Downtown Continues to Gain New Jobs

Downtown Clayton gained 6 new businesses and 8.5 new jobs over the last year, according to statistics released by the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA).

One downtown business expanded, and one made a facade improvement.

”Although the economy has slowed things down during the past few years, downtown Clayton is still an attractive area to investors and business owners," said CDDA Chair Richard Rairigh.

The totals include eight businesses that closed in downtown, though two of them re-opened under different names. Two other businesses opened and then closed during the year.

”Despite the few closed businesses, downtown Clayton has a stable retail and service environment, and that is reflected by longer-term businesses and with several new businesses opening,” said Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen.

Another bright spot for downtown was the opening earlier this year of the new Horne Square at Main Street and Lombard.

Private investment in downtown, including property purchases and improvements, totaled more than a million dollars during the year, according to CDDA figures, and public investment totaled $457,692.

Over the past six years, almost $9 million has been invested privately in downtown Clayton. That includes 47 new businesses, 22 facade improvements--13 of which were assisted by the town's Downtown Facade Improvement Grant program, nine building expansions, five business renovations and 149 new jobs.

In addition to the new Horne Square, the Town of Clayton is adding the new Clayton Law Enforcement Center, which is expected to be completed in downtown this fall.

”It’s important that as the town grows, we keep its center intact, and government services, such as the Law Enforcement Center, Town Hall and library remain in downtown,” said Mayor Jody McLeod.

The CDDA keeps track of downtown statistics each year as one measurement of economic development. Other economic development measurements include an annual survey of downtown retail and service businesses and market analysis.

The CDDA is a non-profit organization that provides education and business improvement services in the downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series and the annual Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

For more information, please visit www.downtownclayton.org or www.townofclaytonnc.org or email claytondowntown@gmail.com