The past year has certainly been a whirlwind for all of us. 2020 brought with it unexpected change and a resiliency we rediscovered as a community.
Despite it all, the One Decatur Steering Committee has continued to achieve milestones through virtual meetings and masked-up action.
Residential Growth
Residential growth has been at the top of everyone’s list.
Our Residential Growth Committee, a direct byproduct of the One Decatur process, approved 450+ new homes for subdivisions and additional residential development in 2019-2020.
“The impact of the pandemic and the economic uncertainty has not slowed residential and commercial growth in our city. We’re adding businesses and jobs, we’re adding rooftops, and more developments are in near future. Decatur is full steam ahead and doesn’t show signs of slowing down,” says Crystal Brown, Vice President of Development of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.
Improving Mobility & Redefining the 6th Avenue Gateway
With more new neighbors, we know we’ll need to create a well-maintained, smart, and sustainable transportation system for our residents and guests to use.
The 6th Avenue Corridor Project and Streetscape Planning Committee, also formed as a result of One Decatur, conducted extensive research into a 6th Avenue corridor revitalization with plans from engineering firm Volkert.
The Decatur City Council is currently reviewing the plans, and we look forward to seeing the progress that will continue to be made in 2021.
Public Art Initiative
We all needed an uplifting outlet in 2020. The brightness brought by the Morgan County Mural Trail has been a welcome addition to our community.
Murals from Kelsey Montague, Michael McPheeters, and Adam Stephenson are fixtures for Instagram photo-ops in Downtown Decatur, and now the Mural Trail now has its own mobile passport!
As more vibrant murals pop up around town, they will be added to the Trail, as well as the mobile passport that can be accessed through the Decatur Morgan County Tourism website. The mobile-exclusive passport allows you to mix and match any of the locations on the trail to best fit your location and itinerary.
Tennessee RiverLine RiverTowns Program
Decatur is one of fifteen Tennessee River communities that have been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Tennessee RiverTowns Program, beginning its journey to become an official Tennessee RiverTown and part of the Tennessee RiverLine – North America’s next great regional trail system.
“The Tennessee River is an important economic tool to the City of Decatur from an industrial standpoint and a recreational standpoint. Not only is it an opportunity to show the importance of the River to locals, the Tennessee RiverTowns Program will serve as an additional means to further the goals of attracting more visitors to Decatur. From Native American heritage to outdoor recreation, many stories flow through the waters of the Tennessee River waiting to be told and experienced,” said Decatur Morgan County Tourism President and CEO Danielle Gibson.
Establishing Zoning for Food Trucks
A long-requested item from residents, the Decatur City Council recently approved zoning for food truck parking in our community.
Food Truck Friday was launched this month by the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and was a huge success. Food trucks will now be featured at the Old State Bank for lunch on the first Friday of every month, so mark your calendars!
About One Decatur
One Decatur, the City’s comprehensive plan, was adopted in February 2018 and co-created through community feedback and guidance.
The City of Decatur is now entering the next phase of the plan – reviewing and updating the zoning ordinance.
“The One Decatur plan allows us to follow a roadmap for continuous, cohesive growth and success,” says Mayor Tab Bowling. “I’m beyond grateful for this steering committee and our many public and private partners who have played a key role in making each of our accomplishments a reality.”
Those interested in becoming involved with the implementation of the strategic plan may contact the City of Decatur’s Communication Specialist Emme Long at (256) 559-6007 or elong@decatur-al.gov.