Tryon residents have a couple of opportunities to voice their opinions regarding retail and commercial development in downtown Tryon. They can complete a survey, either on-line or on paper, and they can attend a public hearing on Nov. 16.

The online survey can be accessed through the towns website (www.tryon-nc.com). Citizens may also pick up paper surveys at town hall.

During the past several months, development along the towns commercial corridor, especially the new Dollar General building on S. Trade St. near the IGA, has spurred the interest of town citizens and businesses. Elected officials and staff members of the Town of Tryon have received numerous comments, concerns, and suggestions in relation to the towns regulation standards for retail and commercial developments.

During its meeting on Oct. 19, the Tryon Town Council moved to hold a public hearing concerning these issues on November 16 at the Tryon Fire Department (56 West Howard Street) in Tryon to obtain input and ideas as to what types of additional development standard, if any, should be put in place for retail and commercial uses.

Specifically, the town council is interested in hearing ideas and suggestions related to areas in the towns central business and general business districts along Trade Street, U.S. Highway 176, and N.C. Highway 108.

Citizen input from the online and paper surveys as well as input provided at the public hearing will be the basis for adapting the towns ordinances to manage Tryons retail/commercial development within the larger context of constantly changing global economic factors.

Town officials urge citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to be actively involved in generating a downtown retail/commercial development plan that reflects the needs and desires of the community.