Authority considers changes downtown

THOMSON - City leaders say change in Thomson's struggling downtown sector is coming.

But first things first.

On Wednesday, at 7 a.m., members of the Downtown Development Authority will walk through the downtown area to reassess when and what changes should be made.

"It's just a walkthrough as a group to take a first hand look at the conditions that exist, make a list of improvements that we think could be made, and make some first hand impressions," said City Administrator Bob Flanders, an authority member. "We're just trying to come to a consensus as to what improvements could be made in the downtown area."

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The group's first order of business may be to fill the several empty storefronts that visibly blight the downtown area. Officials have been trying to attract more businesses to the area - and though the newly opened Huddle House is a good start, it may take much more to steal the spotlight away from the strip close to Interstate 20.

"We'll be looking at areas that need to be improved, and that are trouble spots," said authority member Lee Anne Cowart. "This is so we can start an overhaul of downtown, though we don't know when or what that's going to be. There are definitely things that we can do to get this ball rolling. We've got a great community and the problem is that the appearance of our community does not represent our infrastructure. We have a great community, and when people drive through they may not realize that."

The walkthrough will begin at First Baptist Church and will end near Thomson Middle School.