The Virginia Review recently recapped a public meeting inwhich consultants hired to conduct economic marketing analyses of downtown areas in Alleghany gathered input from residents.

The purpose of the market analysis is to identify businesses that can come into the area's downtowns. The Economic Development Corp. also plans to conduct a tourism study of the region in efforts to increase spending from people who travel through the area. Both studies are being funded through grants from The Alleghany Foundation.

Area residents attended the meeting and expressed their desires to see more downtown businesses with longer operating hours, and cited the need for various types of housing such as for elderly residents.

This is a very exciting project for Clifton Forge and Covington as both downtown areas are looking for ways to spruce up and become more appealing to outsiders. Area homeowners should take the opportunity to be involved in the planning and give feedback on issues that may affect the value of their property.

"The first step of strategizing ways to revitalize the downtown areas in Covington and Clifton Forge took place Monday night in Low Moor.

RKG Associates Inc., an Alexandria firm hired to conduct economic marketing analyses of the downtown areas, held a public meeting to garner input from local residents. Approximately 45 people attended the meeting at the county governmental complex in Low Moor.

David Kleppinger, executive director of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corp., said the studies of the downtown areas are part of the overall strategy to bring economic growth to the Highlands."

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