MARS — Residents, shoppers and business owners think the downtown revitalization project by the borough council is a good idea, but most of them like the town just the way it is.

Mayor Gregg Hartung recently announced that he, the council and the Mars Business Association are involved in the revitalization effort. Hartung said the group hopes to have finalized architectural drawings and a cost estimate within a few months.

A canvas Monday of people shopping, strolling and working on Grand Avenue, which is Mars’ main street, revealed that outside of a few upgrades, many think Mars is fine in its current state.

“I almost hate to see anything change, but I guess change is good,” said Mike Sheehy, who is a lifelong resident.

Sheehy hopes council retains Mars’ small-town character while planning upgrades.

Debbie Dudgeon, who lives in Valencia but works in Mars, said she saw the plans and liked them.

She agrees with the plan to upgrade the “gateways” into town off Route 228 and Mars-Evans City Roads.

“I think it’s a great, quaint little town,” Dudgeon said.

Marge Mandziara, who moved from the Beechview section of Pittsburgh to Mars 16 years ago, said she appreciates the grocery store, bank, pharmacy, post office and library being within walking distance. The town is also accessible for her husband, who is in a wheelchair.

“Everyone is friendly,” Mandziara said. “It’s nice to talk to the people in town.”

She said one feature she would add is another restaurant that is open past breakfast time.

“(Mars needs) a good, everyday place to have lunch,” Mandziara said.

Karen Davidson has lived in Mars for 30 years. Davidson said Mars is a great place to raise children, where neighbors care about one another.

“It’s just a nice, friendly place,” Davidson said.

While she lamented the closing of the Mars Pool this year, she also appreciates the ability to walk to church and stores.

“I really don’t drive a lot,” Davidson said.

Bev Broskey, who runs Curves of Mars, and Michael Macri, the owner of Macri Floral, agree the sidewalks on Grand Avenue need replacing. They suggested the upscale street lights starting on the southern end of Grand Avenue finally be continued to the north end.

Broskey also urged more trees be planted downtown, and that a bakery and wine and spirits shop would nicely round out the borough.

Macri, who has arranged flowers in his Mars floral shop for 25 years, also said Lincoln Avenue should be paved.

Macri approves of the revitalization plan, and looks forward to the project.

“I hope they can get it going,” Macri said.