Neighborhood analysis, Albemarle, North Carolina

              North C a State Library
Raleigh
N. C.
Doc.
NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS
ALBEMARLE, NORTH CAROLINA
ABSTRACT
TITLE
AUTHOR
DATE
LOCAL
PLANNING
AGENCY
SOURCE OF
COPIES
HUD PROJECT
NUMBER
SERIES
NUMBER
NUMBER OF
PAGES
ABSTRACT
Neighborhood Analysis, Albemarle, North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Conservation and
Development, Division of Community Planning,
Piedmont Area Office, Box 300, Salisbury, N.C. 28144
April, 1969
Albemarle Planning Board, Albemarle, North Carolina
Albemarle City Hall, Albemarle, North Carolina
Department of Conservation and Development,
Division of Community Planning, P.O. Box 2719,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical
Information, Washington, D. C.
NCP-76
One of one
79 plus 9 maps and Appendix
The Albemarle Neighborho
detailed examination of
socio-economic concomita
factors and residential
tural conditions are pre
by-neighborhood basis,
families affected by sub
mined by conducting a 10
personal interviews of r
dwellings. Correlations
with socio-economic ind
i
recommendations for trea
have been made.
od Analysis
phy s ica 1 b
1
nt s . Var io
and non-res
sented on a
The charact
standard ho
% sample su
e s ident s of
of phys ica
ces are pre
tment of bl
cons ist s of a
ight and its
us environmental
idential struc-ne
ighborhood-er
is t ics of
using were deter-rvey
involving
subs tandard
1 blight indices
sented and
ighted areas
A major finding of this report includes notice of
the efforts of governmental agencies and private
groups to improve the entire community. The out-look
for progress is excellent.
NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS
ALBEMARLE, NORTH CAROLINA
The preparation of this report was financed In part through an
urban planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, under the provision ol Section 701 ol the Housing
Act ol 1954, as amended.
PREPARED FOR The City of Albemarle, North Carolina
James B. Garrison, Mayor
Jack F. Neel, City Manager
City Council
Dr. D. C. Duckworth
Carlton B. Ho It
G. T. Rabe, Jr.
Robert L. Vick
Elbert L. Whitley
Planning Board
Gerald H. Ehringer, Chairman
E. F. Wilson, Secretary
J. P. Mauldin
C. R. Earnhardt
E . B. Plyler
Thomas Fatkin
Cecil Moose
Ed Underwood
J . T. Russell , Jr
.
Max Bogle
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BY
State of North Carolina
Department of Conservation and Development
Division of Community Planning
George J. Monaghan, Administrator
Piedmont Area Office, Salisbury, N. C.
*Mathey A. Davis, Director
Paul L. Trexler, Draftsman
M. Eileen Antosek, Secretary
* Responsible for Report
April, 1969 Price : $2.00
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation
http://archive.org/details/neighborhoodanal1969nort
Page
Neighborhood Number: Al 46
A2 4 7
FRINGE AREA A3 48
A4 49
A5 50
A6 50
A7 52
A8 53
A9 53
A9A 54
A10 54
All 55
A12 56
A13 57
A14 57
Evaluation 58
Current Activities 61
Sanitation 63
County Water and Sewer Study 63
Housing Code 63
Public Housing 64
Private Housing 65
Recreation 66
Court House and Library 67
Vocational Workshop 68
Intercity Governmental Council 68
Community Improvement Program 69
Conclusions and Recommendations 71
Append ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Preface
Introduction 3
Methodology 4
Stanly County Profile 7
Location 7
Climate 7
Agriculture 7
Industry 8
Social Assets 8
General Findings 9
Fires 9
Street and Traffic Conditions 11
Crimes 13
Education 13
Library 15
Health 15
Welfare 16
Population Data 18
Substandard Structures 20
Mixed Land Use 23
Characteristics of Families Living in
Substandard Housing 24
Neighborhood Number: 1 27
2 . . . 2 8
CITY 3 30
4 31
5 33
6 34
7 36
8 38
9 39
10 41
11 42
12 42
13 44
14 45
TABLES
Number
Arrests for Crimes against Property,
Persons and Juvenile Offenses
We 1 fa re Cases
Population Trends by Decades,
Albemarle, Stanly County, North and
South Albemarle Townships, N. C. ..
Standard and Substandard Housing by
Planning Unit and with Percentage .
Page
12
17
19
22
MAPS
Number
1 Generalized Existing Land Use and
Study Areas
2 Residential Fire Calls
3 Traffic Volumes
4 Vehicular Accidents
5 Crimes - By Residence of Offender ...
6 Public Assistance Cases
7 Non-Residential Blighted Areas
8 Substandard and Negro Housing .......
9 Proposed Treatment Areas
F 1 1 ows
Page
2
8
10
10
• 12
16
20
22
79
PREFACE
The Neighborhood Analysis is being prepared for the
purpose of studying the extent, causes, and concomitant
social conditions of blight within the community on an
area-by-area basis. The Town of Albemarle must not be
afraid to take a good look at itself. An attitude of
de f ens ivene ss was noted several times during preliminary
interviews, but this "back-off" attitude was probably
aroused in those who did not understand that the purpose
of the analysis is constructive rather than destructive.
A revelation of faults was not the underlying motive of
the research — it was more a search for a foundation of
strengths on which to build and use to correct existing
problems in the community. No community is exempt from
problems of blight and the accompanying discomforts and
disadvantages these problems incur.
Despite the "this is no worse than anywhere else"
attitude of some, there is the comforting feeling that
they were outweighed by the "this is the situation and
this is what we are doing about it" reactions of others.
Cooperation and interest of the "power" and the "powerless"
have made this report comprehensive and enlightening --
and hopefully will prove beneficial to all involved.
Few people have the time or temperament to sit still
while a lot of talk but nothing constructive is going on.
Programs and promises that involve mu 1 1 i- sy 1 lab 1 e phrases
and complicated details have been avoided to make way for
the simple Language of "a pretty spot dressed up by a
garden club" or a "dusty road" that is just that. This
is the language of those interviewed — of those people
living in blighted areas where education, income and
health are below the average, and general attitude is
sometimes rather earthy.
A progressive community will not turn away from
those who are "down and out" but rather will attempt to
remedy an unfortunate situation and redeem itself.
Awareness of the circumstances surrounding the blighted
areas of the community plus the plight of those who are
affected by it must be a goal of this report.
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the simple language of "a pretty spot dressed up by a
garden club" or a "dusty road" that is just that. This
is the language of those interviewed — of those people
living in blighted areas where education, income and
health are below the average, and general attitude is
sometimes rather earthy.
A progressive community will not turn away from
those who are "down and out" but rather will attempt to
remedy an unfortunate situation and redeem itself.
Awareness of the circumstances surrounding the blighted
areas of the community plus the plight of those who are
affected by it must be a goal of this report.
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GENERALIZED
EXISTING LAND USE
& STUDY AREAS
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
0" 3000' Ml SCALE IN FEET
LEGEND
j
1 UNDEVELOPED
I
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RESIDENTIAL
_| SINGLE FAMILY
| TWO FAMILY OR MORE
| COMMERCIAL
H PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC
B INDUSTRIAL
MAP-1
-
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INTRODUCTION
Blight implies a condition of deterioration and
deficiency in the quality of economic, physical and social
environment. It is measured by extent, location and inten-sity,
and is backed up by statistics and personal inter-views.
The decaying house, the yard full of junk, the un-sanitary
s tore , the dusty and rutted road, and the lack of
pride in the neighborhood are there — in the 28 neighbor-hoods
-- and unless the community as a whole initiates
action to do something about these conditions and activates
methods of immediate improvement — they will not only be
there but they will grow and spread.
The Neighborhood Analysis is a study of the city and
the one-mile perimeter on an area-by-area basis to deter-mine
the nature, extend and causes of blight. It involves
the cooperation of various city, county and private agencies
in the accumulation of data, plus the personal interviews
of a 10% sample survey of the residents in blighted areas.
The Neighborhood Analysis determines which parts of
the city are so deteriorated that they must be completely
cleared and redeveloped, and which parts can be improved
and renovated through rehabilitation and conservation.
The Neighborhood Analysis reveals certain factors which
determine blight. Some of the more significant are:
defective structures warranting clearance;
deteriorated conditions and defects not corrected
by normal maintenance;
unsafe, congested, poorly designed, or otherwise
deficient streets;
overcrowding and improper location of structures
on the land
;
excessive dwelling unit density;
a high rate of property damage resulting from fires;
excessive number of welfare cases;
high rate of major crimes;
high amount of social diseases;
lack of skilled labor;
declining property values with resulting decreasing
assessed valuations; and
lack of industrial diversification.
The Neighborhood Analysis is an integral part of the
Workable Program for Community Improvement which is a plan
of action whereby a community combines both public and
private resources to eliminate and prevent extensions of
blight. In addition to analyses of problem areas, the
Neighborhood Analysis gives attention to needed community
facilities and services and to the elimination of blighting
influences such as heavy traffic and non- con forming land
uses.
METHODOLOGY
Study areas were delineated along the same lines
marked off for the Land Development Plan (1965), and data
carried over from the Land Use Survey was used as a basis
for determining the percentage of interviews to be taken
in each area. (See Table VIII, Land Development Plan , 1965)
A sample survey of the blighted areas was made during
the summer of 1968. Personal interviews were conducted
at those dwellings displaying blight and objective observa-tions
of the physical and social environment were made.
The Fire Department and Police Department supplied
information pertinent to each area; other city offices
furnished data on housing conditions, community facilities,
streets and utilities; and the Chamber of Commerce made
comments relative to the general atmosphere of the city.
The Health Department personnel analyzed the number of
social diseases and infant deaths and inferred that the
incidence of these contributors to blight were overall
rather than localized in certain areas.
The questions contained on the sample survey sheets
were answered obligingly. Dwelling units where questions
were asked were, for the most part, inside the city limits
rather than in the one-mile perimeter area due to the
degree of evident blight. (This study is concerned pri-marily
with those substandard houses inside the city limits
rather than in the fringe area because the city has imme-diate
concern over what it already has. Concern for the
area immediately outside the city stems from the fact that
these areas will quite probably be annexed in the future.)
Only 4 of the 28 neighborhoods had Negroes living in
substandard houses. Neighborhood 12, where most of the
Negro families are concentrated, had the highest percent-age
of substandard housing.
Ninety-two white families and 44 Negro families (475
persons living in 136 houses) were visited. Females out-numbered
males in blighted homes (246-229, respectively),
although in some neighborhoods the numbers were even or
in favor of males. Many of the houses were occupied by
widows, grandmothers caring for abandoned children, or
fatherless families -- as is often the case in blighted
ne ighborhoods .
However impersonal the figures may be, the fact
remains that a close-up study of the blighted areas re-vealed
the following general conditions:
the accumulation of abandoned and wrecked cars, wood
piles, discarded lawnmowers and laundry equipment,
and assorted rubbish — all in the yards;
housing with broken steps, sagging porches, leaning
roofs, missing window panes, limited sanitary
facilities, and so forth;
an air of physical, mental, social and economic
depression that is made even heavier with concern
for the future.
STANLY COUNTY PROFILE
LOCATION
Stanly County, with Albemarle as its Seat, is located
in the south central portion of North Carolina. It is
surrounded by gently rolling hills of the ancient Uwharrie
Mountain range and is bounded on the east by the Yadkin
River and on the south by the Rocky River. It is best
described as an area of "accessible isolation", being near
large markets and yet not hampered by large industrial
complexes threatening to smother it.
Albemarle is 42 miles northeast of Charlotte, 115
miles southwest of the state capital of Raleigh and 200
miles west of the North Carolina coast. There are six
incorporated communities and four unincorporated communities
in the county.
CLIMATE
The county enjoys a mild, healthful climate through-out
the year, with an annual mean temperature of 50°F and
an average yearly rainfall of 28 inches. The area has a
growth season of approximately 200 days and is not subject
to violent storms or other unusual weather conditions.
AGRICULTURE
Though on the edge of the industrial Piedmont Crescent,
Stanly County is a major agricultural county. Farming is a
$16,000,000 per year industry. There are 1700 farms in the
county and average 80 acres each, with a majority being
owner-operated. Poultry, commercial eggs, beef cattle,
dairying, soybeans, corn, wheat and small grains are the
main agricultural enterprises. Stanly leads the state in
the production of commercial eggs.
INDUSTRY
Though textile-oriented through the years, the indus-trial
complexion is gradually changing as more diversified
operations come into the area. Major industries in the
county produce primary aluminum, cotton and synthetic yarns,
knit products, ladies sportswear, childrens' lingerie,
ladies hosiery, furniture, brick, clay and light weather
aggregate products, flour and feed, printed materials, and
wood and metal products.
SOCIAL ASSETS
E d_u cation :
Library :
Chur ch e s :
Recreation:
From grammar school through college
(Pfeiffer College).
Contains over 50,000 volumes; main library
in Albemarle with branches in Badin, Norwood,
and Kingville communities, plus a bookmobile.
All major denominations represented.
"Playground of the Lower Piedmont"; Morrow
Mountain State Park for fishing, boating,
swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping; rivers
for fishing, boating; golfing; hunting; and
so forth.
Game in abundance -- deer » q ua il and duck.
Recreation Director supervises operation of
six city pa rk s
.
