus is to lead the development of downtown Kernersville. Our core purpose is to lead the development of downtown Kernersville as a prosperous and vibrant urban center, memorable and meaningful for those who choose to live, work, play and invest here.
What do you mean by development?
KDPDC first considers the boundaries within downtown Kernersville while being sensitive to the properties that lie just outside these boundaries and envision how existing and future developments will impact the downtown and the surrounding areas. Properties are individually owned and while there are design guidelines and zoning laws to consider, the property owner is under no obligation to do anything beyond a basic development project or rehabilitation project. KDPDC’s role is to work with the project or developer in order to gain the best project for the area; one that both the project coordinator/developer and the downtown will be pleased with in the long term. When developing projects within a downtown urban setting, there are often challenges that do not occur if the project were taking place outside the downtown in a more suburban setting.
When a project coordinator starts with KDPDC they will be guided through a process that without KDPDC’s assistance could be a more cumbersome process than necessary. This applies to a small business owner who wishes to open a business downtown to the large multi million dollar projects. KDPDC’s goal is for the project to succeed. Every aspect of the project is considered when KDPDC is involved from design details to even considering where trash will be disposed once the project is complete.
Who leads these efforts by KDPDC?
KDPDC consists of a 16 member board of directors. These directors must represent the overall property owners of downtown Kernersville. They represent properties from retail business, service/hospitality and non-profit. The board of directors meets the second Tuesday of each month and the executive committee meets on a monthly basis. There is one full-time staff member and one part-time volunteer. Through this representation of downtown KDPDC establishes a work plan.
Does KDPDC get input from citizens and can I become involved?
While we have various committees, most of the committees are task oriented with specific goals and functions. Some committees are long term while others are short term until the project is completed. Citizens are encouraged to contact KDPDC if you have a specific area of interest. You may contact the KDPDC office at 336-993-7583 or kdpdc@triad.twcbc.com and indicate your area of interest. If there is an opening on the committee KDPDC will be sure to contact you.
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