Haltom City, Texas, faces a critical juncture as its older south and central neighborhoods continue to decline despite years of concern from residents and business owners. In response to this ongoing issue, Ron Sturgeon, co-founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA), has offered up to $100,000 to fund a study by the nonprofit organization Strong Towns.
The proposed study aims to assess the situation in Haltom City’s older areas, identify barriers to progress, and develop a strategic plan to guide revitalization efforts. This initiative comes after years of perceived inaction from city leadership, which has primarily focused on growth and development in newer areas of the city.
HUBA, formed in 2021 by a coalition of small business owners, has been advocating for increased attention to the city’s declining neighborhoods. The group has repeatedly offered suggestions to the City Council, emphasizing the need to focus on main corridors such as Denton Highway, Carson, NE 28th Street, and Belknap, where commercial vacancies are prevalent.
Strong Towns, the nonprofit organization proposed to conduct the study, is dedicated to helping cities across the United States become financially strong and resilient. Their objectives include advocating for safe, livable, and inviting cities of all sizes, and elevating local government as a collaborative entity for community development.
Sturgeon expressed frustration with the city’s reluctance to consider proposals from the business community, stating, ‘Over the past few years, it has become clear that the city is unwilling to listen to proposals from the business community. But maybe the city would be more willing to listen to independent experts.’
The potential impact of this study could be significant for Haltom City. A comprehensive revitalization plan could address issues such as commercial vacancies, infrastructure improvements, and economic development in the older parts of the city. This, in turn, could lead to increased property values, improved quality of life for residents, and a stronger local economy.
The offer from Sturgeon and HUBA highlights the growing concern among local business owners and residents about the future of Haltom City’s older neighborhoods. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between local government, businesses, and community organizations in addressing urban decay and promoting sustainable development.
As cities across the nation grapple with similar challenges of urban renewal and economic revitalization, the outcome of this proposed study could serve as a model for other communities facing comparable issues. The involvement of Strong Towns, with its track record of helping cities become more resilient, adds credibility to the potential impact of this initiative.
The ball is now in the court of Haltom City’s leadership. Their decision on whether to accept this offer and work with Strong Towns could have far-reaching implications for the city’s future. As Sturgeon emphasized, ‘Without a plan, nothing is going to change.’ The coming weeks will likely see increased public discourse on this issue as residents and business owners await the city’s response to this significant offer.
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