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February 11, 2010

MAIL CALL: Reflecting on the revitalization of downtown Athens

The Athens Review

Athens — I was sitting here reflecting on the revitalization of downtown Athens. At age 71, revitalization is foremost on my mind. It has been for sometime.

I assume there will be structuring of something new on top of the old, similar to ancient civilizations that continued to build atop ancestrial remains.

I can imagine a thousand years from now some archaeologist digging through the foundation remains of downtown Athens, and identifying 2010 as the beginning of the Revitalization Period.

Tongue-in-cheek aside, I would recommend looking at success stories in the immediate area. There are plenty of well-managed community service organizations from which to gather ideas. They are continually active with an abundance of participation.

The most obvious examples are the Texas Fresh Water Fisheries Center, the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society, the Cain Center, the Henderson County Fair Complex, Trinity Valley Community College, and the Henderson County Performing Arts Center. The revitalization of the community of Ben Wheeler is also worthy of note.

My point is this.  If the city is serious about revitalizing downtown Athens, utilize the management expertise of local groups.

Secondly, the leadership of Athens should act on the titles claimed by the city.

As a 30-year resident of Athens, I have been introduced to the following titles, Heart of the Lake Country, Black-Eyed Pea Capital, Home of the hamburger and Certified Retirement Community.

However, while I see great potential in such titles, I don’t see evidence of city leadership capitalizing on any of them. No minnow shop, no Black-Eyed Pea restaurant, no Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger join and no retirement center.

It cannot be the shortage of developmental groups in Athens. I am aware of several: the Athens Chamber of Commerce, the Athens City Council, the Athens Visitor Initiative Program and the Athens Economic Development Corporation.

But, it seems necessary to hire an outside study team to assess and determine a revitalization plan for downtown Athens.

If the condition of the old historical Texan Theater does not offer a clue, give me a break.

There are more immediate needs than parking spaces. I will find a place to park when something is offered beyond jury duty and tax payments.

Jerry S. