SHIAWASSEE COUNTY (WJRT) -
(11/29/12) - It's been almost two months since fire destroyed several businesses in downtown Byron. Now there's talk of rebuilding the historic downtown area.
A community-wide meeting will be held Thursday night to talk about the many possibilities.
While there's nothing set in stone yet, the Shiawassee County community is anxious to start the rebuilding process.
Linda Klein was crushed when fire ripped through historic downtown Byron almost two months ago. "It just breaks your heart, it's awful, I love history and I'd love to see it rebuilt."
The community lost Janelle's Restaurant, Tower Hardware and a hair salon.
"We need a restaurant, we need a coffee shop, my daughter keeps trying to get me to buy the one that's for sale, yes the salon," Klein said.
"The school would like to a partner whenever the time is right to talk about how to rebuild Byron."
For Byron Area Schools superintendent, that time is now. Thursday's discussion will focus on the village's future.
"I hope the meeting ends with an action plan of what businesses would like to rebuild, what businesses would like to start, what we would like to see happen in our downtown area," said Tricia Murphy-Alderman.
Economic leaders say the key is making sure the business community knows what resources are available.
"Depending on what your need is, if you're a business trying to restart, a resident that was misplaced by fire and move back, you'll find out what those tools are tonight and engage with the different providers to access those resources," said Justin Horvath, President of Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership.
