For months now, we've heard whispers and optimistic talk about opportunities to rehabilitate the abandoned shopping center at the corner of George W. Wallace Drive and U.S. 231.

The project has stirred excitement in the community for months - from local business leaders to city leaders to economic development leaders. The prospect of a project that could put a functional, yet empty, piece of prime real estate to use again is appealing.

Now, city leaders and property owners have stepped up to confirm that negotiations are well under way. &uot;Hopefully, we'll be able to announce something soon,&uot; Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said last week.

That something could be a deal to put a hotel and/or sit-down restaurant in the shopping center. The strip mall could be renovated to include additional restaurants, shops and more. The project could service both Troy State University students and community residents, as well as commuters along U.S. 231.

And we could all benefit.

The effort that city leaders, community leaders and property owners are putting into this project is admirable. And, it's the effort that could make the difference between a good idea, and a viable economic development project.

Good news could be just around the corner

and we'd like to believe it's coming soon.