Taking advantage of a mirrored wall inside Dance With Hope Studios on Main Street, organizers drafted a map identifying existing businesses to help visualize the district's challenges.
"We started by asking everyone to make a list of what they love about Main Street," said Mindy Woods-Click, who facilitated the meeting. "Then, we all walked Main Street and identified opportunities and challenges."
Click said the ideas, suggestions and observations were used to focus on five "major areas of focus" including vacant buildings; cleaning and painting unattractive sections; how to make better use of Veterans Park at the corner of Hord and Main Street; as well as increased utilization of the vacant lot at the main intersection with Carol Malone Boulevard.
Signs to help guide visitors to Main Street were listed among the more immediate goals.
"As four-lane traffic passes by, there is nothing to point people toward Main Street and the shopping districts," Click noted during a recent report to members of the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce.
A composite report from the Open Space meeting has been forwarded to a community development specialist/grant writer, who will further identify resources and solutions for short term/low cost projects, as well as challenges requiring more time and funding.
Click indicated Grayson Mayor George Steele has stated city crews can be called upon as part of the improvement plan.
Story & Photos by TIM PRESTON
Carter County Post