By Jamal Thomas
Millbrook, AL- Residents, business leaders, and community leaders gathered at the Millbrook Civic Center to hear the strategic plan for Downtown Millbrook. The 5-year plan was presented by Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, a national community development firm.
“It is heartening to see this level of interest in Downtown” said Millbrook Economic Development Director Ann Harper while giving opening remarks.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley shared how important the strategic is to the city. “This means a lot to see the community involved” he said. “We have ideas and strategies to get things moving forward.”
Downtown Strategies President Jenn Gregory and Director of Real Estate Elliott Cook elaborated on several recommendations for improving downtown. They include lease incentives for new businesses, local tax increment financing (TIF), façade grant improvement programs, an entertainment overlay zoning district, walkability, streetscape amenities, and retail and mixed-use development.
The strategic planning partnership began with a Strategic Visioning Workshop in Millbrook back in March that included a walking tour of the Village Green and city center area, as well as a Stakeholder Input Session.
Millbrook has a projected growth rate of 6.6% in the next five years.
Today’s meeting was sponsored by River Bank & Trust, Family Home Furniture, Liveoak Agency, Inc, and The Carpet Place. Lunch was provided by Smokehouse Pit BBQ.
For more information about the Downtown Strategic Plan call Ann Harper at 334-285-0330.
Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, specializes in downtown revitalization, placemaking, strategic visioning and planning, community engagement, and development for the purpose of enhanced economic vitality and social wellbeing for communities and their citizens.
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