While Balclutha's main street, Clyde St, is the Clutha District Council's top priority for an upgrade, two side streets running off Clyde are also being considered for ''streetscape'' improvements.
Written submissions for and against upgrades of Elizabeth and John Sts appear evenly balanced.
In its submission, the Balclutha Rotary Club backed Elizabeth St and urged the council to increase the budget from $2.6 million to $3.2 million.
''We remain supportive of this development and would like to see this area constructed by members, businesses and organisations within our community to enhance the feeling of ownership and identity.
''Balclutha Rotary would be pleased to be the cornerstone organisation to help bring this project to fruition.
''Our club also remains open to negotiated financial input.''
Jo Bond, of Balclutha, considered Elizabeth St would be perfect as the ''town heart''.
''I also really believe that this area needs to have public toilets which will draw more people.''
Bruce Duncan, of Balclutha, favoured Elizabeth St too, because an upgrade there would have the most visual impact and allow more flexible use.
Patricia Campbell, of Balclutha, said she always found John St to be ''particularly cold'' and windy and Ian McDonald, of Balclutha, considered John St ''too narrow and cold'' to justify the cost of an upgrade.
But pharmacist Daniel Haw favoured John St because it had ''worked well as a busy hub''.
''Some people have argued that it is a cold street.
''I would argue that Elizabeth St is colder, as it is more exposed to the elements.''
He was also concerned about the effect on his many ''elderly and frail'' customers of car parks being lost.
''People driving through Balclutha might stop if there is a car park. Otherwise, they just drive through.''
Joy Murdoch, of Balclutha, considered the council had given ''absolutely no thought'' to the elderly over parking.
''It is hard enough now to get a park handy to the post office or ANZ bank.
''How far do you able-bodied folk think we elderly can walk?''Don't forget, you will be us one day.''
And Maree McGrouther, of Balclutha, suggested employing a parking warden could solve the parking issue.
Roy and Jan Johnstone, of Puerua Valley, believed the council had never clearly defined the objective of the upgrade.
''If the objective is just to tidy up the main street for the local inhabitants to enjoy and be proud of then the focus should be on the main street only and forget the remaining areas.''
However, they went on to submit Elizabeth St was ''soulless'' and they favoured John St, because it was closer to the main shopping area and had ''a much more intimate feel about it.
''The argument that the street is draughty also applies to the Elizabeth St option, as they both have the same orientation.''
Jo Lowrey, of Lovells Flat, backed the upgrade of both Elizabeth and John Sts.
She considered the heart of the Balclutha CBD to be John St but that there was an opportunity to use the green space available in Elizabeth St for an ''icon'' that would stop traffic.
''We need an icon in the CBD like fruit, purple cow, carrot, fish, Takahe, L&P, giant Red Band gum boots.''
Chairwoman of Balclutha's Youth Council Kate Morrison believed upgrading both streets would create a ''better design flow'' and allow for more ''community-friendly spaces''.
Jenny Davis, of Balclutha, also favoured upgrading both.
''To develop one street without the other would be a job half done ...''
Debbie Michie and Earl Cunningham, of Balclutha, were in favour of the town's information centre and toilets being moved to Elizabeth St but they were concerned about the cost of the upgrade.
''As the district's population is decreasing, you would hope they are planning to make money from these changes and not just keep hiking rates.''
Barry and Cindy Milford, of Balclutha, submitted ratepayers could not afford more rate increases and Daryl Forrest, of Balclutha, agreed.
''Scrap the whole idea.
''This idea of making Balclutha's CBD look nice isn't affordable.''
Russell and Valerie Pagel, of Balclutha, believed the council had not gone far enough.
''The whole town is a disgrace.
''Parks and gardens, cemetery, all need attention.''
Simone Budge, of Lawrence, also believed the town was in a ''desperate need of a tidy up''.
''Whatever you do, please do something and quickly.''
Ninety-four submissions were received by the council and 11 submitters indicated they wish to speak at today's hearing.