V
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A-3
owner-operated. Poultry, commercial eggs, beef cattle,
dairying, soybeans, corn, wheat and small grains are the
main agricultural enterprises. Stanly leads the state in
the production of commercial eggs.
INDUSTRY
Though textile-oriented through the years, the indus-trial
complexion is gradually changing as more diversified
operations come into the area. Major industries in the
county produce primary aluminum, cotton and synthetic yarns,
knit products, ladies sportswear, childrens 1 lingerie,
ladies hosiery, furniture, brick, clay and light weather
aggregate products, flour and feed, printed materials, and
wood and metal products.
SOCIAL ASSETS
E duca t ion
Chur ch e s
Recreat ion
From grammar school through college
(Pfeiffer College).
Contains over 50,000 volumes; main library
in Albemarle with branches in Badin, Norwood,
and Kingville communities, plus a bookmobile.
All major denominations represented.
"Playground of the Lower Piedmont"; Morrow
Mountain State Park for fishing, boating,
swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping; rivers
for fishing, boating; golfing; hunting; and
so forth.
Game in abundance -- deer, quail and duck.
Recreation Director supervises operation of
six city parks.
RESIDENTIAL FIRE CALLS
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE IN FEET
IEGEN
ONE RESIDENTIAL FIRE CALL
MAP-2
Organ iza t ions
Health
Facilities
Jaycees, Rotary, Lions, Optimist, Civitan,
Woman's Club, Junior Woman's Club, Home
Demonstration Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts,
Hi-Y, Tri-Hi-Y, organized athletics.
Stanly County Hospital (opened in 1950), has
a capacity of 134 beds. More than 20
practicing physicians and specialists in
the area
.
Stanly County Health Center contains modern
clinical equipment and is staffed by a
medical doctor and registered nurses. Mental
Health Clinic has part-time staffing from
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
GENERAL FINDINGS
Included in the following are those elements which
most directly affect the degree of blight in Albemarle.
They are essentially interrelated and indicate that there
are certain geographical areas, rather easily defined,
that should receive priority remedial treatment. This,
however, will be discussed in more detail in a later
sect ion
.
FIRES
Two-hundred and seven fire calls were answered in
1967, the majority of which were: residences (60); car
fires (41); commercial (42); grass fires (19). As might
be expected, most fires involving cars and commercial uses
occurred in those areas which attract concentrations of
shoppers, i.e., the central business district, the commer-cialized
portion of East Main Street, etc. Residential and
grass fire calls were most evident in Neighborhoods 12, 7,
and 2. One-hundred and forty calls were transferred to rural
fire departments.
Some major causes of fires were: flooded oil heaters
(10); careless smoking (22); children playing with matches
(11); unknown causes (13); defective carburetors (22);
defective wiring (24); false alarms (malicious, 18; acci-denta
1 , 15).
Fire losses in the city for 1967 amounted to $32,156.52
— a per capita loss of $2.62. The total value of property
at risk was $58,678,253.00; insurance on property at risk
was $41 , 242 ,511 . 00
.
The Annual Fire Department Report for 1967 indicated
that training has been regular, equipment has been maintain-ed
in good condition, and there has been no turn-over in
p er s onne 1
,
Volunteer Fire Departments answer calls outside the
corporate limits. There are, however, mutual aid agree-ments
between City and County units. Records of the number
of calls, property at risk, or causes were not available
for the fringe area neighborhoods.
10
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V 26004
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shoppers, i.e., the central business district, the commer-cialized
portion of East Main Street, etc. Residential and
grass fire calls were most evident in Neighborhoods 12, 7,
and 2. One-hundred and forty calls were transferred to rural
fire departments.
Some major causes of fires were: flooded oil heaters
(10); careless smoking (22); children playing with matches
(11); unknown causes (13); defective carburetors (22);
defective wiring (24); false alarms (malicious, 18; acci-denta
1 , 15).
Fire losses in the city for 1967 amounted to $32,156.52
-- a per capita loss of $2.62. The total value of property
at risk was $58,678,253.00; insurance on property at risk
was $41 ,242 ,511 .00.
The Annual Fire Department Report for 1967 indicated
that training has been regular, equipment has been maintain-ed
in good condition, and there has been no turn-over in
per s onne 1
.
Volunteer Fire Departments answer calls outside the
corporate limits. There are, however, mutual aid agree-ments
between City and County units. Records of the number
of calls, property at risk, or causes were not available
for the fringe area neighborhoods.
10
^•fT
Average Daily
Traffic volume
1962 & 1967
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE IN FEET
LEGEND
1962 AVG DAILY 24 hr TRAFFIC VOLUMES
1967 AVG DAILY 24 hr. TRAFFIC VOLUMES
MAP-3
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VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE IN FEET
One dot equals one occ
LEGEND
1966 ACCIDENTS
# 1967 ACCIDENTS
MAP-4
STREET AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
The Superintendent of the Street Department supplied
the following information on those streets where the most
vehicle accidents occurred in 1966-67 with remedial action
required or being implemented.
Depot Street Heavy mill traffic; to be widened to
44 feet.
Main Street Being reworked; completed, December,
1968, with additional traffic signals
Downtown Rectangle Study of relocation of traffic signals
suggested. (Joint City-State Highway
Commission project.)
Caro 1 ina and
Oakwood Narrow streets, narrow pavement,
(improvement recommended in
Thoroughfare Plan).
N . 3rd and
Fourth S tree ts
(Quenby Mall)
Snuggs Street
Traffic lights installed January, 1969
Included in Thoroughfare Plan. (Widen
Snuggs Street and extend to Boone
Street .
)
North First and
Second S tree ts Four lanes narrowing to two lanes.
Plans include widening to four lanes
and installing traffic signals. Joint
City-State Highway Commission project.
Highways 27 and
52 Despite good visibility, traffic
markings and signs, accidents are
probably the fault of the motorists;
i.e., carelessness.
11
TABLE 1 Arrests for Crimes against Property,
Persons and Juvenile Offenses*
Total
Neighborhood
Juven i le
Offenses
Cr ime s
aga ins
t
Property
Gr ime s
aga ins
t
Persons
per
100 DU'
s
CITY: 1 1 1 1 1. 7
2 1 3 6 1.0
3 - - - -
4 - 1 - 1. 1
5 - 1 4 7 .7
6 - 5 7 3.9
7 - 19 11 5.0
8 - 4 3 2. 7
9 - 3 6 3.8
10 - 1 - 3. 6
11 - - - -
12 15 34 39 13. 7
13 1 4 5 6. 1
14 - - - -
Subtotal 18 76 82 4.8
FRINGE
AREA: Al
A2 - - - -
A3 — 2 1 50. 1 (only 6
DU' s)
A4 - - - -
A5 - - - -
A6 - 1 - 1 .9
A7 — 2 — 9.5 (only 21
DU' s)
A8 - 2 1 15.8 (only 19
DU' s)
A9-A9A _ — — _
A10 - - - -
All - - - -
A12 - 4 1 4.0
A13 2 - 3 5.7
A14 2 2 2 12.2 (only 49
DU ' s)
Subtota 1 4 13 8 3.4
Grand
Total 22 89 90 4.6
"Residence of person convicted
Source: 1967-68 records of Albemarle Police Department
and Stanly County Sheriff's Department
12
A-A-
2
A-3
TABLE 1 Arrests for Crimes against Property,
Persons and Juvenile Offenses*
Total
Neighborhood
Juven ile
Offenses
Cr ime s
aga ins
t
Property
Cr ime s
aga ins
t
Persons
per
100 DIP s
CITY
Subtotal
FRING1
AREA:
Subto
Grand
Total
1
22 89 90
1.7
2 1 3 6 1.0
3 - - - -
4 - 1 - 1. 1
5 - 1 4 7. 7
6 - 5 7 3.9
7 - 19 11 5.0
8 - 4 3 2. 7
9 - 3 6 3.8
10 - 1 - 3. 6
11 - - - -
12 15 34 39 13.7
13 1 4 5 6. 1
14 - - - -
.1 18 76 82 4.8
Al
A2 - - - -
A3 - 2 1 50. 1 (only 6
DIP s)
A4 - - - -
A5 - - - -
A6 - 1 - 1.9
A7 — 2 — 9.5 (only 21
DIP s)
A8 — 2 1 15.8 (only 19
DIP s)
A9-A9A — — _ _
A10 - - - -
All - - - -
A12 - 4 1 4.0
A13 2 - 3 5.7
A14 2 2 2 12.2 (only 49
DIP s)
1 4 13 8 3.4
4.6
* Residence of person convicted
Source: 1967-68 records of Albemarle Police Department
and Stanly County Sheriff's Department
12
CRIMES
( BY RESIDENCE OF OFFENDER)
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
One dot equals
indicated
LEGEND
CRIMES Br JUVENILES
• CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
# CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
MAP-5
Richardson, Davie,
Cross Streets Parking has been eliminated from Richard-son
to Cross Streets.
Pee Dee at Main Heaviest travelled intersection in the
city. Possibility of connecting Pee Dee
to North rather than to Main Street (as
proposed in Thoroughfare plan) to elim-inate
five points. (Snuggs Street in
this area is now unopened.)
CRIMES
One index of blight is the area of residence of per-sons
committing criminal acts. Table 1 lists by neighbor-hood
the residence of those persons convicted of juvenile
offenses, crimes against property and crimes against per-sons.
Note that Neighborhood 12 has the highest incident
rate in all three categories.
EDUCATION
on the basis of available information, the school sys-tem
ranks high among schools in North Carolina. Each school
is fully accredited by the North Carolina Department of
Public Instruction and the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools, and are staffed by certified personnel.
The most recent and encouraging announcement made by
the Albemarle Board of Education, County Board of Education,
and County Commissioners was recommending a Technical Insti-tute
for Stanly County. South Albemarle School (to be closed
at the end of the 1969 school year) will be renovated and
staffed with funds appropriated by the State, Federal and
local governments. This facility, hopefully, will be ready
for operation in July-August, 1969, and should help supple-ment
the curricula now being offered by area schools --
13
particularly for those enrolled in adult education courses
in Stanly County (511 persons in 1967).
The Division of Statistical Services of the North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction has compiled sig-nificant
information pertaining to the Albemarle City
Schools for the 1966-67 school year. Compared to 160
administrative units in the state, the local schools
information is as follows:
Per Pupil Expenditure, Local Funds
Amount per pupil $87.60 - Rank 15 (of the 169)
(Range - Low $12.82; High $150.87; Median $46.75)
Per Pupil Expenditure, All Sources (State, Federal, Local)
Amount per pupil $403.89 - Rank 21
(Range - Low $307.22; High $494.33; Median $362.04)
Taxable Property Valuation per Pupil Enrolled
Amount per pupil $22,324 - Rank 1
(Range - Low $3,660; High $22,324; Median $7,828)
Voted Supplemental Tax Collections per Pupil Enrolled
Amount per pupil $34.43 - Rank 27
(Range - Low $0.00; High $99.75; Median $24.54)
Per Cent of High School Graduates Entering College
Per cent 48.1 - Rank 35
(Range - Low 8%; High 71.1%; Median 34.8%)
Per Cent of High School Graduates Entering Trade ,
Business, or other Formal Training
Per cent - 20.7 - Rank 23
(Range - Low 9.0%; High 34.8%; Median 14.5%)
Pupil-Staff Ratio
Pupil-Staff Ratio - 1 to 21.9 - Rank 151
(18 rank lower
)
(Range - Low 18.2; High 27.4; Median 23.6)
Number of Library Books per Pupil Enrolled
Number per pupil - 13.22 - Rank 4
(Range - Low 4.80; High 23.64; Median 8.28)
14
LIBRARY
The Stanly County Library has recently added another
service -- for the blind and handicapped. With assistance
from the North Carolina-South Carolina Regional Library for
the Blind, it can now make available to the blind and handi-capped
a talking book service. Any individual whose sight
or physical condition makes it impossible to hold or read
conventional printed materials is now eligible for this
service. This includes the blind and partially blind. Talk-ing
books are special long-playing phonograph records. Over
2,900 titles are now available.
The main problem is the library itself. The present
building is wholly inadequate; however, plans are being
formulated to relocate the old Court House and use the
present site for a new library and off-street parking area.
HEALTH
Public health services are carried on in Stanly County
by one doctor (and volunteer services of local doctors once
a week), four nurses, two sanitarians, a dog warden, and three
administrators .
Because health problems that contribute to -- or occur
as a result of — blight appear throughout the county and are
not statistically significant in the neighborhoods delineated
for this study, total figures for 1967 and five months of 1968
are listed for the county as follows:
15
Illegitimate births
Births in lower socio-economic
families
S t il Ibirths
Patients in clinics:
Planned Parenthood
Prena ta 1 care
Child health
Mental health
Crippled children
TB patients discharged since
1966
TB skin test :
Head Start children
First through 9th grades
1967
55
234
Janua r y-May
1968
17
86
3
67
34
53
N/A
198
24
450 (60% positive)
1 ,596 (3.3% positive)
The Health Department has close cooperation with
teachers, the Welfare Department and doctors. Learning
problems, emotional disturbances, physical disabilities,
and indigency are brought to their attention. Surveys by
professional personnel have revealed the causes and recom-mended
needed remedial action. Monotony of job, lack of
education, and no motivation for improvement appear quite
frequently in many cases treated — ragardless of age, sex
or ra ce
.
