The Town of Tryon was described as a ghost town in public comments received by the town council. Stores and entire buildings are vacant, and what remains is under-patronized. People therefore turned to government to make downtown prosperous.
[Resident Mary] Prioleau said what helped Landrum rejuvenate years ago was obtaining a grant for a woman to help with economic development. She said a needs assessment was done and businesses were brought in.
Amidst cries for lower tax and utility rates:
Councilman George Baker said people come to the businesses they want to patronize.
“I don’t know how government can solve the problems of businesses,” Baker said. “I can’t force (landlords) to lower their rent.”
Many thought it would be a good idea to draw artists to the area – but fear not! Tryon has a master plan for urban renewal, replete with streetscapes. Those watching the economy for the past decade or so know the “build it and they will come” theory works exactly like a charm.
Property owner and attorney Bill Miller said he feels the town should have contacted all the property owners before developing the plan. He said according to his survey, which he brought to the meeting, his property includes the parking spots in front of the Depot Street side of the building.
“You’re not going to take any of my land,” Miller said.
The impoverished, teacher-challenged state has been generous in donating funds for the planning and infrastructure upgrades.
. . . which leads us to a highly-recommended fable posted on this web site: http://attitudeadjustment.tripod.com/Speeches/ST-01-01.htm. Both versions apply, but I think you shall enjoy the “modern” one. I am tempted to reprint it so you will read it, but the author deserves lots of clicks on his site.
