BYRON, Ga. — Byronites can expect new developments soon. The city is is becoming a hub for new property sites, but some folks say it's growth is outpacing business at its iconic shopping outlet.
A few Byron residents have taken to social media to express that while growth is good, they want to keep the small town feel, while some people worry the rapid change leaves the Peach Shops at Byron neglected.
Tanya Phillips, a managing partner at 478 Country Buffett says though business is booming for their restaurant, she's seen a decrease in visitation to Peach Shops at Byron. She said part of the reason is because businesses come and go.
"I just kinda sit around waiting for things to close and honestly that's sad," Phillips said "I would love to see more shops open."
Phillips says she hopes for more neighbors, adding she thinks the complex could benefit from adding more shopping centers.
Real Estate Southeast, located in Alabama, leases spaces on the property. Louise Jennings, a broker with the company, said 75% to 80% of the spaces are occupied and they've noted a surge in growth since the pandemic.
"There was pent up need, demand, people just ready to get out so it hit like a tidal wave in many markets," Jennings said.
Jennings says Byron is an attractive site for growth because it's a high impact area, with recent growth around the shops, adding the outlet has developed into a multi-purpose complex.
"You can have restaurants, you can have have discounters, education, medical, that's sort of the trend now: more mixed use to service different clients needs," Jennings said.
Jennings said more retailers will move in the coming months. Phillips, who lives in Wilkinson County, says even though she doesn't live in Byron, she would love for more lodging options.
"If I have to work a double over here which is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ... which is really not that bad ... I could drive home, " Jennings said. "However I do live an hour away so by the time I clean and were out of here by 9 p.m. and (with) these old eyes of mine, I'll stay the night."
Byron Mayor Michael Chidester said people can look forward to two new hotels, adding one of them will be a Hampton Inn. He also said the city approved two new subdivisions and one is slated to begin construction soon.