WELFARE
Location of welfare recipients can be considered
as one concomitant of blight. Such recipients usually
reside in areas containing low-rental housing which is
frequently characterized by a general lack of maintenance,
narrow streets and lots, accumulated debris, and so forth.
This is generally true in Albemarle. Neighborhoods 7 and
12 rank highest number of recipients in 1968. (Area A13
ranks third but it should be noted that the 34 recipients
16
A-A-
2
A -3
Illegitimate births
Births in lower socio-economic
families
S t il lb ir ths
Patients in clinics:
Planned Parenthood
Prena ta 1 care
Child health
Menta 1 hea 1 th
Crippled children
TB patients discharged since
1966
TB skin test:
Head Start children
First through 9th grades
1967
55
234
January-May
1968
17
86
3
67
34
53
N/A
198
24
4 50 (60% positive)
1 ,596 (3.3% positive)
The Health Department has close cooperation with
teachers, the Welfare Department and doctors. Learning
problems, emotional disturbances, physical disabilities,
and indigency are brought to their attention. Surveys by
professional personnel have revealed the causes and recom-mended
needed remedial action. Monotony of job, lack of
education, and no motivation for improvement appear quite
frequently in many cases treated — ragardless of age, sex
or race.
WELFARE
Location of welfare recipients can be considered
as one concomitant of blight. Such recipients usually
reside in areas containing low-rental housing which is
frequently characterized by a general lack of maintenance,
narrow streets and lots, accumulated debris, and so forth.
This is generally true in Albemarle. Neighborhoods 7 and
12 rank highest number of recipients in 1968. (Area A13
ranks third but it should be noted that the 34 recipients
16
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES
/ \ * -13
/ A-12 N
/\ A-14 \ —-"/77>v ^^
/ A-i y \
6
111
/
5 ) >/ A-ll
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
0" 3000'
I
A " 2 ^^1 \ '
**
ii 2
4 I
1 r
:
i \
SCALE IN FEET
\ /—-^ *^v " • 1 p- <
,^.A-9a
A-9
A-10
/ Note
/ One dot equals one case
unless otherw.se indicated
LEGEND
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
AID TO THE PERMANENTLY AND
• TOTALLY DISABLED '
_ AID TO FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT
CHILDREN
) ^-J~"i 8 *S —
} ( °' / * •
\ / X / 9
\ A-3 /a-4 \/
\ J^ 5 -/
A 3 1
^*^
\ A • • . *,
i V . 12 •: •. ,|"
\ io-\ • • • • . •
14 fX
'* 13* .
\. A-6
""^""--v. a- a
i
A ~ 7 \
• AID TO THE BLIND
# MEDICAL AID TO THE AGED
MAP-6
residing here are all residents of the Stanly Rest Home and
therefore is not a meanginful representation.)
TABLE 2 We 1 fare Cases
Type of Ass istance
Ne ighbo r hoo d OAA APTD 2 3 4 AFDC AB MAA 5 Total
CITY: 1
2 5 1 1 4 11
3 1 1 2
4 1 1 2
5
6 2 2 2 1 7
7 6 14 4 1 3 28
8 1 1 2 4
9 3 1 1 5
10 1 1 2
11
12 14 18 15 3 1 51
13 5 5 2 12
14 2 2
Subtotal 38 45 23 9 11 126
FRINGE
AREA: Al 1 1
A2
A3
A4 1 1
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9-A9A 1 1
A10
All
A12 1 1
A13 20 12 2
(Rest
34
Home )
A14
Subtotal 20 12 3 3 38
Grand
Total 57 26 12 11 164
Old Age Assistance
2 Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled
3 Aid to Families with Dependent Children
4Aid to the Blind
5 Medical Aid to the Aged
Source: Stanly County Welfare Department, July, 1968
17
POPULATION DATA
A Population and Economy Study was made for the City
of Albemarle in 1964. A summary of information compiled for
that report included present and projected population and
economic potential. Data pertinent to this report is as
f o 1 lows
:
1. The city has experienced a population increase for
each decade over the past 60 years.
2. Outmigration of the young, productive age groups is
noticable in the increasing number of non-productive
persons to be supported by a decreasing productive
age group
.
3. The ratio of Negroes to the total population is
increasing. Females outnumber males (probably due
to outmigration).
4. Income levels are improving. Income is more evenly
distributed in Albemarle than in Urban U.S. or
Urban N.C.
5. Lack of industrial diversification is still evident
and implies a lack of stability.
6. A high proportion of houses valued under $5,000 and
a lower proportion valued in excess of $15,000.
7. New residential development is occurring in Stanly
County at a rather constant rate.
Population trends by decades are shown in Table 3.
Total Population - Albemarle and Stanly County
Assuming a continuation of past trends, Albemarle
should have a population of 12,556 persons by 1970 and
12,839 persons by 1980. Also, the future population will
continue to have a larger proportion of females than males.
By 1970 females will comprise 53.2% of the population, and
by 1980 this will increase to 53.3%.
18
Population Trends by Decades, Albemarle,
TABLE 3 Stanly County, North and South Albemarle
Townships, and North Carolina
North
and South
North Albemarle
Carol ina Town ships
Stanly
Albemarle County
1900 Population 1,382 15,220 1,893,810 4,274
1910 Population 2,116* 19,909 2,206,287
Per Cent Change 53 . 1 30. 8 16.5
6,886*
61. 1
1920 Population 2,691 27,429 2,559,123
Per Cent Change 27.2 37 . 8 30 .0
12 ,639
83.5
1930 Population 3,493 30,216 3,170,276
Per Cent Change 29.8 10 . 2 23 . 9
14,727
• 16.5
1940 Population 4,060 32,834 3,571,623
Per Cent Change 16.2 8^ 12. 7
16,118
9.4
1950 Population 11,798** 37,130 4,061,929
Per Cent Change 190.6 13. 1 13.7
18,857
17.0
1960 Population
Per Cent Change
12,261*** 40,87 3
3.9 10.1
4,556,155
12.2
20,197
7. 1
*1910-1920 Total for 1910 includes population (6,886)
of Albemarle Township, parts taken to form
North and South Albemarle Townships, and
parts taken, together with parts of Almond
and Big Lick Townships, to form Endy Town-ship,
since 1910.
**1940-1950 Parts of North Albemarle and South Albemarle
Townships annexed to Albemarle Town in 1947.
***1950-1960 Part of South Albemarle Township annexed to
Albemar le Town
.
Source: Population and Economy, Albemarle, N.C., p3.
The population of Stanly County should increase to
43,637 by 1970, and 46,060 by 1980. Like Albemarle, the
county can also expect to have a larger proportion of fe-males
than males, 51.5% by 1970, and 51.8% by 1980.
19
SUBSTANDARD STRUCTURES
Non-residential structural blight is primarily of a
commercial character. This is not evident in four of the
seven blocks comprising the central business district
(Neighborhood 3). Other "outlying" areas -- e.g., West
Main Street, Concord Road, East Main Street, Pee Dee Aven-ue,
have significant concentrations of commercial blight,
both in terms of structural condition and mixed land uses.
(See Map 7). Progress is being made, however, with the
most recent being the demolition of the old Maralise Hotel
at West Main and South First Streets (the busiest inter-section
in the city). Also, relocation of the Court House
to a site on South Second Street would serve two purposes:
rid the CBD of the presently inadequate Court House and
replace the South Second Street structure with a new build-ing
complex.
Industrial structural blight is infrequent in Albe-marle.
The most notable exception to this occurs in
Neighborhood 7 where several old mills and warehouses are
in need of major repair. For the most part, industrial
buildings are in a fairly good structural condition, al-though
landscaping and minor repairs are often needed.
For the purposes of this report, permanent dwellings
(excluding mobile homes) were classified as to structural
condition. The two classifications are defined as:
S tandard : Structure that has no, or only slightly visible
defects which are normally corrected by regular maintenance
Examples of slight defects are: lack of paint; slight
damage to porch or steps; slight wear on doorframes, window
sills or window panes; etc.
20
j(S
A-n
=*%.
1 \
XJ
A-3 r
/"
v
V
SUBSTANDARD STRUCTURES
Non-residential structural blight is primarily of a
commercial character. This is not evident in four of the
seven blocks comprising the central business district
(Neighborhood 3). Other "outlying" areas -- e.g., West
Main Street, Concord Road, East Main Street, Pee Dee Aven-ue,
have significant concentrations of commercial blight,
both in terms of structural condition and mixed land uses.
(See Map 7). Progress is being made, however, with the
most recent being the demolition of the old Maralise Hotel
at West Main and South First Streets (the busiest inter-section
in the city). Also, relocation of the Court House
to a site on South Second Street would serve two purposes:
rid the CBD of the presently inadequate Court House and
replace the South Second Street structure with a new build-ing
complex.
Industrial structural blight is infrequent in Albe-marle.
The most notable exception to this occurs in
Neighborhood 7 where several old mills and warehouses are
in need of major repair. For the most part, industrial
buildings are in a fairly good structural condition, al-though
landscaping and minor repairs are often needed.
For the purposes of this report, permanent dwellings
(excluding mobile homes) were classified as to structural
condition. The two classifications are defined as:
S tandard : Structure that has no, or only slightly visible
defects which are normally corrected by regular maintenance
Examples of slight defects are: lack of paint; slight
damage to porch or steps; slight wear on doorframes, window
sills or window panes; etc.
20
NON-RESIDENTIAL
BLIGHTED AREAS
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE IN FEET
MAP-7
S ub standard ; A structure that needs more repair than would
be provided during regular maintenance or one that does not
provide safe and adequate shelter in its present condition.
Examples are: holes, open cracks, rotted, loose or missing
materials in a section of the foundation, walls, or roof;
rotted or loose window frames or sashes that are no longer
rainproof or windproof, missing bricks or cracks in the
chimney which are serious enough to be a fire hazard, etc.
(Map 8 identifies the areas of substandard housing.)
The Kingville Area (Neighborhood 12) has the major
concentration of substandard houses -- of 644 total, 232
(36%) are substandard. Negro families occupy approximately
222 of the substandard homes.
Concentrations of substandard houses are spread
throughout the city in small pockets. Most noticable are:
Area 10
Area 12
Area 7
Area 13
Area 1
Area 2
28
644
595
163
176
027
Tota 1 15
232
116
32
14
33
Subs tanda rd (54%)
(36%)
(20%)
(2 0%)
(8%)
(3%)
Residential structures within the city limits:
3,660 Total
3,171 Standard (87%)
495 Substandard (14%)
Residential structures in the fringe area:
737 Total
650 Standard (88%)
87 Substandard (12%)
Total planning area:
4,403 Total
3,821 Standard (87%)
582 Substandard (13%)
The above figures are comparatively low but the
apparent concentration of low-income housing in substandard
areas such as Neighborhoods 7, 10, 12 and 13, and the almost
consistent existence of mixed land uses surrounding them
21
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AREAS OF SUBSTANDARD
& NEGRO HOUSING
ALBEMARLE
NORTH CAROLINA
SCALE IN FEET
LEGEND
m NEGRO NEIGHBORHOODS
I AREAS WITH MOSTLY 5U8STANDA
HOUSING
MAP-8
: «1
further reflect the socio-economic status of the residents
therein. Rehabilitation of the social and cultural ills
and redevelopment of the physical properties are obviously
needed .
MIXED LAND USES
Presence of mixed land uses can be both detrimental
and beneficial. For example, the existence of randomly
scattered industrial and/or commercial activities in a resi-dential
area can depreciate land values by being incompatible
with area development trends, or can provide residents with
employment and access to nearby shopping facilities. The
most noticable result of mixed land use is that of noise,
air pollution and heavy traffic volumes all accompanied by
decreasing property values. Incompatible mixed land uses
are not significantly evident in Albemarle planning area
due, in part, to enforcement of established codes and ordin-ances
— e.g., zoning, subdivision regulations, etc.
The intermixture of land uses within the industrial
area are problems in Albemarle. In some cases industrial
districts have been poorly located. This is true in Neigh-borhood
2 near Montgomery Street and Smith Street, in Neigh-borhood
12 in the vicinity of Arey Avenue and Lundix Street;
and in Neighborhood 7 near Walnut and Monroe Streets.
There are, however, certain areas along major roads
in which strip development has occurred. This is extremely
undesirable because it reduces the major street traffic-carrying
capacities, increases hazards to traffic safety,
and decreases adjacent residential property values. Strip
23
commercial development is evident from the central business
district out West Main Street and Concord Avenue to the city
limits; along US 52 from Chestnut Street north to the city
limits; along East Main Street from Arey Avenue to Berry Ave
nue; and south of the central business district along the
Norwood Highway.
Many of the older platted streets have resulted in
poor design, deadends, and inadequate circulation patterns.
Most of the city's street systems do not have an adequate
relationship to the school and neighborhood. Major streets
should not penetrate the neighborhood or pass near elemen-tary
schools and playgrounds. There is also the need for
an outer-loop around the city to relieve congestion in the
central business district. However, recent street improve-ments
in conjunction with the Thoroughfare Plan are progres-sively
remedying some of these problems.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILIES
LIVING IN SUBSTANDARD HOUSING
The ten per cent sample survey was conducted to
determine the characteristics of families affected by sub-standard
housing in Albemarle and its one-mile perimeter
area. The interviews were selected on the basis of exterior
dwelling appearance and are summarized by neighborhood in
following sections. It must be noted that there are numer-ous
pockets of substandard housing in the planning area.
