MURFREESBORO — Murfreesboro seems to be the place for a new updated Ace Hardware store.

On Tuesday, the Murfreesboro Town Council agreed to submit a grant application to the North Carolina Rural Center on behalf of business owner Jamie Johnson who has plans to re-open a revamped Ace Hardware of Murfreesboro on Main Street. Johnson already owns and operates an Ace Hardware Store in Ahoskie.

After a closed session for General Statute 143-318.11(a)(4) Economic Development, the council reconvened. Councilwoman Gloria Odum moved to approve the measure Councilman Lloyd Hill offered a second.

Town Attorney Buddy Jones recommended the council clarify the motion.

“Mr. (Bill) Early would you explain exactly what it is,” asked Mayor John Hinton.

“Yes, the town agrees to submit an application to the North Carolina Rural Center for a Building Reuse grant in the amount of $44,500 and authorize the mayor to sign the application and the letter of commitment for the three percent ($1,300) in-kind match,” said Early, Hertford County Economic Development Director.

Councilman Bill Theodorakis added the three percent was to be furnished by the county.

The motion passed in a 3-0 vote with Council members Sarah Wallace and Molly Eubank absent from the meeting.

“Welcome to Murfreesboro, helpful hardware man,” said Hinton to Johnson, who was sitting in the audience.

According to a letter from Hinton to Melody Adams, Director of the Rural Center Building Reuse and Restoration Grants Program, the building (a former Ace Hardware Store) has been empty for eight months and is in need of renovations, which the grant would allow for.

Hinton noted in the letter that the business would be providing a “much needed service to the town” and in addition to the building improvements, the establishment of Ace Hardware of Murfreesboro will result in the creation of at least seven new full-time employees within the next two years.