As Tyrone continues

to grow, the town leaders want to make sure the historical heart of the

town keeps beating.

During this

weekend's retreat at the Peachtree City Hampton Inn, the Town Council

looked at issues the town will face over the next year.

With a new

Publix grocery store set for Ga. Highway 74, the council wants to make

sure that downtown Tyrone still remains a viable place to live, work and

shop.

"I want

to revive our downtown area and make sure the Founders' Day parade continues

to go down Senoia Road," said Councilman Paul Letourneau.

The town has

lost a few businesses in the last few months, including Jack's Market,

and the town is looking at ideas to keep the downtown area viable.

Tyrone's growth

has created space needs for the city's library, administrative operations

and Police Department, said Town Manager Barry Amos, and keeping those

services in the older part of town would represent a "nucleus"

for keeping a viable town center.

Amos also pointed

out that some small towns have adopted themes, such as Helen's Bavarian

village, that draw tourists.

Closer to home,

Amos said Sharpsburg's merchants are working together and Tyrone's leaders

may want to look at creating a theme for the town.

Another item

the town may want to consider, Amos said, is changing the name of Senoia

Road to Main Street to give the area more of a feel of a small town.

The council

also discussed a proposal by Mayor Sheryl Lee to run background checks

on coaches who work with children in the town's various athletic associations.

Lee attended

a recreation conference and said 95 percent of the attendees are participating

in such a program.

The mayor emphasized

any discussion would have to occur with all members of the associations

before anything is decided.

Councilman

Ronnie Cannon was not too sure the town should adopt the background check.

"Sometimes

accusations ruin a person's reputation forever," he said.

Town officials

agreed to discuss the idea further with members of the athletic associations

before bringing it to a council vote.