The town of Drakes Branch is reminding business property owners to complete and turn in all surveys to move forward with town revitalization efforts. At a recent public meeting, officials announced that the town received a $3,000 pre-planning grant to determine the needs of Drakes Branch and the possibility of a future business district revitalization project from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

However, all pre-planning activities must be completed before Jan. 11. Activities include holding an initial public meeting, holding the first management team meeting, conducting a physical inventory survey, completing a business assistance/providers inventory, identifying a skilled facilitator and holding a second management team meeting. The Commonwealth Regional Council will assist the town during the completion of these activities.

A total of 23 businesses and 13 vacant properties have been identified and included in the initial planning grant.