This does not necessarily reflect overall conditions through-out
any one particular neighborhood. Poor external appear-ance
may not be indicative of the socio-economic character-istics
of people residing there.
24
Also, the ten per cent sampling in some cases —
notably the fringe area neighborhoods -- did not produce
enough interviews to be statistically meaningful. This
is obvious, for example, in Neighborhood 4 in which only
two interviews were made. Application of the information
obtained from these cannot be reasonably assumed to be
representative of the entire area, although the results
can be considered representative of those people living in
blighted housing.
25
NEIGHBORHOODS
h
NEIGHBORHOOD #1
Neighborhood #1 is in the northeastern section of
town; it is bounded on the west by Ridge Street, the corpor-ate
limits on the north and east, and East Main Street on
the south. Except for acreage Located along East Main Street
(zoned for business), portions of the area enclosed by Moss
Springs Road, Ridge Street and Freeman Avenue, and two por-tions
along the corporate limits line, the area is zoned
for s ingle- f ami ly residential purposes. Some of the land
is used for public and semi-public purposes and approximately
3 5
7
is undeveloped. The neighborhood is served by the East
Albemarle Elementary School (constructed in 1932 - 243 student
capacity). Mixed land uses along East Main Street are run-down;
housing immediately behind the commercial and public
uses are 15 or more years old; houses on Snotherly, Cannon,
Eastside, Carolyn, and Landis Streets are less than five
years old; and new homes have been built within the last
year on Wendover and Magnolia Streets.
Lily Street (.14 miles) is unsurfaced; 14 of the total
176 (8%) houses are substandard (west of the Fair Grounds on
Lily Street); the density is 2.7 dwelling units per acre.
Two fire calls occurred in 1967 and 14 vehicle accidents
heppened, mostly along East Main Street.
One juvenile arrest, one crime against property and
one against persons were reported in the neighborhood. There
are no public assistance cases in the area.
Three white families were interviewed -- two lived in
owner-occupied houses and one rented. One house had three
rooms and two had four or more rooms. Three houses had hot
27
and cold running water inside the unit, flush toilets,
bathtub or shower, and city water and sewer. The average
monthly rent, including utilities, was $55, and the esti-mated
value of owner-occupied structure was $5,250. Four
males, four females were aged: one (5-14), one (55-64) and
four over 65 years old. Occupations of head of households
included retired (1), textiles (1), and disabled (1) and
clerk (1). Approximate family income for 1967 was $4,500;
two were collecting Social Security or retirement pay.
One private automobile and one other means of transportation
were reported .
NEIGHBORHOOD #2
Neighborhood #2 is in the northeastern portion of
the town; bounded on the west by North First Street (US 52
North), on the north by the corporate limits, on the
south by East Main Street, and on the east by Ridge Street.
This is the largest neighborhood delineated. Predominant
use of the land is for s ingle- fami ly residential. About 5%
of the area is zoned for industrial use, and a Neighborhood
Business Zone is on North Fourth Street between Montgomery
and Cannon Streets. About 32% of the area is undeveloped.
Public and semi-public and commercial uses exist along
Second Street, First Street, and East Main Street. Approxi-mately
one-fourth of the land along North Second Street and
a small portion surrounded by East North, Snuggs and East
Main Streets are zoned commercial. The police station,
Civil Defense office, Albemarle Senior High School (con-structed
in 1957 - student capacity 750), Central Elemen-tary
School (constructed in 1910 - student capacity 594),
and Albemarle Junior High School (constructed in 1935 -
student capacity 775), are located in this neighborhood.
28
Wiscasset Park and two small neighborhood playgrounds;
Stanly County Hospital; Health Department; 22 two-family
and 18 multi-family structures are located in the neigh-borhood.
Housing in close proximity to the central busi-ness
district is over 30 years old — most of which has
been converted to multiple family units. Those houses
beyond the transitional section have been built within
the last 5-10 years. Except for the rundown condition of
some commercial properties, the neighborhood is sound.
Density per acre is 3.2 dwelling units.
Auten Avenue, Cardinal Drive, one unnamed street
and Yadkin Lane (.85 miles) are unsurfaced; 33 of a total
1,027 (3%) of the houses are substandard. Ten fire calls
occurred in 1967, and there were 23 points where more than
two accidents occurred. Two major thoroughfares carry
heavy traffic volumes through the neighborhood.
One juvenile arrest, three crimes against property
and six against persons were reported. There are 11 Wel-fare
cases.
Seven white families were interviewed -- five in
owner-occupied houses and two in renter-occupied houses.
The seven houses had four or more rooms in each unit; one
had two sleeping rooms, three had two, and four had two or
more sleeping rooms. Five houses had hot and cold running
water inside the unit; two had only cold water inside.
Seven had flush toilets and six had a bathtub. All were
on the city water/sewer lines. Monthly rent, including
utilities, averaged $37.00; estimated value of owner-occu-pied
structures was $3,775. Six males and ten females
lived in seven houses; age breakdown was: under 5 (2);
29
5-14 (2); 15-24 (1); 25-34 (1); 35-44 (4); 45-54 (2);
55-64 (1); 65 and over (3). Occupation of head of house-hold
included: retired (2), textile (2), truck driver (1),
baby sitter (1), mill worker (3), and carpenter (1). Two
used a private automobile and three depended on other trans-portation
to work. Approximate family income for 1967 was
$3,019; four were collecting Social Security. None were on
We 1 fa re
.
NEIGHBORHOOD #3
Neighborhood #3 is in the south-central portion of
town. It is surrounded by North Street on the north, Third
Street on the east, South Street on the south, and the
Carolina and Northwestern Railroad on the west. This is
the central business district and is zoned commercial and
developed for business purposes. There area is 87% devel-oped.
City Hall, Fire Department, Library, Welfare Depart-ment
and Court House are located in the central business
district. There are no parks or schools in this neighbor-hood.
The need for upgrading commercial and public and
semi-public buildings is apparent. Two two-family and
five multi-family structures are in this neighborhood.
Density per acre is 7.8 dwelling units.
There are no unsurfaced streets in the area; no fire
calls to residences were reported; and more than two acci-dents
occurred at five different points. Two of a total 21
(10%) dwelling units are substandard. Heavy traffic volumes
associated with the central business district and major
thoroughfares are an influence on the area.
30
No juvenile arrests and no major crimes against
property or persons were reported.
One white family living in a rented house with four
or more rooms in the unit (and two sleeping rooms) was
interviewed. The dwelling had cold water only inside; had
a flush toilet and a bathtub and city water and sewer.
Monthly rent, including utilities, was $40.50. Two males
and one female (one aged 5-14, two 65 and over) had an
average income of $2,028 from their occupations as sales
clerk (1) and retired (1) (collecting Social Security).
There were no welfare cases in the neighborhood. The fam-ily
used a private automobile for transportation to work.
NEIGHBORHOOD #4
This neighborhood is located almost in the center
of town; it is bounded on the north by Salisbury Avenue,
West North Street on the south, North First Street on the
east and the Carolina and Northwestern Railroad on the west.
Approximately one-half of the land is zoned for business
and the other half is zoned for residential use. Other than
the YMCA, there are no parks or community facilities. A
small amount (19%) of the land is undeveloped. Dominated by
mill-owned residences, it fringes on Neighborhood 11 which
is totally industrial, and is adjacent to the Carolina and
Northwestern Railroad. Housing in the neighborhood is over
25 years old; no new construction has taken place recently.
Four two-family and two multi-family structures are in the
area. There is no influence on the neighborhood from non-residential
blight. However, major thoroughfares, downtown
31
bound traffic and mill traffic at shift changes compound
the blighting influences of the neighborhood being associ-ated
with a textile mill and railroad environment.
There are no unsurfaced streets in this neighborhood;
no fire calls to residences were reported; and there were
four points where more than two accidents occurred. Four
of a total 93 (4%) dwellings are substandard; density is
4.2 dwelling units per acre.
There were no juvenile arrests in the neighborhood,
and no public assistance cases reported. One major crime
against property was reported.
Two white families were interviewed. One dwelling
had three rooms and one had four or more; one had one
sleeping unit and one had four or more; two had hot and cold
running water inside the house, two had a flush toilet and
two had a bathtub. Two used city water and sewer. Monthly
rent was $72 (including utilities); the estimated value of
the owner- occup ied unit was $3,500. Four females aged 5-14
(1), 45-54 (2) and 65+ (1) were occupied as textile worker
(1) and music teacher (1). Approximate family income for
1967 was $3,824; one was collecting Social Security. One
family used a private car and the other depended on other
transportation to work.
32
NEIGHBORHOOD #5
The neighborhood is bounded on the north by the
corporate limits line, on the east by North First Street,
on the west by the Carolina and Northwestern railroad
tracks, and on the south by Salisbury Avenue. Almost one-half
of the land is undeveloped (48%). The remainder is
used for s ing 1 e- f am i ly residential, commercial and indus-trial
purposes. The area is zoned for approximately one-fourth
residential, one-half industrial, and approximately
one-fifth neighborhood business districts. There are no
community facilities, but the Albemarle Senior High, Central
Elementary and Junior High Schools, Wiscasset Park, a park-playground
and Efird Park are close enough to serve the
area. The neighborhood is mainly undeveloped (crossed by
the Winston-Salem Southbound railroad) and has a combina-tion
of industrial, commercial land uses and mill housing.
A major thoroughfare (Snuggs Street) crosses the neighbor-hood
and there are two at-grade railroad crossings.
There are no unsurfaced streets in the neighborhood;
no fire calls were reported to residences, and there was
one point where more than two accidents occurred. Two of a
total 65 (3%) dwellings are substandard; density per acre is
3.3 dwelling units.
There were no juvenile arrests reported; no public
assistance cases are present. One major crime against prop-erty
and four against persons are on record.
One white family and one Negro family were inter-viewed.
One lived in an owner-occupied unit and the other
rented. Both houses had four or more rooms (two sleeping
33
rooms); one had hot and cold running water inside, the
other had only cold water inside. Two had a flush toilet;
one had a bathtub; both used city water and sewer. The
monthly rent, including utilities, was $50; value of the
owner-occupied structure was $2,500. Three males and four
females aged: 5-14 (1), 15-24 (2), 35-44 (2), 65+ (2), were
employed as textile worker (1) or retired (1). Approximate
family income for 1967 was $3,200, and one was collecting
Social Security. One family used a private automobile for
transportation to work.
NEIGHBORHOOD #6
In the shape of a triangle, the neighborhood is
bounded by the corporate limits on the north, Salisbury
Avenue on the west, the Winston-Salem Southbound railroad
tracks on the southeast, and the Carolina and Northwestern
railroad tracks on the east. More than one-half of the
land is developed for s ingle- f ami ly residential purposes.
Other present uses are industrial and pub 1 ic- s emi-pub 1 i c
.
A large portion of the neighborhood is undeveloped. Except
for one small area zoned for industrial use and an even
smaller area zoned for commercial use, the neighborhood is
entirely residential. Overall development utilizes approx-imately
65% of the land area. There are no significant
external influences of non-residential blight in the area.
Lower income families live in the textile mill housing.
Wiscasset Mill owns these houses and maintains them very
well (mostly 30-40 years old). More recent construction
(10 years or less) of housing in the area bounded by Riley,
Snuggs and Hilltop Streets has been taking place. There is
one two-family dwelling in this neighborhood. Wiscasset
Ball Park is also in the area.
34
Three fire calls and one point where more than two
accidents occurred were reported. Parker Street, Moose
Street and an unnamed street (.71 miles) are unsurfaced.
Seven of a total 304 (2%) dwelling units are substandard;
density per acre is 3.2 dwelling units. A major thorough-fare
(Snuggs Street) crosses the neighborhood, and Ash
Street (a collector) bisects Snuggs Street. Neighborhood
6 has the lowest percentage of substandard houses.
No juvenile arrests were reported but there were
five major crimes against property and seven against per-sons.
There are seven Welfare cases in the area.
Five white families were interviewed. Four lived
in owner-occupied structures and one rented. One dwelling
had three rooms, one had four or more; one had one sleeping
room; two had two sleeping rooms. Five dwelling units had
hot and cold running water inside the house with a flush
toilet and bathtub and access to city water and sewer. The
monthly rent, including utilities, was $43; estimated value
of owner-occupied structures was $2,937.50. Seven males and
eight females aged: under 5 (2), 5-14 (1), 15-24 (2), 25-34
(2), 35-44 (1), 45-54 (2), 55-64 (1), 65+ (4) were occupied
as meat cutter (1), textiles (2), retired (4), knitters (2).
Approximate family income for 1967 was $4,028; five were
collecting Social Security. Five travelled to work by
pr ivat e auto
.
