Alamance County, North Carolina

Leaders in Swepsonville, North Carolina, a town of about 2,700 people in Alamance County, are weighing plans to develop the town's first downtown district on 22 acres once known as the Virginia Mills Property, purchased in 2010 and vacant since. Mayor Henry Carrouth said the town has outgrown its current town hall and envisions a town center combining a new municipal building with residential and retail space, potentially including a coffee shop.

Officials estimate site preparation and construction of a new town hall would cost $5 million to $6 million, funded through reserves and borrowing rather than a new property tax — Swepsonville is one of only seven North Carolina municipalities without one. The town is coordinating with a state Brownfields program to assess environmental suitability. At a recent public comment session, residents were divided, with some welcoming growth and others hoping to preserve the town's small-town character. Carrouth hopes construction could begin within two to three years.