COATS OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS:

• Town Officials

CPNI VOLUNTEERS:

• Chris Busch -Tremont Engineering, CPNI Team Leader
• Doug Burns – Becker Morgan Group
• Brian Oldiges – SHP
• Paul Fidishum – Stewart
• David Senter – Maynard Nexsen

Recommendations from CPNI
The recommendations emphasize developing a clear, actionable framework that balances short-term achievable initiatives with longer-term revitalization goals. Efforts should be focused through a defined action plan, “tracks” led by smaller, informed committees, with an emphasis on completing one priority task at a time to maintain momentum and credibility.
Branding
The Town should pursue a coordinated branding or rebranding effort, grounded in broad community input, to clearly articulate Coats’ identity, values, and desired future character. A facilitated community workshop is recommended to hear residents’ perspectives, develop shared priorities, and translate those ideas into a cohesive brand that reflects why people value Coats. Partnerships with Campbell University’s Fine Arts Program and/or Harnett Community College’s Fine Arts Program could support visual identity, wayfinding, public art, and placemaking concepts. The branding effort should emphasize the ambience and benefits of small-town living while clearly defining and targeting key economic drivers, including residential rooftops, retail, office, and community amenities such as parks and recreation. Benchmarking peer communities in North Carolina and South Carolina that have successfully rebranded—such as Holly Springs, Fort Mill, Mount Holly, and Selma—can provide practical models and lessons learned that Coats can adapt to its own scale and context.
Market Study
A local market study is recommended to ground economic development strategies in data and realistic market conditions. Partnering with Campbell University can support research, surveys, and analysis to define what types of retail, office, housing, and community amenities the community needs and can sustainably support. The findings should inform recruitment efforts, zoning and land use decisions, and public and private investment priorities, ensuring that future development aligns with actual demand rather than speculative assumptions.
Partnerships
The town should consider organizing a 501(c)(3) “Downtown Development Corporation.” We have seen this successfully implemented in other towns. A 501(c) (3) would be able to leverage funds to purchase and develop properties. This would be a legal entity capable of implementing many of the initiatives outlined above by the Citizens’ Committee.
The Downtown Development Corporation would act in close coordination with city and county planning staff and the city and county tourism directors. Broader collaboration is encouraged through a manager’s group that includes town officials, planners, and economic development stakeholders, which may culminate in a regional economic summit to align goals and resources.
Partnerships with Campbell University are strongly encouraged, including the exploration of a formal Coats–Campbell University partnership, potentially structured as a 501(c)(3). “Town and Gown” initiatives could include volunteer clean-up events tied to student service or academic credit, with engagement from university leadership.
Finally, organizational capacity must be strengthened. Recommendations include forming a general events committee or “Friends of Coats” group, exploring support from the Rural Center, and re-establishing or strengthening participation in the Main Street Program with a full-time director. Benchmarking successful peer communities such as Selma, NC; Fort Mill, SC; and Holly Springs can provide practical models for cosmetic improvements, programming, and governance.
Historic Preservation
Historic preservation is identified as a core opportunity. Potential historic district boundaries should be defined, and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is recommended. Strengthening the Land Use and Historic District Overlay (HDO) through review, expansion, and improved design standards will support redevelopment and reinvestment.
A comprehensive facility assessment and market study should guide downtown revitalization. Key local champions should be recognized as integral to the success of revitalization.

County growth data should be incorporated to ensure planning efforts align with demographic and economic trends.
Comprehensive Plan and UDO
A community-oriented review of the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) is recommended to improve public understanding of how these tools guide growth and development. This process should clarify what the plans encompass, how they affect individual properties and redevelopment opportunities, and where refinements may be needed to support downtown revitalization and mixed-use development. The review should focus on balancing growth management with preservation of Coats’ identity as a small, friendly, and personable community, ensuring that regulatory frameworks guide reinvestment without eroding the town’s character.
Streetscape Master Plan
The Town should prioritize implementation of the Streetscape Master Plan as a visible and impactful step toward downtown revitalization. Streetscape improvements can enhance walkability, safety, and visual appeal, improve the overall experience for residents and visitors, and reinforce the Town’s emerging brand and identity. Strategic implementation of streetscape elements can help catalyze private investment, support downtown businesses, and create a more cohesive and welcoming public realm.
Events and Programming
Programming and events are identified as “low-hanging fruit” for downtown activation. Existing festivals and fairs should be maintained and expanded, while also identifying other organizations that host events and inviting broader participation. Art installations, such as murals and decorative fire hydrants, and aviation-themed wayfinding tied to the town’s history can enhance identity and placemaking. A “Dark Sky” community designation is also suggested.
Community engagement is recognized as essential, particularly in addressing skepticism and rebuilding trust within a judgmental or resistant community climate. Success will depend on visible wins, inclusive participation, and consistent communication.

Repurposing the Old Theater
The repurposing of the old theater is highlighted as a transformative opportunity. Potential funding sources include SCIF grants, historic preservation grants, anonymous foundations, and state support. Environmental assessments for hazardous materials are critical, as are explorations of outdoor space or park opportunities adjacent to the facility. Federal and state funding matches may require alignment with an updated comprehensive plan.
Historic Preservation Commission/District
Coats should pursue the Federally Designated historic District by the Department of the Interior, making all “contributing structures” eligible for Federal and NC State Historic Tax Credits for structures built before 1936. Remaining buildings over 50 years of age may qualify for NC Tax Rehab Credits. The Tax Credits serve as incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and preservation of the contributing structures. These structures are integral to Coats’ fabric. To encourage the preservation of the Historic District, the town could establish a historic preservation commission (HPC) to manage historic properties, particularly in the downtown. North Carolina General Statutes 160D-940 through 160D-951, in addition to 160D-102, 303, 404(c), and 105-278, authorize municipalities and counties in North Carolina to create a historic preservation commission that may designate historic districts and landmarks.

Members of an HPC are appointed by the local governing board, in this case, the Board of Aldermen. According to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, local designation of a historic place can stabilize property values, preserve neighborhood character, and protect the district’s historic qualities. At a state level, the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office provides support to local governments seeking to “identify, enhance, protect, and enhance properties significant in North Carolina history and archeology.”

Recommendations from CPNI:

• Branding
• Market Study
• Partnerships
• Historic Preservation
• Comprehensive Plan and UDO
• Events and Programming
• Repurposing the Old Theater
• Historic Preservation Commission/District

Click here to download the final report