Growth and Redevelopment Goals Achieved as City Moves Forward with One Decatur Plan
The City of Decatur is moving forward to ensure it's One Decatur Comprehensive Plan is being put into action. The plan was created four years ago after using community input to identify critical needs. The plan provides recommendations on a range of topics that serve as a long-term vision to promote continuous and cohesive growth for the city.
A steering committee made up of community leaders makes sure those recommendations are being implemented. The results are evident as the committee recently reviewed goals achieved in the last year. Here's a list of the accomplishments for 2021 that are all a product of a One Decatur objective.
Residential Growth: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in creating the Residential Development Task Force to take advantage of the historic growth and momentum seen in North Alabama. In 2021, the City of Decatur’s Planning Commission reviewed applications for over 600 new residential lots in every district of Decatur.
Downtown Development: Students will soon reside in the new Alabama Center for the Arts dormitory, which will be conveniently located to both classes and Decatur’s Arts and Entertainment District.
Fairfield Inn and a new parking deck will also be added to the 2nd Avenue corridor for easy access to shops and restaurants.
McGhee Square, a luxury townhome development, will accent the upcoming 609 Market slated to open on Bank Street later this year.
Progress continues to be made to improve the 6th Avenue corridor, from Wilson Street SE to Prospect Drive SE, which serves as an entryway to Decatur. The 6th Avenue streetscape plan will include directional signage and foliage. Volkert, Inc. has been hired to oversee the engineering and design for the project.
Riverfront Redevelopment: The historic McEntire home was purchased for revitalization and plans for a boutique hotel, upscale restaurant, and event center are underway. Renovations are slated be completed in the next two years.
Highway 20 Development: Industrial projects such as Mazda-Toyota Manufacturing, U.S. A. have primed the Highway 20 corridor for growth. A new distribution center is currently under construction on Bibb Garrett Road, west of I-65. More development is anticipated soon for the area with the completion of the new Highway 20 overpass.
New Decatur City Schools Facility: Decatur City Schools broke ground on its new Career Academies of Decatur facility. It will offer specific vocational tracks and equipment for students. Highlighted programs include engineering, EMT training, and an additional medical career facility.
As we move into the new year, the City of Decatur continues to tackle one of the most important steps in the One Decatur plan which is reviewing and updating the city's zoning ordinance.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with the implementation of the strategic plan may contact the City of Decatur’s Communication Specialist Emme Stewart at (256) 559-6007 or estewart@decatur-al.gov.
For more information on the One Decatur plan, click here.