Downtown Clayton Still A Draw - (Garner Clayton Record)

Despite the recession, downtown added eight businesses in a year.


BY SARAH NAGEM - Staff Writer  (Garner/Clayton Record)

When James Fawcett decided to open a restaurant, he scoped out spaces in downtown Apex and downtown Raleigh. But in the end, he chose the heart of Clayton for his eatery, Main Street Seafood. "We liked the small-downtown feel of the place," said Fawcett, 43, of Durham.

Fawcett isn't the only small-business owner who has recently set up shop in downtown Clayton. The town gained eight new downtown businesses between July 2009 and June 2010, according to the Clayton Downtown Development Association. Some say the growth is a sign that Clayton's core is weathering the storm of the recession that has shuttered many small businesses.

Along with Fawcett's restaurant, the new downtown tenants include three hair salons, two computer stores, a dance studio and a batting-cage company, said Bruce Naegelen, the downtown development coordinator.
(FULL ARTICLE)