The opening of several new businesses on South Main Street this month will mark the beginning of long-awaited growth in West Waynesville.

PetSmart celebrated a quiet early September opening and will soon have Belk, Rack Room Shoes and Michael’s as neighbors in Waynesville Commons, the development built where the long-closed Dayco Plant used to employ 2,000 or so.

Across the street, Old Town Bank recently started construction on its new two-story, 9,000 square foot building. And plans are in the works to build a new ABC store near Hardee's.

It’s all part of a long term vision town leaders have been working toward since Super Walmart became the first tenant in 2008.

The town's land development standards have added to the aesthetic appeal of the plaza, which completed the overall goal of ...