Businesses are Back on the Boulevard in Montgomery

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By Jessica Gertler

Story Created: Oct 30, 2012 at 6:21 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 30, 2012 at 9:27 PM CDT

Recently, a handful of businesses have opened on Eastern Boulevard. Could the area be making a comeback?

Eastern Boulevard is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Montgomery, but storefronts along the street aren't so busy. In fact, many are empty.

But that trend may be turning around.

"It's centrally located and it's nice to be around this area," says Al Oliver, New Beginning Barber and Style Owner. "Since I have moved up here to the Eastern Boulevard, I have noticed business picking up drastically."

A couple months ago, Oliver moved in, and customers couldn't be happier.

"It's helping Montgomery grow and bringing more people into these empty buildings and revitalizing this part of the city," says customer Kenneth Bell.

Recently, Pep Boys Automotive, Screen Golf, a pet care center and World's Gym have found themselves on the boulevard.

You may take that as a sign that things are turning around. Marcus Wilson does. He says it's proof the economy is improving.

"I was away from Montgomery for many years and of course, Eastern Boulevard was just starting, but when I came back, it looks pretty full to me. There are some empty stores, but I see some full now. It's really a positive trend for the city," he says.

The city says they are continuously working on recruiting more business to the The city says they are continuously working on recruiting more business to the boulevard.

 What would you like to see move to the boulevard? Head to our CBS 8 News Facebook Page, and give us your answers.

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Brad Gill said on Wednesday, Oct 31 at 4:00 AM

How about the closing of ruby tueday, panera bread, fresh market, sports authority, o'charlie's, shoney's which has been reopened, the men's warehouse, the Verizon wireless store next to winner dixie on vaughn & the blvd, hooters, don't tell me the blvd is growing. This sounds like an article written by someone connected to downtown politics. Someone trying to make it sound like the eastern blvd hasn't been neglected for years & years, well I have owned a business on the eastern blvd for four years now & think this article is a fabricated story with ties to downtown politics! In which they are trying to build a false hope that one day the blvd will be rebuilt like downtown, well guess what its not! I was told 3 yrs ago there were plans for the eastern blvd, when I asked for specifics I was told well they are in the works. If you own a business on the blvd trust me you are on your own, we are not downtown & WILL NOT recieve any of the support of the downtown politics.

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