Cities with downtown areas like Landrum constantly battle lack of parking for visitors looking to shop or dine in businesses.
Because of this, Landrum City Council members approved business owner Matt Troyer’s request for assistance in creating additional parking behind and to the side of his business, Foothills Amish Furniture.
“What we had discussed… was that we’d pay for the materials if you can get the labor to build the wall,” Mayor Robert Briggs said to Troyer during the Nov. 8 council meeting. “Then after that is completed we’d have that area paved and striped for parking.”
City Administrator Steve Wolochowicz said the project has since expanded to include paving of a grassy area near Prince Oil that the public already uses for parking. The two areas combined should create room for 10-12 additional spaces.
“Troyer’s going to take care of the construction of the retaining wall himself and the city will pay for the actual paving of the parking spaces,” Wolochowicz said. “This will be paid for using hospitality tax dollars because the spaces will provide additional room for visitors to park.”
The total cost will be around $6,000.
Some changes to note for those visiting Landrum include that Rose Lane, the alley running behind Foothills Amish Furniture and adjoining businesses, will be changed to allow only one-way traffic. Visitors would turn onto Rose Lane from Shamrock Avenue and exit back onto Rutherford Street beside Dutch Foods.