After years of discussion and one offer of purchase, the Troy City Council has officially decided on a new location for the next library. And, it’s a location that was not Mayor Jimmy Lunsford’s first choice.

The building that once stood as the old Elm Street High School will soon become the home for the city of Troy’s library.

While the location is farther from the heart of downtown than city officials would have liked, another approval by the council may soon change that, as well.

The Comprehensive Community Master Plan, a plan which Councilman Jason Reeves said has downtown at its core, will bring guidance in expanding downtown to the Troy University campus.

And, once that expansion takes place, the Elm Street location will fall right in the center.

“That’s one of the major parts of the plan, for the university and downtown to grow together,” Reeves said.

Downtown development is not the only part of the city’s new long-range plan. From transportation to zoning changes to recreation, the city plan has a recommendation for all aspects of future city growth.

Though nothing in the plan will take effect immediately, it will serve as a guide for the city’s future development.

“Frankly, it changes nothing. It’s a plan for going forward,” Reeves said. “A lot calls for ordinance changes, but that all has to be done through the normal channels.”

Lunsford said the plan overall is one that should please most of the city’s residents.

“When it gets down to specific blocks or lots, that’s been debated. I’m sure you could find a spot somewhere you want to do something different,” Lunsford said. “The overall plan I think is solid and sound.”

This was the final step in the plan’s passage, and no changes were made from the council before approval.

Also in the meeting, council members gave Lunsford the OK to apply for a loan that will upgrade sewage along parts of Elm Street and George Wallace Drive. The total funding sought will be $2.1 million, and with stimulus funds, 30 to 50 percent of some of the loan will be forgiven.

The council also discussed whether to hold a fireworks show in the city on July 4, since the costs for the show will be around $16,000.

But, ultimately they decided the show must go on. “I’d hate to forego the July 4 fireworks show,” Lunsford said.