Mount Holly advances financing discussion for Kempe Michael Way and downtown park

Mount Holly officials are weighing financing options for the Kempe Michael Way road project while also considering how city-owned downtown property could support park improvements.

The City Council discussed both proposals during a work session on June 22, 2026. The road financing discussion involved approximately $750,000 in debt service over a proposed 10-year loan. The material reviewed from the work session does not establish that the council finally adopted a financing resolution.

Road financing remains under discussion

Officials discussed resolutions intended to secure financing for the Kempe Michael Way project. The city was also exploring possible funding from the North Carolina General Assembly and holding discussions with Colonial Pipeline about ways to reduce the project’s costs.

Those options could affect the amount the city ultimately needs to borrow. Officials also discussed the possibility of using future state allocations to pay off the loan early, although the available material does not identify a commitment of state money or final loan terms.

For Mount Holly, the financing proposal matters because it could affect municipal debt and the city’s ability to invest in road access and other public facilities. The work session discussion, however, did not establish a final project cost or a construction schedule. It also did not establish that construction has begun.

Downtown property and park plans

The council also considered using proceeds from the sale of economic-development property along Central Avenue for downtown-park improvements. The property is part of the city’s broader downtown development planning in historic Mount Holly, which includes work with Street Lights Residential and the use of public hearings and redevelopment planning.

Officials discussed public-parking dedication as part of the downtown conversation. That could make the property decision relevant not only to future public-space investment, but also to parking in and around downtown. The available material does not specify the size, design, cost or construction timeline for the proposed park improvements.

What happens next

The June 22 meeting was a work session rather than a confirmed final approval of the road financing or park plan. The retrieved material does not include approved resolutions or minutes showing that the proposed borrowing was authorized.

Key details still to be established include the final project cost, loan terms, construction schedule and any outside funding commitments. Until those details are finalized, the discussion represents potential financing and land-use decisions rather than a fully funded road or park project.