The owners of a vacant building on Dillon’s Main Street presented preliminary redevelopment plans to the Town Council following emergency roof repairs funded by the town. The site, located at 103 Main St., has been empty for several years after serving as medical offices. The owners, Dillon Development Co. LLC, previously requested just under $64,000 from the Dillon Urban Renewal Authority in October 2023 to address critical roof issues.
In an earlier meeting, the Urban Renewal Authority rejected a proposal from the owners to purchase adjacent town-owned land for a mixed-use development that would include a restaurant, office spaces, and residential units. Nonetheless, the authority approved funding for the roof repairs, allowing the owners to stabilize the building before pursuing further redevelopment.
During the October meeting, architect Bobby Craig, one of the building’s owners, shared the vision for reconfiguring the space into two commercial units and two residential units. Council members raised concerns about the residential aspect, particularly the parking requirements, which contributed to the failure of the earlier proposal.
When asked about the potential return on the town’s investment, Craig expressed confidence in securing tenants post-renovation and reiterated his intention to establish his office within the building. “I still want my damn office in the building,” he stated passionately, emphasizing the location’s business appeal.
On December 2, 2023, Craig and his partners returned with updated plans, envisioning a restaurant along with two three-bedroom residential units. They sought the council’s support for utilizing adjacent land for an outdoor patio and parking for the residential units. The proposal also included a request for an exception to zoning restrictions to allow residential units on the first floor in the town core.
The council’s discussion revealed a preference for increased commercial space. Mayor pro tem Joshua Samuel criticized the proposal for featuring only one commercial unit, reiterating that prioritizing commercial development would be more beneficial for the area. Craig defended the residential focus, noting interest from potential renters, including a local coffee shop employee eager to occupy one of the residential spaces.
Concerns were raised about the dimensions of the proposed restaurant and residential units. With the restaurant planned at just over 1,200 square feet, Council member Barbara Richard deemed it “very small,” suggesting the possibility of a second story to increase commercial capacity. Craig acknowledged the feasibility of adding another level but aimed to minimize structural changes to the existing building.
The council reconvened on December 16, 2023, to continue discussions, as town staff felt previous conversations lacked clarity. Samuel once again encouraged a focus on commercial space, noting that Craig’s previous assurances regarding his office influenced the council’s earlier support for financial assistance. “I personally believe the best use is commercial,” he asserted.
A significant portion of the dialogue centered on parking options for residential tenants. While most council members were hesitant to sell land for residential parking, they expressed openness to residential parking exceptions, suggesting that residents could purchase annual overnight parking passes for designated lots.
The council’s desire for a balance between commercial and residential development was clear. Mayor Carolyn Skowyra emphasized the importance of finding a solution that would garner support, stating, “I don’t know that you’re going to have the votes if you go full-bore on housing.” She indicated that the council is willing to explore creative solutions, such as allowing the owners access to land for an outdoor patio but not for residential parking.
Richard stressed the need for “attainable” housing, aimed at local workers rather than short-term rentals or second-home owners, a sentiment echoed by other council members. Following extensive discussions, Craig and his partners committed to considering the council’s feedback before advancing further with their application.
As the council navigates this redevelopment proposal, the focus remains on balancing community needs with the owners’ vision for revitalizing a long-vacant property on Main Street.
