Being mindful of the ultimate goal for a thriving downtown underscores an understanding that the ultimate community objective is more than just roadway improvements. In this case, it implies that construction of a bypass is a means to an end. It is the means by which public funds can be invested to create a public realm that the private market is expected to will respond favorably to.
The strategy by which downtown Havelock can be created is to leverage public funds, use the financial power of the private sector that will be motivated by a financial return-on-investment, and set urban design standards by which the finished development attains the community objective.

To assess the potential opportunity, the following should be considered. In areas with strong demographics and un-inflated land prices, public investments in infrastructure tend to be a catalyst for a rebound-type of private investment. It is generally accepted that for every dollar of public investment, at least three dollars of rebounding private investment can be expected. In some places, it has amounted to $100 private for every dollar of public investment. This could have a substantial affect on the city’s tax base. Private investment may take the form of interior and exterior improvements on a building or site. This may also come in the form of infill buildings, particularly when the land development codes, ordinances, fees and procedures are conducive to a smooth approval process.

During the process of developing this plan, citizens of Havelock were asked what they wanted to changed about their city. Overwhelmingly, the public response was they wanted a central place to gather and feel a sense of community pride in. They wanted a community center, a downtown.

As a result of this input, two redevelopment opportunities along the US 70 Corridor — City Center and Civic Campus — are envisioned. These could ultimately become catalysts for more private investment and infill development.

Click here to download the AVI file of City Center.
[To download this video, right click on the link and choose 'Save Target As'. File size is 80 mb.]

Click here to download the AVI file of Civic Campus.
[To download this video, right click on the link and choose 'Save Target As'. File size is 40 mb.]

Click here to view the US 70 Corridor presentation: "Creating a Complete Street".