35
NEIGHBORHOOD #7
This neighborhood is Located west of the railroad on
the northwest. It is bounded on the west by the corporate
limits, on the south by the Concord Road and West Main Street,
on the east by the Winston-Salem Southbound railroad tracks,
and on the north by Salisbury Avenue. The land is used pri-marily
for residential purposes. Eleven two-family and one
multi-family structures, public and semi-public (including
10th Division Headquarters of the North Carolina State Highway
Commission), industrial and commercial uses are located in the
area with the appropriate zoning. North Albemarle Elementary
School (constructed in 1949 - student capacity 432), a park-playground
and Efird Park serve the area. Some of what was
formerly mill housing is now owner-occupied and is encircled
by Greenwood, Columbus, Elm and Pennington Streets. Structures
average about 30-40 years old and are mostly substandard and
poorly maintained. Housing owned by Wiscasset Mill, south of
Greenwood to the neighborhood boundary lines, is much better
maintained than most of the privately owned properties although
most of the houses are 30-40 years old. About 60% of the land
is devoted to single-family residential, 15% to commercial,
public and semi-public and industrial, and 25% is undeveloped.
Non-residential blight is evidenced by run-down commercial
uses along Concord Road ( NC 73) and West Main Street. Within
the neighborhood there are several commercial and industrial
uses that need repair and upgrading to reduce their effect on
residential areas.
Fifteen fire calls were reported; eight points had
more than two accidents. Three unnamed streets, Monroe Street
and Hill and Long Streets (1.05 miles) are unsurfaced. Almost
20% (116 of a total 595) of the dwellings are substandard;
36
density per acre is 3.0 dwelling units. A major thoroughfare
(Carolina Avenue) cuts through the neighborhood.
Nineteen major crimes against property and 11 against
persons were reported. There are 28 Welfare cases.
Twenty-eight white families were interviewed. Nine
lived in owner-occupied structures and 19 rented. Four of
the structures had three rooms, 25 had four or more; one had
four sleeping rooms, 15 had two, 8 had three, and one had
four or more. Hot and cold running water were in 20 units,
eight had only cold water inside, and one had no running water.
Flush toilets were in 27 units, one had none; 24 had a bathtub
and four had none? all but one were connected to city water and
sewer. Monthly rent averaged $42.89; estimated value of owner-occupied
structures was $3,717.77.
Forth-three males and 45 females aged under 5 (12),
5-14 (14), 15-24 (18), 25-34 (6), 35-44 (10), 45-54 (18),
55-64 (9), 65+ (16), occupied the 28 houses visited. Occupa-tions
included: textile (6), retired (4), disabled (4), pro-jectionist
(1), highway department (2), furniture (3), carpen-ter
(1), domestic (1), gardner (1), taxi driver (1), laborer
(1), plumber (1), cashier (1), laundry (1). Approximate family
income for 1967 was $3,566; 19 were collecting Social Security
and three were collecting Welfare. Nine drove to work, in a
private automobile and 22 depended on other transportation.
37
NEIGHBORHOOD #8
This neighborhood is bounded on the northeast by Concord
Road, the southwest by the corporate Limits line, and the south-east
by West Main Avenue. Except for highway businesses along
Concord Road, some neighborhood businesses, and two industrial
uses, single-family residences dominate the neighborhood. There
are two multi-family structures, industrial, public and semi-public
and commercial land uses but no schools or parks. West
Albemarle Fire Station, the N.C. Highway Patrol Station and the
City Quarry are located in the area. Houses north of and south-east
of West Main Street are between 20 and 30 years. No non-residential
structures influence blighting characteristics on
the neighborhood, but the older section (Oakwood Park) is be-ginning
to show signs of deterioration. There is a new sub-division
with houses under construction. The City Quarry
(western section of the neighborhood) is far enough removed
from the residential development to avoid having a blighting
affect.
Two fire calls to residences were reported; there were
no points at which more than two accidents occurred. Twenty
of a total 260 (8%) dwellings were substandard; density per
acre was 3.4 dwelling units. A major thoroughfare (West Main
Street Extension) bisects the neighborhood. Fourth Avenue
(.09) miles is unsurfaced.
Four major crimes against property and three against
persons but no juvenile arrests were reported. Four families
were receiving public assistance.
Eight white families were interviewed; three lived in
owner-occupied dwellings and five rented. Eight structures
had four or more rooms; six had two sleeping rooms and two had
three sleeping rooms; six had hot and cold running water
38
inside; two had only cold water; six had a flush toilet and
bathtub, two did not. All were served with city water and
sewer. Monthly rent, including utilities, was $41.10; esti-mated
value of owner- occup ied structures, $4,866.
Sixteen males and 14 females were aged: under 5 (3),
5-14 (3), 15-24 (8), 25-34 (3), 35-44 (3), 45-54 (3), 55-64
(6), 65+ (1). They were employed as: textile workers (5),
disabled (2), painter (1), manufacturing (1), sales clerk
(1), textile mill (4). Six travelled to work in a private
automobile, two depended on other transportation. Approxi-mate
family income for 1967 was $3,841.71; three were col-lecting
Social Security.
NEIGHBORHOOD #9
Neighborhood #9 is located in the southwest portion
of town. It is bounded on the north by West Main Street, on
the northwest by West Main Avenue, on the south by the corpor-ate
limits and on the east by the Winston-Salem Southbound
railroad tracks. Zoning is divided almost equally between
residential and industrial. There is a small strip of busi-ness
activity to the north. Land is used primarily for single-family
and two-family residences, public and semi-public, and
commercial purposes. More than half (56%) of the land is un-developed.
West Albemarle Elementary School (constructed in
1935 - student capacity 297) and the Baptist Home are located
in the area. A transitional area, with homes 10-30 years old
(and run-down) exists along Harwood, Old Charlotte, West Main
and the railroad tracks; better maintained houses (10-30 years
old) are located along West Main, Old Charlotte, and Coble
Streets; a new area has developed on Fernwood Drive, Hazelwood
39
Drive and Cameron Drive within the Last five years (facing NC
27 Bypa s s ) .
Three fire calls to residences and two points where
more than two accidents occurred were reported. Sixteen of
a total 237 (7%) dwelling units are substandard; density per
acre is 2.9 dwelling units. Coy Street (.09 miles) is unsur-faced.
Coble and Old Charlotte Road (collector streets)
carry traffic volumes through the area where older homes are
located.
There were three major crimes against property and
six against persons, but no juvenile arrests. Five families
are collecting Welfare.
Four white families were interviewed. Three families
owned their homes and one rented. All of the houses had hot
and cold running water inside with flush toilets and bathtubs
and were served with city water and sewer. Monthly rent,
including utilities, was $57.00; estimated value of owner-occupied
structures was $2,300.
Three males and four females were aged:15-24 (1),
55-64 (4), 65+ (2). Occupations were: hospital (1), retired
(3), textiles (2). One used a private automobile and the
other a bus for transportation to work. Approximate family
income for 1967 was $2,250; five were collecting Social
Security or retirement pay.
40
NEIGHBORHOOD #10
Located in the southern portion of town, it is bounded
on the north by West Main Street, the Winston-Salem Southbound
railroad tracks on the west, South First Street on the east,
and NC 27 Bypass on the south. The neighborhood is almost
totally zoned for industrial uses; however, commercial, public
and semi-public and s ing 1 e- f ami 1 y residences are present.
About 14% of the land is undeveloped. The area is bisected
by the Carolina and Northwestern railroad tracks, is mainly
an industrial and warehousing area (lumber yard and finishing
plant, feed mill), and has some strip commercial development.
The area is subject to heavy dust and odors. The City Ware-house
and the industrial and commercial development along the
railroad tracks should be upgraded to reduce the affects of
blight on the neighborhood.
One fire call to a residence was reported. Two points
were the scene of more than two accidents. Fifteen of a total
28 (54%) dwelling units are substandard; density is 2.1 dwell-ing
units per acre. This neighborhood is bisected by the
Northwestern Railroad and is crossed by a major thoroughfare
(Aquadale Road) on the south.
One major crime against property occurred in 1967.
Two families receive public assistance.
The three white families interviewed live in rented
houses. The structures had four or more rooms, two sleeping
rooms in each. All had hot and cold running water inside the
housing unit with a flush toilet and bathtub and were served
by city water and sewer. Monthly rent, including utilities ,
a vera ged $43.00.
41
Four males and five females were aged: under 5 (1),
5-14 (2), 15-24 (1), 35-44 (1), 45-54 (1), 55-64 (2), 65+
(1). Occupations included: laundry (1), retired (1), textile
(1), service station (1). Approximate family income for 1967
was $1,670; two families were collecting Social Security or
retirement pay. Two families depended on bus or other means
of transportation.
NEIGHBORHOOD #11
Centrally located with the Winston-Salem Southbound
railroad tracks on the west, Carolina and Northwestern rail-road
on the east and West Main Street on the south, the area
is used and zoned for industrial purposes (textile mills).
A small business area is in the southern portion and a small
portion (67 ) is undeveloped. There are no schools, parks or
houses in the neighborhood. No interviews were conducted.
NEIGHBORHOOD #12
Neighborhood #12 is known as "Kingville" or South
Albemarle. It is bounded on the north by East Main Street,
on the south by NC 27 Bypass, on the east by Coggins Avenue,
and on the west by South First Street. Predominant zoning of
the area is residential, but there are also areas of indus-trial,
neighborhood commercial and highway commercial zoning.
Approximately one-half of the land is zoned for residential;
a large portion (40 %) is undeveloped. Commercial, public and
semi-public, multi-family and industrial uses are present.
42
Community facilities are the Kingville Branch Library and
the South Albemarle Elementary School. South Albemarle
Elementary School was originally constructed in 1936 and was
formerly known as Kingville School (student capacity of 567).
This school is to be closed in June, 1969, by the Albemarle
Board of Education and will be reopened as a supplementary
and adult education facility.
Most of the housing in the area is 25-50 years old,
but a new development encircled by Colston, Spalding, Waddel,
and Lundix Streets has houses from 1-10 years old. Low to
middle income families (predominantly Negro) occupy the
housing. There are 39 two-family dwellings and 10 multi-f
amil y units.
Fifteen fire calls to residences were reported, and
eight points where more than two accidents occured are on
record. Unsurfaced streets (1.59 miles) are Adelaide, Arm-field,
Grant, Hillside, Lande , four unnamed streets, Dunlap
and Beale, Waddel Drive, Summit Avenue, Thomas and Center
Streets. Commercial and industrial uses are mingled with
residential uses. Two major thoroughfares, South Second
Street and Arey Avenue, pass through the neighborhood as well
as the collector streets Gibson, Lennox, South Cotton Avenue,
Wall Street and Summit Avenue. Blight appears in the commer-cial
uses along East Main Street and in neighborhood commer-cial
outlets. Substandard houses numbered 232 of a total 644
(36%); density per acre is 4.4 dwelling units.
Fifteen juvenile arrests were made; 34 major crimes
against property and 39 against persons were reported. Fifty-one
cases of public assistance are: 16 Aid to Families with
Dependent Children, 14 Old Age Assistance, 18 Aid to Perma-nently
and Totally Disabled, and 3 Aid to the Blind.
43
Thirty-four Negro families were interviewed. Twelve
houses were owner-occupied, 21 were rented. Thirty of the
houses had four or more rooms; two had three, one had two and
one had one. Twenty-three houses had two sleeping rooms, nine
had three and two had one. Nineteen had hot and cold running
water inside the housing unit, fifteen had only cold water
inside. Thirty-four had flush toilets, 25 had a bathtub and
nine had neither. Thirty houses were supplied with city
water and all had city sewer. Monthly rent, including util-ities,
averaged $38.30; estimated value of owner-occupied
structures was $7,100 (average).
Sixty-one males and 72 females were aged: under 5
(21), 5-14 (35), 15-24 (21), 25-34 (15), 35-44 (19), 45-54
(23), 55-64 (7), 65+ (2). Thirty-eight children were enrolled
in school. Occupations of head of household were: pastor (1),
textiles (7), poultry (1), retired (3), disabled (2), service
station (1), teacher (1), laborer (1), machine operator (1),
truck driver (1), hospital (1), cafeteria (1), bricklayer
(1). Twenty-seven had private automobiles, six depended on
other means of transportation. The approximate family income
for 1967 was $4,158; nine were collecting Social Security or
retirement pay; three were collecting Welfare.
NEIGHBORHOOD #13
Neighborhood #13 is bounded on the north by East Main
Street, the west by Coggins Avenue and the east by the corpor-ate
limits. Zoning is primarily for residential use. There
is, however, a small strip zoned for business along East Main
Street. Commercial, industrial, public and semi-public, and
44
multi-family residences are present in the area. About 60%
of the land is developed. The houses average 15 years or
more in age -- and are "extensions" of "Kingville" and the
low to below average income families.
No fire calls were reported. There were three points
where more than two accidents occurred. Unsurfaced streets
(.6 miles) are Crowell Avenue, Hinson Street, Groves Avenue,
Lincolnton and Stanly Streets. Thirty-two of a total 163
(20%) of the houses are substandard; density per acre is
3.8 dwelling units. Three collector streets, Bell and Amhurst
cross the neighborhood.
One juvenile arrest, four major crimes against proper-ty
and five against persons were reported. Twelve families
receive Welfare payments.
Seven Negro families were interviewed. Six structures
have four or more rooms, one had three; two have three sleep-ing
rooms, four have two and one had one. One has hot and
cold running water inside the unit, five have only cold water,
and one has running water on the property but not inside the
unit. One had a flush toilet and bathtub; the other six had
neither. All seven were served with city water and sewer.
Average monthly rent, including utilities, was $33.00.
