'All ships rise with the rising tide': Fuquay-Varina businesses enjoy fruits of town's rapid growth
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By: Sean Coffey
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FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you want to see the residual impacts of the Triangle's rapid growth, you don't need to go far.
Less than 20 miles south of Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina's population has more than doubled since the 2010 census. The town's estimated population was roughly 18,000 people in 2010, which has ballooned to more than 40,000. Mayor Blake Massengill said the town's never been more prosperous, and that's due in part to all the growth around them.
"All ships rise with the rising tide. You know, good things happen there," Massengill said. "And so what's good for us is good for our neighbors and what happens in a neighboring community is good right here, too."
MEETING THE CHALLENGES HEAD-ON
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
Congestion Management · Well-Maintained Roads
Walkable Neighborhoods · Commuter Transit Options
With federal, state and local funding, more than $45 million has been invested in FV. Additional major projects are forthcoming through grants and our partnerships with DOT.
ECONOMIC
GROWTH
Drive business recruitment, enhance mixed-use and retail development. More jobs, new businesses, and low taxes are top priorities. The goal remains to return Fuquay-Varina to a 50/50 commercial/residential tax base. With each vote and decision, ask first!
“What is the benefit to the citizens of Fuquay-Varina?
Is this a good use of the taxpayer dollar?”
TOWN SERVICES
We must fund public safety and critical services. We need an advocate for fire, police, utilities, plus trash and recycling services. These represent the core responsibilities of the Town.
GROW TWO
DOWNTOWNS
Support revitalization in both downtowns. Help small businesses to thrive while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Commercial development increases the tax base without stressing infrastructure, and retail districts are key to our small business owners.
LEADING THE WAY IN FUQUAY-VARINA
FAMILY
Blake and his family moved to Fuquay-Varina in 1986. He, his wife Heather, son Jake and daughter Anna enjoy calling Fuquay-Varina home.
EXPERIENCED
Mayor since Dec. 2021
Mayor Pro-Tem since 2015
Town Commissioner since 2013
Planning Board 2012-2013
Local Business Owner:
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Massengill Design-Build
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deVintage Realty
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Acute Property Management
INVOLVED
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Member: FV Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association & Arts Center
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Board of Directors Kraft YMCA
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Past President Fuquay-Varina Rotary Club
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Volunteer: Lincoln Heights Elementary School
& Meals on Wheels - Wake County
KNOWLEDGEABLE
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, N.C. State University
Master’s Degree in Business, N.C. State University
Essentials of Municipal Government, UNC, School of Government
Licensed:
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General Contractor
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Real Estate Broker
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Insurance Broker
COMMUNITY ENDORSEMENTS
“I wholeheartedly support Blake Massengill to be the next Mayor of Fuquay-Varina. His experience as a town commissioner and planning board member gives him a unique insight into how local government functions. He has served me and our Town Board very well as Mayor Pro-Tem for the last 6 yrs. I’ve seen firsthand how Blake’s leadership and teamwork skills have grown over the last 8 years. He has the ability to work as a team to broker good compromises to achieve the best result for the citizens of Fuquay-Varina, and that’s what a mayor must do. The mayor is not a standalone job – the mayor must work together with the commissioners to negotiate consensus and meet challenges."
— John Byrne, Mayor Fuquay-Varina
