Franklin approves policy to allow promotional banners

Event promoters may soon be able to advertise by hanging a banner across Main Street in Franklin.

The Franklin board of alderman approved a special banner policy at its May board meeting after being asked by merchants in March to consider the possibility. Larry Hollifield, owner of American Computer Repair in Franklin, told commissioners in March that allowing banners would be an inexpensive way for event organizers to promote their events and draw more people to downtown.

Sid’s on Main closes: New restaurant moving in

fr sidsAfter a solid three-year run in Canton, Sid’s on Main is closing, leaving a huge vacancy in downtown.

Bryson businesses unite

fr brysonmerchantsThere is power in numbers, and businesses in Bryson City are ready to join forces to have their voices heard. 

With guidance from the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, merchants are working to form a Bryson City Downtown Merchants Association. 

If we build it, will they stay? Bryson City pedestrian plaza waiting for town approval

fr fryestreetThe Great Smoky Mountain Railroad introduces new people to all that Bryson City has to offer throughout the year, yet many locals are still not on board with the changes the train has brought with it.

Canton looks to set commercial building standards

fr cantonDowntown Canton has seen better days. 

A once vibrant and bustling Main Street is now struggling to hang on to its few surviving businesses. Some of its historic buildings are now vacant and falling into disrepair.

Business is bustling in downtown Waynesville

fr waynesvillebizDowntown Waynesville has had a flurry of changes lately. As previous tenants move out, new ones move in and improvements are made to the buildings lining Main Street.

Sylva considers two-way traffic on Main Street

fr parkingTown commissioners are once again mulling over the question of two-way traffic in downtown Sylva with the conclusion of a traffic study from Waynesville-based J.M. Teague Engineering this month.

A noble cause on the surface, Waynesville’s smoking ban on sidewalks is fraught with what-ifs

Waynesville leaders are wrestling over how far to go with a smoking ban in public spaces.

The proposed ban would apply to sidewalks and streets in business districts throughout town, from Main Street to Russ Avenue.

Sylva parking rules land in the Legislature

fr sylvaparkingA parking enforcement ordinance in Sylva is making an appearance in the state Legislature.

Franklin Main Street Program takes a break

Without much warning, the Franklin Main Street Program board of directors decided last week to suspend the program.

The board voted to place the program in “inactive status” for the time being until it could regroup and reorganize. The decision comes after several years of criticism regarding the program’s priorities and effectiveness.

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