Business owners are talking about the dire need for change — and help — in northern downtown Killeen.
Sammy Tarabah, owner of Gyro Stop Restaurant, said he's been living and running businesses in north downtown Killeen for 26 years — and he's never seen it this slow and stagnant.
The city of Killeen is making efforts, but area residents say it's just not enough.
“We used to be seven days a week busy," Tarabah said. "The gate used to be open. The Army gate used to be open, the commissary. Tenth Street used to be the busiest street in town, but everything moving south now.”
The city, on the other hand, has tried a few things to remedy the situation: Giving businesses in northern downtown Killeen grants and now talking about hiring a "Revitalization Director." Such a director would focus their efforts on boosting the area.
Still, business owners say a lot still needs to be done.