Twenty-two males and 25 females were aged: under 5 (14),
5-14 (14), 15-24 (11), 25-34 (3), 35-44 (3), 45-54 (2). Seven-teen
children were enrolled in school. Occupations included:
machine operator (1), textiles (3), City (1), steel (1),
Country Club (1), Baptist Home (1), domestic (1). Six had
private automobiles and three depended on other means of trans-portation.
The approximate family income for 1967 was $4,100.
One family was collecting Social Security or retirement pay.
No major crimes or juvenile arrests were reported.
45
NEIGHBORHOOD #14
This neighborhood is bounded on the north by NC 27
Bypass, the southwest and southeast by the corporate limits.
Zoning is primarily for residential purposes. Other zoning
is located in the southwest portion for neighborhood commer-cial
and industrial purposes. Land usage is primarily unde-veloped
(71 %) , although there are uses for public and semi-public,
s ingle- f ami ly residential, and one area of commercial
development. The area, although sparsely developed, is mostly
residential. Homes are ten years or older and are occupied
by low to middle income families. A new residential area --
Ross Hills with 12-15 s ing le- f ami ly units -- is developing.
No fire calls to residences were on record. There
was one point where more than two accidents occurred. Canter-berry
Road, and Hastings Drive (.45 miles) are unsurfaced.
Two of the 53 houses (4%) are substandard; 3.3 dwelling units
density per acre. One major thoroughfare (US 52) crosses the
neighborhood. A small portion of NC 27 Bypass is in the area.
No residential interviews were made. There were two cases of
Welfare assistance.
46
FRINGE AREA OF ALBEMARLE (Extends
one-mile from the corporate limits
in all directions)
(Note: City sewer is not currently available to residential
units located outside the corporate limits. This is
a policy of the City Board of Commissioners. City
water is available in certain areas (mainly on the
north side of the city limits), but present policy
does not permit extension of lines to serve addi-tional
dwellings. Existing lines extending beyond
the corporate limits are for the most part main
transmission lines or industrial supply lines.)
NEIGHBORHOOD Al
The neighborhood is located outside the corporate
limits to the west. It is bounded on the north by Pennington
Road, the west by the one-mile limit, and the south by the
Concord Road, and. east by the corporate limits line. Zoning
is predominantly residential. Most (877o) of the land is un-developed;
industrial and commercial uses front on Concord
Road. Most of what were formerly mill-owned houses (40 years
old) are now owner-occupied and are run-down. New develop-ments
have occurred in the northern section of the area. This
is a combination " low- income-a vera ge- income " neighborhood.
There are no school or park facilities here. Density is 2.1
dwelling units per acre.
Sixteen of a total 9 9 (16%) dwelling units are sub-standard.
There was one family receiving public assistance,
Aid to the Blind.
Four white families were interviewed. Three lived in
owner-occupied structures, one rented. The four houses had
47
four or more rooms; two had two bedrooms, two had three. One
had hot and cold running water inside the house, two had only
cold water inside, and one had no running water. One unit had
a flush toilet and bathtub, the other three had neither. One
structure had city water, two used an individual well, and two
had outside privy. Monthly rent, including utilities, averaged
$33.50; owner-occupied structures averaged $2,700 in value.
Eight males and six females were aged: under 5 (2), 5-14 (2),
15-24 (5), 25-34 (1), 45-54 (1), 55-64 (2), 65+ (1). Three
children were enrolled in school.
Occupations were: textiles (2), sheet metal business-man
(1), plumber (1), husbands helper (1). Three had private
cars for transportation, one used a taxi. Approximate family
income in 1967 was $5,196.50. One person was collecting Social
Security.
NEIGHBORHOOD A2
West of Albemarle, the neighborhood is bounded on the
north by the Concord Road, the south by SR 1267, the west by
the one-mile limit and the east by the corporate limits. The
area is zoned residential — but most of the neighborhood has
not yet developed for urban use. There is a section of indus-trial
use in the northern portion and a small public and semi-public
use. There are no school or park facilities. The
water treatment plant and City Lake are located just beyond
the corporate limits. The influence of two mills, treatment
plant, City Lake and Quarry, and substandard housing do nothing
to enhance this area. Density is 1.9 dwelling units per acre.
Four of 16 (25 7») houses are substandard.
48
Two interviews were conducted with white families. One
owned his house, the other rented. Both had four or more rooms
and both had three sleeping rooms. Hot and cold running water
were inside one unit, the other had no running water. One had a
flush toilet and bathtub, the other had neither and depended on
an outside privy. Monthly rent was $20; estimated value of
owner-occupied structure was $7,000.
Four males and five females were aged: under 5 (1),
5-14 (1), 15-24 (3), 25-34 (1), 45-54 (1), 55-64 (2). Three
children were in school. Occupations were: construction worker
(1), textiles (1), construction helper (1). Two had private
automobiles. Approximate family income for 1967 was $5,500.
One person was collecting Social Security.
NEIGHBORHOOD A3
Neighborhood A3 is located southwest of town. It is
bounded on the north by SR 1267, the west by the one-mile
limit, and the east by SR 1268. The area is zoned for resi-dential
use and most of the development has been for this pur-pose
except for a small area of commercial outlets in the
southern portion. The majority of the land is undeveloped and
is wooded farm land with one private road. There are no school
or park facilities in the area. Density is 1.3 dwelling units
per acre. One of six (16%) is substandard.
Two crimes were committed against property, and two
aga ins t per s ons
.
49
NEIGHBORHOOD A4
The area is bounded on the west by Poplin Grove
Church Road, on the north by West Main Street Extension,
on the east by the corporate limits and Long Creek, and by
West Main Avenue (Charlotte Road) on the southeast. Zoned
for residential use, there are some industrial, commercial
and public and semi-public uses present; however, much of
the land is undeveloped. There are no school or park facil-ities
located here. Farm-type houses, bottom land and woods
typify the area on the north. Low to middle income families
occupy the housing units. Density per acre is 2.4 dwelling
units .
Some retail and industrial uses along West NC 27
are poorly maintained and add blight to the neighborhood.
Six of 43 (14%) houses are substandard. One family receives
Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
Four interviews were conducted with white families.
Three lived in owner-occupied structures, one rented. Four
had four or more rooms, one had one sleeping room, three had
two. One structure had hot and cold running water inside the
unit, three had only cold water inside. Three had flush
toilet, one did not. Two had bathtub or shower, two did not.
Four depended on wells; one used an outside privy. Monthly
rent, including utilities, was $36; average value of owner-occupied
structures was $2,833.
Six males and seven females were aged: under 5 (2),
15-24 (2), 35-44 (2), 45-54 (1), 55-64 (1), 65+ (1). No
children were in school. Occupations included: retired (1),
plumber (1), disabled (1), practical nurse (1), farm labor
(1), mechanic (1), textiles (1). One family had a private car.
Approximate family income for 1967 was $3,291; five collecting
Social Security or retirement pay.
50
NEIGHBORHOOD A5
Neighborhood A5 is bounded on the northwest by Char-lotte
Road (leading to West Main Avenue), the one-mile fringe
limit line on the southwest, N.C. 27 Bypass on the southeast,
and the city limit line on the northwest. The area is mostly
zoned for residential purposes but there are some commercial
and industrial areas. Approximately one-half of the land is
undeveloped. Low middle income residences, city maintenance
shops and commercial outlets characterize the neighborhood.
No schools or parks are in the area. A major thoroughfare
has been proposed for Neighborhood A5. None of the 39 dwell-ings
is substandard. Density per acre is 2.2 dwelling units.
One white family was interviewed. They lived in an
owner-occupied structure with four or more rooms and two bed-rooms.
Only cold water was inside the unit; there was no
flush toilet and no bathtub and they depended on a well. The
estimated value of the structure was $2,000.
Three males and two females were aged: 5-14 (3), 25-34
(1), 35-44 (1). Three children were in school. As a farm
laborer the approximate family income for 1967 was $4,200. The
f ami ly had a car
.
NEIGHBORHOOD A6
Located in the south portion of the fringe area, it is
bounded by NC 27 Bypass on the north and west, the one-mile
limit line on the south, and Aquadale Road on the east. The
land is zoned for residential and light industrial purposes,
but there are public and semi-public, industrial and commercial
51
purposes present. For the most part, the area is undeveloped.
The sewage treatment plant is located on Little Long Creek,
and a State prison camp and prison shop are important features
of the area. The neighborhood is characterized by one section
of above average homes in Wesley Heights, lower priced homes
in the eastern portion of the area and average homes in the
western section. There are no schools or parks within the
neighborhood. Density is 2.1 dwelling units per acre.
Three of 5 2 (6%) houses are substandard. One major
crime against property was reported.
Two Negro families were interviewed. One owned the
house, the other rented, both had four or more rooms, one with
two sleeping rooms and one with three sleeping rooms; neither
had running water, flush toilet or bathtub. One family had a
well, one had a privy and "takes water from the store." Esti-mated
value of owner-occupied structure was $1,500; rent for
the other was unknown.
Eight males and six females were aged: under 5 (3),
5-14 (6), 15-24 (1), 25-34 (1), 45-54 (4). Five children were
in school. Occupations included: textile (1), domestic (2),
laundry worker (2), disabled (1). One family used a private
automobile for transportation. Approximate family income for
1967 was $1,603; one was collecting Social Security or retire-ment
pa y
»
52
NEIGHBORHOOD A7
Neighborhood A7 is Located in the southcentral portion
of the fringe area. It is bounded on the northeast by US 52,
the city Limits on the north, Aquadaie Road on the west and
the one-mile fringe limit Line on the south. There are pubiic
and semi-pubiic, s ing i e- f am i L y residences, and commercial uses
in the area — which is generally undeveloped. A7 shares Rock
Creek Park with Neighborhood 14 - but there are no schools. Low
m iddl e- income type housing is in the western portion and some
of the same type is located along the boundary streets. There
are several small retail businesses that are rundown, and ex-cept
for one abandoned railroad (Northwestern) and the Winston-
Salem Southbound, the remainder of the area is vacant farmland
and wooded. Seven of the 21 (33%) houses are substandard.
Density per acre is 1.0 dwelling units. Two crimes against
property were reported.
The three white families interviewed lived in owner-occupied
structures. All had four or more rooms, one had one
bedroom, and two had three; all had hot and cold running water
inside the unit, with flush toilets and bathtub. One used
city water, the other two had individual wells. Estimated
value of the structures was $3,000.
Four males and two females were aged: 15-24 (2), 35-44
(1), 45-54 (3). Occupations were: cafe worker (1), textiles
(1), dye plant (1). Two families had private automobiles.
Approximate family income for 1967 was $2,195; two were collect-ing
war pensions.
53
NEIGHBORHOOD A8
This area is located southeast of the town of Albemarle.
It is bounded on the north by the corporate limits, the west by
US 52 South, the south by the planning area boundary, and the
east by Country Road. The neighborhood is zoned for residential
purposes, but there are public and semi-public uses present.
The Albemarle Airport and a small amount of neighborhood commer-cial
businesses are in this neighborhood. Houses facing Norwood
Road are of the average type. Density per acre is 1.9 dwelling
units. Two of nineteen houses (11%) are substandard. Two crimes
against property and one against persons were reported.
No interviews were made in this neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD A9
A9 is located in the southeastern portion of the plan-ning
area. It is bounded by NC 27 Bypass on the northwest,
Country Road on the west, the one-mile fringe limit line on the
east, and the Raleigh Highway (NC 27 and 73) on the north. The
land is used for s ing le- f am i 1 y residential, commercial and
industrial, and public and semi-public uses. The area, mostly
undeveloped, is zoned for residential purposes. There are no
schools or parks. Midd 1 e- income type housing, two salvage
yards, several retail businesses, and the VFW clubhouse charac-terize
the area. Three of 57 (6%) houses are substandard. One
family receives public assistance. Density is 1.7 dwelling
unit s per acre
.
Two white families, living in their own homes, were
interviewed. One structure had three rooms and two bedrooms;
54
one had four or more rooms and two bedrooms. Neither had run-ning
water, flush toilet or bathtub and depended on neighbors'
wells and an outside privy. Estimated value of owner-occupied
structures was $900.
Three males and two females were aged: 5-14 (1), 55-64
(3), 65+ (1). One child attended school. Occupations included:
junk hauler (1), mows yards (1), babysitter (1). One family
had a private automobile for transportation. Approximate family
income for 1967 was $742 and two families were collecting Welfare
NEIGHBORHOOD A9A
This neighborhood is located in the eastern portion of
the planning area and is bounded on the northwest by the corpor-ate
limits and on the southeast by NC 27 Bypass. This is the
smallest area of the study. It is zoned for residential use
and is undeveloped. There are no community facilities (e.g.,
schools, parks, etc.). Density per acre is 2.2 dwelling units.
One of the two houses is substandard (50%). No interviews were
conducted .
NEIGHBORHOOD A10
Located in the east central portion of the planning
area this neighborhood is bounded on the north and west by NC
740, on the south by the Raleigh Highway (NC 27 and 73), and
on the north and east by the one-mile fringe limit line. Most
of the land is undeveloped; however, there are commercial and
public and semi-public uses. The area is characterized by
average type houses on Anderson Grove Church Road, retail out-
55
lets and a transfer company, and vacant farmland. There are no
schools or parks in the neighborhood. Density is 2.1 dwelling
units per acre. Eight of the 36 (22%) houses are substandard.
