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Some downtown Sylva leaders oppose church move

fr sylvachurchA church is looking to bring a little more religion to downtown Sylva, but some local business owners, as well as elected officials, are skeptical of the move.

The sticky wicket of downtown sandwich boards

fr waynesvillesignsSigns are businesses’ equivalent to nuclear weapons.

“Everybody wants them, but you have to agree to live with them,” said Waynesville Town Planner Paul Benson. “I think what we need is a consensus on what is a reasonable approach.”

Main Street Champions recall changing face of downtown Waynesville

fr mainst champsWhen LeRoy Roberson and his wife, Gale, opened an optometric business on Waynesville’s Main Street 35-years-ago, about a quarter of the storefronts sat empty.

Rescinded grant miffs downtown Sylva property owner

fr parkinglotAfter spending $200,000 to build a new parking lot shared by five downtown Sylva businesses, the property owner lost a state grant she was initially promised to help with the cost.

Franklin merchants run afoul of festival planning protocols

Some downtown merchants in Franklin have clashed with town leaders in recent weeks over a perceived lack of support for new ideas and initiatives to boost commerce.

On the job with Franklin’s Main Street director

Franklin’s Main Street Program has found itself in an uncomfortable spotlight in recent weeks as Franklin merchants have complained that the town’s formal downtown association isn’t doing enough.

Downtown discord prompts call for renewed collaboration

coverBoth sides in a downtown Franklin dispute have pledged to work together after publicly locking horns in recent weeks.

“It seems there were a lot of issues because people were bumping in the dark. Both sides really need to reach out to each other on this,” said Franklin Town Manager Sam Greenwood.

SEE ALSO:
Franklin merchants run afoul of festival planning protocols

On the job with Franklin’s Main Street director
Newspaper says advertising was pulled after critical news coverage

Tattoo parlor knocking on Canton’s door prompts likely repeal of 30-year-old ban

fr tattooCruso native Nathan Poston wants to open a tattoo parlor in Canton — the first in that town since at least the 1980s — but first must convince town fathers to change the law.

‘Last of the Main Street merchants’ Hometown department store owner calls it quits at 93

coverHis name is James C. Jacobs. His friends call him J.C., “but not like Penney,” he insists. For more than 55 years, Jacobs has owned a department store in downtown Franklin, its racks and shelves lined with standard housewares and wardrobe staples.

But, like so many Main Street stores in small town America, People’s Department Store will soon fold-up shop.

Old O’Malley’s building to get new lease on life

fr omalleysThe building that once housed the downtown anchor O’Malley’s On Main Pub and Grill in Waynesville has a new owner.

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