By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Hundreds gathered at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) last Thursday, May 7 to see and ask questions of certified planner Philip L. Walker, AICP, of Nashville, Tenn.

The Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) in partnership with the Polk County Community Foundation sponsored the two-day event called, Tryon: Making a Place.

Walker spoke of his experience working with small towns then offered a question and answer session.

Recommendations from Walker to develop Tryon included hiring a part-time economic development director to work under the TDDA, instead of the town. Some suggestions from business owners regarding the director included that TDDA hire a retired person with high qualifications who may work for a lower salary out of appreciation for Tryon.

Walker also suggested creating a cityscape, moving office spaces to the upstairs of buildings, creating parking behind buildings and for the town to develop a detailed architectural plan of what new building and remodeling should be.

Walker also spoke of the importance of code enforcement and using the town’s codes to clean up buildings that fall into disrepair.

Once an economic development director is hired, Walker suggested the TDDA do a study to outline the best use of space available, including how much space the town has for businesses such as retail and restaurants.

Prior to Walker’s suggestions, he met with several small groups of property owners, retailers, community and nonprofit officials to outline Tryon’s strengths, challenges and opportunities.

Following Walker’s presentation, participants ended the evening with a celebration called, “Celebrate Downtown Tryon,” held at the TFAC amphitheater with Project X providing music, food and drink.