Two white families were interviewed. One was an owner-occupied
structure and the other was rented; both had four or
more rooms; one had two sleeping rooms and the other had one.
One structure had only cold water inside; the other used water
drawn from a well through a hose to the house. Neither house
had a flush toilet or bathtub and both used outside privies.
The monthly rent, including utilities, averaged $33.33. The
estimated value of the owner-occupied structure was $1,000.
Two males and two females were aged: 15-24 (1), 45-54
(1), 55-64 (1), 65+ (1). Occupations included: farmer and Oil
Company employee (1), retired (1), disabled (1). One family
had a car. Approximate family income for 1967 was $2,056, and
two were collecting Social Security or retirement pay.
NEIGHBORHOOD All
The neighborhood is bounded on the north and west by
Ridge Road, the southwest by the corporate limits, NC 740 on
the southeast, and the one-mile fringe limit line on the north-east.
Land is used for s ing le- f am i ly residential, public and
semi-public, industrial, and commercial purposes. The area is
zoned for residential purposes, and typical of the fringe area,
it is mostly undeveloped. A municipal pa rk-p la yf ie 1 d to be
developed in conjunction with a Junior High School on Ridge
Road has been proposed for the area -- but no community facil-ities
are presently located here. Average type housing is loca-ted
on Eastwood Park, the Fairgrounds and the Army Reserve
Building characterize the area. Density is 1.7 dwelling units
56
per acre. Seven of a total 9 6 houses (7%) are substandard. No
interviews were conducted in this area.
NEIGHBORHOOD AL2
This neighborhood is located north of the corporate
limits, is bounded on the north by the one-mile fringe limit
line, the south by the corporate limits, the west by US 52
North, and the east by Ridge Road. The area is undeveloped --
except for some small commercial (along US 52), industrial and
semi-public purposes. The area is zoned residential and con-tains
above average homes in the northeastern section; average
homes are located on Pennington Ferry Road. Substandard houses
are located west of the railroad tracks that bisect the neigh-borhood.
No schools or parks are located here. Density per
acre is 2.3 dwelling units. Eleven of 124 (9%) of the houses
are substandard. One family receives Welfare Assistance. Four
crimes against property and one against persons were reported.
Two interviews were conducted. Both were white famil-ies
and lived in their own homes with four or more rooms -- one
with two sleeping rooms, the other with three sleeping rooms
and both with hot and cold running water inside with flush
toilets and bathtubs. Both houses used wells. Estimated value
of the houses was $1,425.
One male and two females were over 65 years of age and
retired. They had an automobile and averaged $1,470 income
for 1967. Three persons were collecting Social Security or
ret ir ement pay
.
57
NEIGHBORHOOD A13
Bounded on the north by the one-mile fringe Line, the
south by the corporate line, and the west by Salisbury Avenue,
and the east by US 52 North, this area is located north of the
corporate limits. Most of the land is undeveloped. Single-family
residential, commercial and industrial uses are present.
Houses are more than 20 years old and are substandard. Below
average to average housing is located on US 52; the streets are
poorly platted and maintained. A trailer is now being in-stalled.
There are no community facilities. Density per
acre is 2.4 dwelling units.
Twelve of 88 (14%) houses are substandard. Two crimes
by juveniles and three crimes against persons were reported.
No interviews were conducted in this neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD A14
Area A14 is located in the northwestern portion of the
planning area and is bounded on the north and west by the one-mile
fringe limit, the south by SR 1401, the southeast by the
corporate limits, and the northeast by Salisbury Avenue. The
area is zoned for residential purposes, is used for single-family
residences, and is mostly undeveloped. There are no
community facilities (e.g., schools, parks, etc.). New housing
on Mann Road, and average housing (20-25 years old) along
Pennington Road and vacant land characterize the area. Density
per acre is 1.8 dwelling units.
58
Six of 49 houses (12%) are substandard. A major thor-oughfare
has been proposed for construction in the southeastern
portion of the area.
One family is on Welfare; two juvenile crimes, two
crimes against property and two against persons were reported.
EVALUATION
The data obtained from the analyses of neighborhoods
on an individual basis does not clearly define any particular
areawide pattern of blight. Therefore, the results of the
sample survey have been totalled in order to be more represen-tative
of all substandard dwellings throughout the Albemarle
planning area. The following evaluation is presented, there-fore,
to afford an overall view of the existing socio-economic
pa t tern
.
43% are homeowners
68% are white
90% have four or more rooms
91% have more than one bedroom
Average family size was 3.5 persons per housing unit
61% have hot and cold running water; 31% have cold
only and 8% have neither
81% have flush toilets
737o have a bathtub or shower
Average monthly rent, including utilities, is $42
Estimated value of owner-occupied structure is $3,227
52% of the residents are female
106 children (of a total population of 475) were en-rolled
in school
The textile industry is the major employer
70% of the employed used automobiles for transportation
to work
1967 average family income was $2,730
15% of the residents are collecting either OAS I or
ret ir ement
2 7o of the residents are receiving Welfare assistance.
59
The survey form (and totals) are reproduced in the
Appendix. However, the following should be noted:
Owne r-o
ccup ied units predominated in Neighborhoods
1, 2, 6, 9, 14, Al, A4, A7 , A9 , and A12. Substandard
structures are predominant in areas 7, 10, 12, 13, A2
,
A7 , A9 , and A10. A general assumption is made, there-fore,
that absentee ownership is a major cause of
deterioration.
Of the families interviewed, Negroes were in the
minority. However, in Neighborhoods 12, 13, and A6 ,
all (42) interviewed were Negroes. Again, rental
housing units are in the majority (29 of the 42) —
further evidence of the problems associated with
absentee ownership.
Overcrowding (more than one person per room and/or
bedroom) was not overly evident. The notable excep-tion
was Neighborhood 12 in which 133 persons live
and sleep in 129 rooms — about 1.03 rooms per person
and 1.8 persons per sleeping room.
All city residents had inside running water but 34
of 108 families had cold water only. Twenty-four
have neither bath or shower, and nine had no flush
toilet. Fringe area interviewees reported, of 28
total, seven without running water, eight with cold
water only, fifteen with neither bathtub or shower,
and fourteen did not have flush toilets.
Average rent, including utilities, ranged from a low
of $20 (Neighborhood A2) to a high of $72 (Neighborhood
4). Those neighborhoods having the highest percentage
of substandard units average about $38 monthly —
which is not excessive. Estimated value of owner-occupied
units ranged from $900 (Neighborhood A9) to
$7,100 (Neighborhood 12).
Age breakdown indicates groups 5-14, 15-24 and 55-64
have the largest number -- indicative of the exodus
of productive workers.
Average family income ranged from $742 (Neighborhood
A9) to $5,196 (Neighborhood Al); however, Neighborhoods
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, Al , A2 , A4 , A5 , A13, and
A14 (15 of 28 neighborhoods involving 113 families) had
60
average incomes higher than the poverty level of
$3,000 — evidence that poor management of income is
contributing to place and condition of residency.
Only 8 of the 136 families qualify for assistance
from the Welfare Department -- indicating that many
indigents do not qualify for public welfare assis-ance
.
The foregoing reveals that no particular pattern has
occurred in the socio-economic indices. Although substandard
structures are more evident in Neighborhoods 10, 12, A7 and
A9 , these areas have average family incomes of $1,640, $4,158,
$2,195, and $742, respectively. However, only three inter-views
were made in Areas 10, 3 in Area A7 , and 2 in Area 9,
whereas 34 were made in Area 12 — generally considered as
being Albemarle's most blighted neighborhood. Also, two of
three families in Neighborhood 10 had OASI or retirement
incomes, 9 of 34 in Neighborhood 12 and 2 of 3 in Neighbor-hood
A7 — indicative not of earning capacity but of totally
inadequate r e t ir ement / d i sab i 1 i ty programs and not the "fault"
o f Albemar le
.
It may be generally concluded that substandard housing
in Albemarle has not substantially contributed to the socio-economic
problems of the occupants. It appears that the reverse
is true. That is, those residents with socio-economic problems
may well tend to "favor" substandard housing because of eco-nomics,
environment, etc. The major problems involve a lack of
standard rental units, absentee owners not making necessary-repairs,
and owner-occupants having insufficient income to
renovate. There are, however, programs underway and proposed
to help remedy these problems and are discussed in other
sections of the report.
61
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
A great deal of progress has and is being made in the
Albemarle planning area relative to community improvements.
Although there are certain obvious pockets of blight existing,
it is not unreasonable to anticipate remedial action in the
near future. Efforts being made at the local level are indi-cative
of the overall awareness that remedial action is war-ranted.
Significant achievements have been made in all "cate-gories"
and there is no indication that either current or
proposed blight elimination activities will not be carried
out. Several programs currently in progress are summarized
be 1 ow
.
ACTION PLANS
The following is a brief summary of municipal action
taken since the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan. More
detailed examples are found in other sections of this study.
Plans are now being made by the City Council to
determine the feasibility of annexation.
The Planning Board is reviewing the Land Development
Plan and Zoning Ordinance and is considering revision
of same in view of changing development trends.
The Police Department has moved into new quarters --
the recently vacated and remodeled Post Office.
Facilities in the basement are to be used by the
Police Reserve, the State Bureau of Investigation
and for an Emergency Operations Center under the
direction of Civil Defense,
A Workable Program for Community Improvement has been
prepared and approved by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
62
A revised Comprehensive Street Plan (Thoroughfare Plan)
has been approved by the City Council.
A new bridge has been constructed over Town Creek and
the widening of West Main Street to West End has been
comp le t ed
.
Installation of mercury vapor lighting for the im-proved
section of West Main Street has been authorized
with wiring to be placed underground.
Approval has been given to a new contract with Duke
Power Company for demand up to 25,000 kw
.
The City has contracted with Southeastern Engineers
for a study of load centers in the electrical system,
one phase of which would result in improving service
to the River Haven section.
In addition to installing several water and sewer
lines, a fixed rate of cost per foot for street
improvements, curb and gutter, and water and sewer
lines is being established. This standard policy for
assessments will involve a percentage cost payment by
the property owner even though the development is not
new.
A Codes Review Committee has been authorized to study
the 1965 Fire Prevention Code to determine need for
rev is ing
.
A long-range water use engineering survey has been
completed. This study details the City's existing
water resources and anticipated water needs for the
next 20 years .
A consulting engineering firm has been retained to
plan expansion of the City's filter plant, improve-ments
to the water distribution system, and construc-tion
of a new sewage treatment plant. (Anticipated
improvements would include among others, a new intake
pump at the Yadkin River, a new raw water line, a new
raw water storage reservoir, a new 750,000 gallon
elevated storage tank, a new 8 million gallon capacity
sewage treatment plant, new outfalls, etc.)
63
SANITATION
"Piggy-poke" plastic bags for use in garbage cans
are now available for sale by the City to city resi-dents.
An experiment conducted by the City last
summer indicated that use of these bags results in
more sanitary handling of garbage and lengthens the
life of garbage cans by preventing liquids from
causing rust.
COUNTY WATER AND SEWER STUDY
The Farmers Home Administration recently approved a
grant of $12,500 for a water and sewer survey in
Stanly County. The study will propose a plan whereby
water could be made available from a central filter-ing
plant to most areas not now served and possibly
a plan for sewer service.
The need for a countywide water/sewer system is evi-denced
by the recent discovery of pollution in some
Stanly County wells -- which may be the source of a
virus that apparently caused a large number (250)
cases of encephalitis type illness in the county
during July and August of this year (1968). The
source of pollution is not known, but there is evi-dence
of increasing pollution of underground water
resources over a large area in this general portion
of North Carolina. About 26 wells in various parts
of the county have received chlorine treatment because
of pollution. Also, the North Stanly High School well
was abandoned because of this. Obviously, a county
water system, at least on a selected basis, is needed.
HOUSING CODE
The Building Inspector in Albemarle controls the most
effective means of eliminating structural blight and
encouraging compatible and aesthetic development. He
is empowered to
:
— enforce building code regulations
enforce zoning regulations — issue building permits — enforce the minimum housing code.
64
In April, 1968, Albemarle adopted a Minimum Housing
Code which sets minimum standards for plumbing for
all dwellings and apartments, minimum standards for
light and ventilation; minimum requirements for elec-trical
systems; minimum standards for space, use and
locations; minimum standards for safe and sanitary
maintenance; minimum standards for control of insects,
rodents and infestations; instructions for handling
garbage and rubbish; and sets the responsibilities of
owners and occupants of dwelling units. The
code has a separate section dealing with standards for
rooming houses.
The code provides for the appointment of a Housing
Official to administer and enforce the law, and also
provides for a Housing Board of Adjustments and
Appeals, which shall be the last resort for any
request, short of action in the courts.
The code does not call for any radical changes in
currently accepted construction practices in Albemarle.
It does, however, provide a standard under which hous-ing
now in existence can be judged and below which no
new construction can be built. The code contains
machinery for condemning dilapidated or badly sub-standard
housing under certain conditions.
Through October 10, 1968, 71 houses were inspected
with 42 found seriously substandard and condemned,
five met the terms of the code and 24 had minor defects
needing repair. Eleven of these have already been
repaired. Albemarle's systematic house code enforce-ment
program is obviously producing results.
