Nearly a year since it opened, the Drop-in Center for the Southern Pines Long-Range Plan is closing its doors.

“The center was established as a type of headquarters for the planning process, where folks could come and meet us, ask questions, and tell us what they thought,” said lead consultant Bill Grimes of Studio Cascade. “Now that the plan’s development is nearly complete, it’s time to shift these resources and the dialogue to the Town and its staff.”

According to center staff-person Kathy Hicks, the space saw approximately 30 visitors during a typical four-day schedule - not as many as was hoped, but according to Hicks, most visitors appreciated the chance to spend time with materials, ask questions, and reflect on community issues.

Everything collected during the Drop-in Center’s run, from sign-in sheets, to workshop materials, posters and process results, will be organized and given to the Town’s Planning Department, where it’s expected they’ll be available for review. Questions about materials or other related resources may be directed to consultant Studio Cascade at 509-835-3770, or to Town staff.

The official closing date for the Drop-in Center will be Thursday, September 17. “We really appreciated what the Drop-in Center offered us in terms of having a meeting place and process showcase,” said Grimes, “and working downtown really helped us get to know folks and learn important things about the Town. We hope residents enjoyed having the center as much as we did.”