Cochran launches downtown revitalization to boost safety and attract business

The Downtown Development Authority is teaming up with local businesses to make 2nd Street safer and more welcoming.

COCHRAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Cochran’s 2nd Street is set for major improvements, as the city launches a downtown revitalization project aimed at boosting safety, charm and business.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is working with local businesses to transform the area with features like enhanced lighting and greenery on every corner.

DDA Director Ken Land says the goal is to make downtown more inviting for everyone.

“We want to help light it up more so that when people are here, they feel safe and they feel that they can have a great time and not have to worry,” Land said.

“The Warehouse” and “Snow’s Asian Grill” are among the businesses already taking part.

“We have painted the outside of the building,”  co-owner of Snow’s Asian Grill, Mi Waters, said. “We received a facade during a able to put a canopy up and we have a big window and we love to decorate it every month and just keep covering, looking clean and inviting anybody that comes to town.”

The Warehouse’s co-owner Robert Fordham says efforts like this will help attract both residents and out-of-towners to downtown.

“They’re looking for more of an experience interaction,” he said. “That comes from your more personalized mom and pop restaurant stores, these kind of things, and so in Cochran we’re not really a tourist section of the world, but we have a lot to offer, hometown people hometown fun.”

Land also has a message for small business owners.

“We are a small town, but we have a vision that is way bigger than we are and we want to see that vision come to fruition,” he said. “So for business owners, if you’re looking for a place, please come.”