Tour of Troup eye-opening experience
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

The wheels on the bus went round and round in Troup on Monday as the city council, two future council members and others toured the City of Troup to take a look at areas that would likely be affected by any future zoning ordinance.

The council discussed the possibility of a historic district that would likely include the "downtown" strip along Duval and how to keep that historic feel to the properties. There was discussion of wording like "keeping things in the spirit of the original building," to protect the buildings' authenticity while allowing for improvements.

Areas of concern where dilapidated and abandoned houses and mobile homes are intermingled with well-maintained residences were pointed out as something that zoning would help to alleviate.

The council also saw and discussed the declining condition of some of the city's water and sewer areas. One of the most serious concerns seen was that only one of the three aerators at the sewer treatment plant is working at this time.

Jon Hall, public utilities director, said he is searching for used equipment or parts to get the others up and running, but the city's equipment is so old, replacements are hard to come by.

Locations sites for possible new above ground storage units was also discussed. At an earlier council meeting, Hall had brought attention to the fact that the city's elevated storage units are in need or major repair or replacement. If replaced, the council could choose a different location.

Before any zoning ordinance could be adopted the proposed ordinance would have to be made available to the public for examination and a public hearing held. The council is not to that point just yet.

Following the drive, a group discussion took place with concluding instructions for the council to take their notes and maps home and bring them back to the next council meeting on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.