Town of Leland's Gateway Beautification Project (Gateway Enhancement)
By: Janie Miller

Leland is emerging as one of the fastest growing towns in southeastern North Carolina. Just five minutes west of the historical blocks of downtown Wilmington, Leland represents the centerpiece of northern Brunswick County’s expansion. As a measure to stay ahead of this expansion, Leland is implementing the Gateway Beautification Project. With Leland representing the “Gateway to Brunswick County,” the Beautification Project will not only expand the main road for increase in traffic, but it will also make the area a warm and welcoming sight to see.

The goal of this project is to sustain Leland as a distinctive and attractive community. A partnership between the town, area businesses and its citizens, The Gateway Beautification Project will primarily focus on the Village Road Commercial District and the major interchange of U.S. 17 and U.S. 74/76. It will include comprehensive landscaping and streetscaping that will integrate natural vegetative plantings, trees, streetlights and sidewalks.

“As Leland grows, we are committed to doing what it takes to ensure our community continues to be a great place to raise a family or retire,” says Brenda Bozeman, mayor pro tem for the town of Leland and a resident of the area since the 1970s. “The Gateway Beautification Project is one component of our efforts to properly direct out town’s unprecedented growth and ensure that Leland retains its down-home atmosphere and small-town character.”

Phase One of the project began in 2005, which included a distinctive new “Town of Leland” sign. Landscaping and maintenance began along the Highway 17-74-76 Interchange at Village Road and Highway 133. A goal was set to raise privately donated funds in the amount of $300,000. Thus far, the town has received half of the goal amount and phase two will be underway shortly with a scheduled completion of late 2007. Goals for Phase Two include widening Village Road, improving the drainage system, installing sidewalks on both sides of Village Road, and enhancing Village Road with street trees, lanterns, and park benches. The completion of Phase Two should give this main road of Leland a facelift.

Leland had experienced very little growth since its incorporation in 1980, but that all changed in 2000. In 1989, the population of Leland was approximately 1,800. Since then, the population of this suburb has nearly tripled, reaching 4,703 by the end of 2003. Further, Leland is poised for even greater growth: it doubled its geographic size in 2004 with the annexation of a 4,900-acre tract of land known as Brunswick Forest. The result will be an additional 10,000 residential units and will likely push the population well over 20,000.

The town of Leland is committed to maintaining the small-town atmosphere during this period of fast growth. By holding high standards and standing behind the Gateway Beautification Project, the town’s leaders and citizens are ensuring that the community remains a peaceful and enjoyable town to raise a family, work and live.

“When we are finished, our citizens and others will be proud of what has been done,” says Leland Mayor Walter Futch.

A Capital Reserve Fund has been established to accept investments from citizens, businesses and civic organizations to help with the design, construction and implementation of the Gateway Beautification Project. Interested donors should visit www.townofleland.com or call (910) 371-0148.