Downtown Hamlet has seen a lot of change since the city began working with the Small Town Main Street Group last September.

According to City Manager Marchell Adams David, the professionals in the group - with their different areas of expertise - have been a tremendous help.

“They have done this (type of project) and provided the technical assistance all across the state of North Carolina,” said David. “They bring architectural background, engineering background, community development background, downtown revitalization background...and they have seen what works and what doesn’t work in small rural communities.

Planters, benches and new lightposts now take the place of the trees that once lined Main Street.

“I think you really see the biggest difference at night,” said David. “The lighting really sets off the new streetscape and makes our downtown stand out.”

The city has gotten some feedback.

“It’s been very positive,” said David. “Most of the business owners have agreed to actually go in and water the plants for us.”

And there’s more in the works.

“In the second year (of working with small Town Main Street) we’re planning to implement a facade improvement program,” said David. “Wherein the city will work with business owners and offer some assistance to improve the business facade.”

The City of Hamlet will continue working with Small Town Main Street through 2010.