WALNUT COVE -- Walnut Cove town leaders are trying to bring more people downtown. They've recently been working on a revitalization plan to do just that.
Bill Petree has worked at the Tuttle Hardware in downtown Walnut Cove for more than 30 years. He's seen the good times and bad economical turns.
"It's becoming more a of drive through town than it is a stopping town,” said Petree.
Walnut Cove town leaders are looking at ways to do just that: make people stop.
"We're the gateway to Hanging Rock and the Dan River,” said town manager Bobby Miller. “[It's] something we're very proud of."
The town hired a firm to draw up several revitalization plans using grant funding. Miller said everything may not be feasible in the plan, but there are a few things he'd like to see done.
"Main Street, really making it as pedestrian friendly as it could be, using bump outs and crossings," said Miller.
Traffic flow has also been heavily analyzed in the plans. Two ideas have been to place a roundabout near downtown to slow traffic down, which Miller admits some don't support.
Also, they plan on changing the parking spaces from parallel to diagonal parking spots. They're also looking to attract new businesses since there are plenty of empty storefronts.
"We're open for business and a phone call away,” said Miller. “We'll work with any prospective people the best we can."
The project is fluid, meaning there's no timetable to implement any of the items on the plan.