Lucius Jones is a former Wendell mayor, a developer, who currently serves on the Centennial Authority Board of Trustees, which oversees the RBC Center. He recently talked with Eastern Wake News about his years in public service.

Q: In Wendell, you spent quite a bit of time in public service. How many years did you put in?

A: “I was on the town board for six years and I served 14 years as mayor (1989-2003) so I put in 20 years all together. I got to the point where I needed to move on.”

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your tenure on the board?

A: “I thought we made a lot of progress as a town. I would have to say I am most proud of the community center and expanding the park. We got additional land for the park and our recreation programs expanded. The Helping Hands Center was also built during that time and the Food Lion commercial center was also built, which was something we really needed.”

Q: You have operated your business, United Realty, in time for quite some time. What is the history and how is business currently?

A: “We are still in the real estate development business. We started it in 1972. Lately, it has been a tough business to stay strong in because of the economy. I want to be optimistic and say that it is turning around but I don’t think anyone ever saw it lasting this long. A lot of developers were able to hang on for a little bit but it got too much for them and they just couldn’t pay the interest on the land and banks are now owning many of the developments. In 2006, we started seeing the downturn and it has been a tough road. Recovery has been at such a slow pace. Housing is what drives the economy generally. Unemployment is tied to construction because it involves so many people. It has really been a slow go and I have hopes but I never thought it would last this long. We are hanging in there. My son, Sandy, is now running the business.”

Q: How many developments did you have a hand in building in eastern Wake?

A: “At least a half of dozen over time. There has been Deerfield, Groves of Deerfield, Jones Landing and I helped build part of Blair Hills.”

Q: When you are talking to people who are not familiar with the area but they are looking for a place to settle down, what do you say to sell Wendell?

A: “Wendell is still a place that has a lot of small town charm. It has good schools and it’s a nice, safe community. It is still a place you could feel good about letting your kids play in the neighborhoods. And it is a better value. You can come here and get more house for your money.”

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing Wendell right now?

A: “The town needs to be progressive about growth. The people on the board who have just been elected to office – I think they will be good. The board has had a rough and rocky time but I think those who just took office will be progressive thinking.”

Q: You grew up in Wendell, right?

A: “I was born and raised here. I road my bike to school and I graduated from Wendell High. It was during a time when everyone in the community had their hand in raising the kids here. The schools were smaller and everyone knew everybody. It would be nice to see it that way again.”

Q: Other than helping run the family business, what keeps you busy these days?

A: “I am trying to cut back on my boards but I still serve on the First Citizens Board and I am on the Centennial Authority (RBC Center board). I have cut back a lot but I am still around and I am still staying busy.”

Correspondent Dena Coward