I wanted to extend my appreciation and thanks to the town council for allowing members of the community to speak last night.   The entire council appeared to be present including  Mayor Glenn McFadden, Commisioners Patricia Moss, Danny Babb, Robert Langdon, Marshall Page, Neil McPhail, along with Town Manager Joseph Jeffries, and other support staff that I am remiss in catching their names.

 They graciously gave us each three minutes to speak to them about our concerns.  There were several speakers on the matter.   I felt it was a very positive presentation with emphasis on how the community and small businesses would benefit.   So the conversation has started and it is now in the elected officials hands to discuss and vote on these matters in the upcoming month. Your support continues to help with your signatures and comments on this petition.  

For those invested in this situation, here are my speaking notes:

“I understand that I have 3 minutes so I will attempt to be thorough and concise with my respectful invitation to the town council to revisit ordinances related to food trucks. Since the dawn of time humans have sought community.  Thus the development of geo-centric communities as well as a system of trade.  In time, that led to what we refer to lovingly as Main St America.   

Many of us have fond memories of happy times on the streets of a small downtown.  Yes, even myself, a northerner who spent her childhood going to local bakeries, chocolatiers, sandwich shops, fabric stores, hardware stores, banks, jewelers…and to this day when I visit my hometown they still know my family name.  That is, the very few that still exist.  Somehow, those small family businesses have managed to survive the big box stores and mega malls. 

In our great  country there has been a resurgence of Main Street America - moving away from sterile shopping centers.  Corporations have noticed and are creating so called ‘communities’ that appear to look like neighborhoods(example: Fenton in Cary and from what I gather is being developed right here in Lillington)

While these centers can be quite attractive and do offer a LOT it can also be to the detriment to the history and individuals that once hosted a thriving small town. 

To this end I would like to present 2 talking points

1- the data shows with the amenity of choice of food options residents of Lillington stay and spend in the town. 

2- thousands of vehicles drive through our town and NEVER STOP.    When they have stopped in at my shop with the attraction of Duck Donuts in particular, they typically inquire where else they can shop, get lunch, dinner, gas, etc .  They discover the beautiful cape fear river and the many opportunities to enjoy parks.  A much needed community shopping/dining guide is being created by a Campbell student for her civic project to provide information for visitors and residents alike. 

This is a small example of how Lillington can become an attraction, versus our residents leaving town for shopping and dining.  It welcomes diversity and choice and community.    Which I hope is what we all really want. 

We urge the Town Council to consider this proposal and look forward to discussing it further.  
Thank you for your time and attention.”