Downtown Carthage may be a little harder to navigate as construction continues, but local businesses are reminding residents that their doors remain open.
The Downtown Carthage Revitalization Project has brought roadwork, new traffic routes, and changes to parking access, creating temporary challenges for businesses in the historic downtown area. Town officials and business owners are encouraging residents and visitors to continue visiting downtown while the work is underway.
Carthage Town Manager Emily Yopp told Sandhills Sentinel that the first phase of the revitalization project is expected to be completed between late October and early November.
“We anticipate the first phase of the Downtown Carthage Revitalization Project will be completed between late October and early November, and we look forward to delivering a safer, more accessible, and pedestrian-friendly downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” Yopp said. “In the meantime, all downtown businesses remain open and accessible. While construction can create temporary inconveniences, our shops, restaurants, and service providers continue to welcome customers and greatly appreciate the community’s support.”
Yopp also thanked downtown business owners, county government partners, residents, and visitors who have provided feedback throughout the project.
“I also want to thank the many downtown business owners, county government partners, residents, and visitors who have shared their feedback since the project began,” added Yopp. “Their input, patience, and understanding have been invaluable as we work through this important investment in our community. We encourage everyone to continue visiting and supporting our downtown businesses while these improvements are underway.”
Several downtown businesses have echoed that message on social media, including Second Chapter Books, Kitten Around Cat Lounge, Wishflower Bakery and Creamery Shop, and Moore Coffee Company.
Moore Coffee Company encouraged customers to continue visiting despite the current road and parking changes.
“Downtown Carthage needs your support right now,” the new business wrote in a Facebook post. “I know roads and parking are inconvenient right now, but we are made up of small businesses who need your support. I would hate to see businesses go out of business over road work.”
Second Chapter Books also took to social media to stress the importance of supporting downtown businesses during construction.
“Construction is temporary, but small businesses cannot survive indefinitely without customers,” writes Second Chapter Books in a post promoting not just the book shop, but a long list of other local businesses. “These are businesses that employ local people, donate to local schools and organizations, sponsor community events, host events, pay local taxes, support one another and help make Downtown Carthage a place people actually want to visit. So while downtown looks a little crazy right now, please don’t forget about us.”
A map shared by the Town of Carthage.
One traffic change residents should be aware of is the closure of Barrett Street to through traffic from North McNeill Street. The town said the closure was made for traffic safety reasons, although there remains space in the area for vehicles to turn around.
Town officials are also cautioning commercial drivers to use care when traveling on roads that are not marked as official detour routes. The town noted that Carthage has tight turns and utility poles that can make large-vehicle maneuvers difficult.
While construction may temporarily change how visitors reach downtown, local businesses say they are counting on customers to continue making the trip.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Article and feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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