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Could Downtown Troy Renovation Boost Business?

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Jun 18, 2012 at 4:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2012 at 4:14 PM CDT

From the CBS 8 Troy Newsroom-- The downtown area in Troy will soon transform, and city officials say they are hoping it brings new businesses to the square.

City leaders will be remodeling Troy's downtown square adding new landscaping and features. They're hoping it brings some new faces and helps boost the local economy.

City Planner Melissa Sanders says simple but necessary changes are coming to the downtown square.

This fall, residents will enjoy new benches, trash cans and landscaping.

A $24,000 upgrade that she says will help the city grow.

"This is a landmark of the city," Sanders says. "This is the heart of city. This is the community center.
I feel it is our job to help that community center thrive."

Pines Restaurant owner George Bateman can't wait for the changes. He's hoping it brings more traffic to the square.

"A lot of times downtown, we're a lost place just because Highway 231 bypass," he says. "We're excited about it. We're hoping there's a new attitude."

But for some, this renovation is much more than a nice place to sit. City leaders are hoping it will fill these empty storefronts.

"It looks like a place that you want to come to and shop. It's looking more and more like a viable place to do business, to open a business and to stay in business," says Downtown Committee member Adam Drinkwater.

Melvin Dickey, who's lived in Troy his whole life, is glad the city is funding the project. He says over the years, it's become a favorite hangout for those visiting Troy.

"More people may be coming down here, and visiting. I know my girls do," he says.

Pike County's Representative Alan Boothe is donating $8,700 to the project, and the city will cover the rest.

In the future, city leaders are also hoping to raise the money for a fountain to put in the square.

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