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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

What is underneath the sidewalks and planters along the west side of South Main Street from the veteran’s monument to Water Street in Mocksville?

Nobody seems to know.

Because of that – and the fact the current sidewalk is a couple of feet higher than the street – new landscaping for that part of Mocksville has been delayed.

Town board members earlier this month approved a study to not only find out what old utilities might be underground, but to come up with ideas on how to make the new design ADA, or handicapped compliant.

“I would not dig around on South Main Street without knowing exactly what is under there,” Town Manager Ken Gamble said.

The money to pay for the study, expected to be more than $100,000, will come from the town’s sidewalk repair funds, he said.

In the meantime, members of the Mocksville Garden Club continue their partnership with the town. Club members plant, and with the help of town staff and business owners, maintain the planters with flowers and trees in the remainder of downtown.

“This summer, with the high temperatures and not much rain, the flowers are beautiful,” said club president, Linda Dean. “Please check them out while you are dining, shopping or just passing through.”

Jerry Glacken, club community services chair, is in charge of the project.

“Helping to beautify Downtown Mocksville is one of the main goals of the Mocksville Garden Club,” Dean said.

To learn more or join the club, contact Dean at 336-909-5041.