Leaders debate future of downtown

Mon, 02/06/2006 - 10:57am
By: John Thompson

What should Tyrone's downtown look like in the next five to 10 years?

That was one of the topics the town's leaders discussed during last weekend's retreat in Peachtree City. For years, Tyrone officials have discussed trying to create more of a downtown atmosphere along the town's older business corridor on Senoia Road.

Councilman Paul Letourneau, who has been a big backer of trying to get more businesses in the downtown area, said the time was now to start trying to refurbish the area.

"We need more restaurants in the area. I'll vote against any more commercial development on Hwy. 74, because I think it needs to go downtown," he said.

But Councilman Grace Caldwell said she had not fully decided on what the best vision is for the aging business area.

"I have a lot of mixed feelings about downtown. A lot of people want to maintain a country lifestyle," she said.

Councilman Gloria Furr was quite clear about her feelings.

"I will never vote for sewer coming through downtown Tyrone. I think the plan to redo downtown last year was done the wrong way," she said.

Tyrone's leaders came under fire last year when they unveiled a plan that showed a revitalized downtown with a new library in Shamrock Park.

"A lot of people thought you were going to force them out of their homes," Furr said.

Letourneau said there was a lot of misinformation spread last year and the town needed to keep moving forward in creating a workeable plan that most people could be happy with to redevelop the area.

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Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Mon, 02/06/2006 - 8:23pm.

Restaurants will locate in downtown Tyrone because you want them there? Are you kidding?

Surely you must have a job and/or have some knowledge of basic economics - the old supply and demand canard. Get a grip on reality and understand the restaurants and other businesses that depend upon exposure will choose Highway 74 only.

Any hope for downtown Tyrone went away 25 years ago when 74 was 4-laned and relocated. Get over it and run the town you have - not the town you hope for.


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