negative perspective for some, but for us, it’s making sure there are homes available for the average middle-class family with children. Thirty years ago, the average price for a property was around $80K; now it’s four times that amount for the same home. Another thing is that the Umstead Correctional Center is in the process of being demolished and so we’re looking to see what opportunities are available there.We’re partnering with individuals who may be able to help us plan what that could look like and howwe can build on that area of land different types of housing. So, that’s on the horizon.” MORE TOWN EVENTS In November 2022, Butner hired its first Events Coordinator, Mallory Richard, and since then, the town has added 17 new events to its calendar. “One of the biggest events we have here in Butner is the Butner Summer Festival, organized by the Butner Community Association,” Richard reports. “They are a non-profit organization, and the town of Butner partly sponsors the event each year. Last year, it brought in around 6,500 visitors to the area. Other events we host include the 4th of July fireworks. That event is sponsored by the town of Butner, the City of Creedmoor, the City of Oxford, and Granville County, and it attracts hundreds of visitors each year to Lake Holt. Many of our outdoor events take place in the Central Avenue area at Gazebo Park, located directly across from Town Hall.These include Campfire Movie Night, Groovin’ at the Gazebo, the Memorial Day ceremony, and the Easter Egg Hunt.We are in the process of building a performance stage in this area, which will allow us to expand our event offerings. We still have progress to make, but I am optimistic about the future growth and success of our community events.” BUTNER DRAWS TOURISTS Angela Allen is the Director of the Granville County Photo Credit: Chip Henderson Photography 149 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 BUTNER, NC
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