Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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January 29, 2010

Citizens answer the challenge

City estimates 175 surveys received about Downtown Revitalization

By Lauren Ricks Associate Editor

Local citizens have answered the challenge issued by the City of Athens en masse.

On Jan. 15, city officials asked for community input on future plans for the downtown square ahead of a Downtown Revitalization Workshop scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The meeting will be held at the Athens Training Center/EOC, on 622 South Prairieville Street, at 5:30 p.m.

The Athens City Council and the City of Athens are working with SEC Planning, LLC on a Downtown Revitalization Study, to establish a master plan for the central business district.

City Secretary Pam Watson said an estimated 175 surveys have been received.

“We’ve had over 150 surveys received through the Internet,” she said. “I’ve received around 20 in my office. We are very excited with the response.”

The survey can be found online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3P979HX. Copies of the survey may also be picked up at Athens City Hall, 508 East Tyler Street, or the Athens Chamber of Commerce, at 1206 South Palestine Avenue, Athens, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Officials are asking citizens to complete and return the surveys to Athens City Hall before the workshop.

“The intent of the public workshop is to gather community input and direction regarding the downtown revitalization study. The city’s planning consultant for the downtown study will be on-hand to provide a brief overview of the study area, and discuss initial observations and the design process,” City Administrator Pam Burton stated previously in a press release. “The consultant will moderate discussion with the attendees, and document community feedback for use in guiding future planning and design recommendations.”

Watson said the training center will easily accommodate 130 people. She said additional chairs can be set up if needed.

Watson is hoping to see a good turnout, based on the number of surveys returned.

“You never know with something like this,” she said.

The workshop will be the first meeting in a series held over the coming months, Burton said.

For more information, call Burton at 903-675-5131.

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