PUBLIC HOUSING
Construction of 200 units of public housing — 150
regular housing units and 50 designed for elderly per-sons
— is being planned. A study of available sites
has been made by the Housing Authority but no specific
sites have been chosen. An application has been sub-mitted
to the Federal Government for an advance plan-ning
grant to facilitate employment of an architect
and land purchases. Cost of the units is expected to
range from $13,000 to $14,000.
65
The public housing plans also include consideration of
day care facilities in a community center, (A "private"
day care center is being constructed on North Fourth
Street by the Stanly Care and Training Corporation --
an organization of local business and professional men.
The modern 50'x80' one-story building will contain 4,000
square feet and will house rooms for four different age
groups, Designed to accommodate 50 or more children for
working mothers, the facility will also contain a lounge,
reception room, sick room, toilets, kitchen, and storage
facilities.,)
Although Neighborhood 12 has the largest number of sub-standard
housing units and should receive first prior-ity
under the program, Neighborhoods 10, 7 and 13 should
also be included in plans for public housing.
Also, a project has been initiated for the construction
of new, low-cost housing for approximately 70 low-income
families in Stanly County through the Farmers Home
Administration. A 30-acre tract near Harristown, between
New London and Badin (northeast of Albemarle) is being
subdivided and developed for this project. The housing
will be financed through the FHA and range in price from
$10,000 to $12,000.
PRIVATE HOUSING
A group of area contractors has scheduled meetings with
the City Council and Planning Board to discuss the lack
of standard rental housing (single and multi-family units)
in the planning area. Hopefully, agreements will be
reached relative to areas needing rental housing, zoning,
streets, utilities, municipal services, annexation, etc.,
all of which may be used to complement such development.
It is encouraging to note a "sudden desire" by some
property owners to improve their properties -- particularly
in South Albemarle, Recently, numerous applications for
home improvement and new home loans have been submitted
to local financial institutions. (One such organization
has had about 50 applications within a recent two-month
period.) Specific reasons for this rather unexpected
activity are hard to determine. It can, however, be
assumed that recent governmental actions -- e . g . , minimum
66
house code enforcement, proposed public housing
actions, civic interest, etc., -- have helped awaken
the interest and concern of area residents. Regard-less
of the reasons it is a desirable and worthwhile
pattern that should be encouraged to continue —
particularly that of making local monies available
to finance improvements.
RECREATION
Numerous improvements were made this summer in the
city's recreation facilities. Some of these are:
Rock Creek Park — reroofing bathhouses and concession
stands, ballfield improvements, painting, grass seed-ing,
tree removal, cleaning back underbrush and vines.
Plans are to pave the driveway from the road into the
pool complex, expand the parking areas and add new
tennis courts. Also, a rifle club is to be formed in
connection with existing activities at the rifle range
South Albemarle — new ballfield, grass seeding, new
paved ball court, new parking lot, additional play-ground
equipment and picnic tables.
West Albema rle -- installation of new playground
equipment in a vacant lot on West Park Avenue.
East Cannon Avenue — two acres developed as multi-purpose
play area and picnic tables.
Carolina Avenue — 8 acres cleared and will contain
a new ballfield and parking lot. Plans for future
development include tennis courts, basketball, volley
ball, paddle ball, horseshoes, etc.
Association of Christian Athletes organized in
cooperation with Albemarle Senior High School Athletic
Department .
Area recreation involves planned improvements at
Morrow Mountain State Park. The Division of State
Parks of the North Carolina Department of Conserva-tion
and Development has given top priority in the
next biennium budget to $50,000 for renovations to
the bathhouse and swimming pool. Second priority
has been given to funds for renovating the park water
67
system and fourth priority to reworking the parking
lots and paving. High priority was also given the
rebuilding of fire, hiking, and bridle paths. Also
an additional 285 acres were recently purchased,
bringing the total park acreage to 4,420 acres.
COURT HOUSE - LIBRARY
Stanly County's Courthouse is obsolete a
structurally sound nor spatially adequat
not qualify for issuance of a building p
minor repairs and extensive work would b
to bring it up to building code standard
fifteen county offices a re now located
locations around Albemarle, a number of
rented and/or inadequate buildings. How
Board of County Commissioners has select
South Second Street, about midway betwee
South Streets for a new courthouse and j
to a special bond referendum on December
the courthouse site will encompass appro
110,000 square feet which will be adequa
building and for about 200 parking space
the county government center.
nd is neither
e . It does
ermi t for
e required
s . Also,
in various
them in
ever , the
ed a site on
n Ma in and
ail. Sub j e c
t
10, 1968 ,*
xima te 1 y
te for the
s t o s erve
A library bond issue*will be offered at the same time,
but as a separate question because of North Carolina
law. The new building will be constructed as a
separate building in order to qualify for Federal
participation. Local officials hope to obtain up to
50% of the library's cost from this source. Present
plans call for use of a portion of the land already
owned by the county and occupied by the old Courthouse
for the new library.
Construction of these two facilities (4 million dollars)
could provide needed impetus to the downtown improve-ments
program. For example, the new cour t hous e- j a i
1
would replace several old buildings along South Second
Street from the Beal Clinic northward through the old
Stanly General Hospital building. After completion
of this project the old courthouse would be replaced
by a new library building resulting in modernization
of large portions of two blocks within the central
business district.
'Note: Referendum was approved.
68
VOCATIONAL WORKSHOP
The Stanly County Vocational Workshop has been in
operation since December, 1965, and offers training
and rehabilitation for handicapped persons. The
program has been well received and has active support
from a number of local industries (e.g., Richfield
Manufacturing, the Snyder Company, etc.), the Associ-ation
for Retarded Children and the Albemarle Junior
Woman's Club. The Association has begun construction
of a new building to house the workshop on Greenwood
Street near the North Albemarle Elementary School.
INTERCITY GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
An ambitious attempt to coordinate efforts and imple-ment
improvements was made in August, 1968, by the
Albemarle-Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and city
and county officials. Problems and possible solutions
to existing deficiencies in the cities and incorpor-ated
areas in the county were discussed, and as a
consequence of the meeting, the following steps as
part of a "Total Development Program" were developed:
RESULT #1 . The start of an Intercity
Council was provided by the Albemarle-
Chamber of Commerce. Invitations were
officials representing every town in t
representative was given an opportunit
principle problems in his area. A dec
for the same group to meet once a quar
solutions of county and local problems
and suggestions were pooled. The most
voiced suggestions became part of the
the Chamber of Commerce for 1968-69. P
assigned to committees and work was be
the most feasible and practical method
ment .
Go ver nmen t
Stanly County
extended to
h e count y . Each
y to mention
i s ion wa s ma de
ter. Possible
we re discussed
frequently
program for
rojects were
gun to determine
s for accomplish-
RESULT #2 . The organization of 20 clubs into an Inter-club
Council. Instead of overlapping their activities,
the combined memberships are pooling their finances
and are establishing programs to develop bea u t if i ca
t
ion
of the downtown area, recreation centers for youths,
job opportunities, job training, and a rehabilitation
69
center. A drive to encourage public interest in govern-mental
and educational activities will be initiated.
Subjects of discussion included:
Search for labor to fill positions available in the
county. Suggestions for resolving this difficulty
were to obtain a list of the county's unemployed and
contact them for training and upgrading.
The need for a county water and sewerage system.
A paved airport runway. (The present runway is a dirt
strip and the airport is not lighted. An aviation
committee has been set up to take action on this
problem and private individuals have agreed to purchase
standard landing lights. The city will install the
equipment .
)
More housing. (A housing committee was set up to work
with local contractors and financial institutions to
help remedy the shortage.)
"Leadership and lack of knowledge about government
operations by the people." (The Chamber of Commerce
will sponsor a course in practical politics for the
public as soon as possibe.)
Heavily traveled Highway 52. (Splits several Stanly
County towns and the Pfeiffer College Campus down the
middle. Further investigation into the possibility
of rerouting the highway and creating some type of
bypa s s .
)
Communication between the county, city and local
communities must be enlarged so that a feeling of unity
in the county can be realized. The Intercity Govern-ment
Council was divided into committees to investigate
solutions to the water and sewerage facilities --
which seemed to be a major problem.)
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
In cooperation with the General Federation of Women's
Clubs, the Albemarle Woman's Club is participating in
the Sears-Roebuck Foundation sponsored Community Improve-ment
Program. The main purpose is to encourage self-help
activities with analyzation of local needs and
means of implementation the goal of the local unit.
70
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
The Neighborhood Analysis has been prepared to supple-ment
other planning studies by providing more detailed data
on the extent and causes of blight. Implementation of recom-mendations
made should dovetail with comprehensive plans and
result in an area-by-area action program for overall community
improvement and development.
Preceding sections have analyzed information on:
structural conditions in residential and non- r es iden t ia 1 areas;
characteristics of families affected by poor housing; adequacy
of community facilities and services; and general causes of
blight. Based on this, it is obvious that the cause and effect
of blight in Albemarle is not easily defined. Although sub-standard
housing appears to be the major problem, other socio-economic
factors are also contributing to blight. With the
exception of existing deteriorating and dilapidated housing,
it is difficult to pinpoint any other major contributing
factor. The families affected by poor housing are not, gener-ally,
confronted with significant problems of disease, infant
mortality, overcrowding, crime, low income, etc. There are
pockets of these indices, but they are the exception rather
than the norm. Also, non-residential blight is not overly
evident and community facilities and services are, for the
most part, adequate.
In those instances in which remedial actions are most
needed, such is either implemented or proposed. For example,
enforcement of the minimum housing code and plans for public
71
housing are well underway; unemployment is practically non-existent
and supplementary educational programs are established;
and plans are being made to initiate a number of programs rela-tive
to comprehensive elimination of the causes of blight.
The types of actions being provided range from neigh-borhood
residents taking action to eliminate blighting influ-ences
to such programs of public action as code compliance,
public improvements, Federally-aided public housing and compre-hensive
planning — all in combination. Also, a Workable
Program for Community Improvement has been adopted and is being
implemented and, most important, citizen participation is being
f o s tered .
This is not to say that all Albemarle's problems are
being solved. There are certain objectives and goals yet to
be met. The more significant of these are:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Improve home maintenance, including necessary repairs
painting, yard bea u t if ica t ion , etc.
Eliminate outbuildings such as sheds, garages and
workshops no longer being used.
Provide neighborhood improvement committees with
assistance in formulating and implementing projects.
Establish a technical institute to provide training
leading to better jobs for the underemployed.
Utilize funds from the Economic Opportunity Act to
educate and train the underemployed and physically
hand icapped .
Countywide and/or regional economic development
should be fostered as a cooperative project by all
public and civic organizations. For example, one
of the first steps should involve a comprehensive
county planning program.
72
7)
9)
10)
U)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
Banks, savings and loan associations, developers
and businessmen should encourage home ownership
and cooperate in providing needed rental housing.
Federal grants (e.g., Open Space funds) should be
used to help provide additional neighborhood recrea-t
ion facilities.
Vacant lots should be kept mowed and debris removed.
Strip commercial zoning should not be permitted.
Extensive use of buffers and parks should be used
to separate existing (and developing) residential
and educational development from commercial and
industrial uses.
Require all buildings within the city to connect
with the municipal water and sewer systems.
Access to water and sewer systems should be afforded
fringe area residents in rapidly developing areas
through extension of lines or annexation.
An air pollution ordinance should be adopted and
enforced .
Sidewalks should be installed, at least along one
side of the street, in the vicinity of schools and
areas generating heavy pedestrian and vehicular
tra f f ic .
Continued enforcement of the existing zoning ordin-ance,
subdivision regulations, building and housing
codes, providing recreation areas (particularly in
close proximity to blighted housing), adoption and
implementation of the thoroughfare plan and the
associated diversion of heavy traffic, will improve
the present environmental conditions.
Other needed environmental improvements include those
involving minor streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters,
street lighting, landscaping, plants, signs, etc.
These "features" are most noticably inadequate in
areas of substandard housing -- particularly in close
proximity to the older mills, South Albemarle, and
older developed areas just beyond the city limits.
Area beaut i f ica t ion projects would certainly help
improve these areas as would enforcement of housing,
building and related codes.
73
TREATMENT
Albemarle's blighted areas are not difficult to locate.
The older areas are now and will continue to be blight-prone
unless immediate action is taken. Three types of "renewal"
treatment are proposed. These are discussed and are shown by
type on the Proposed Treatment Areas Map.
Cons erva t ion is a method utilized for the protection of neigh-borhoods
that are not yet seriou
action requires close cooperatio
governmental agencies and reside
of conservation is to maintain a
qualities of a neighborhood. Su
continuing maintenance including
painting, landscaping, etc. Loc
ances, clean-up campaigns, etc.,
by which implementation can be a
if properly applied, can halt bl
thereby eliminating the need for
expensive action.
sly bl ighted . This
n be twe en local
nts . The basic aim
nd preserve the better
ch action involves
minor r epa ir s
,
al codes and ordin-are
some of the ways
chieved. Conservation
ight before it begins,
more intensive and
Rehabil itation is a method utilized to revitalize an area that
already shows signs of deterioration. Substandard
housing, code violations, unpaved streets and little
or no new development characterize such areas. Re-habilitation
is feasible only where such action is more
practical o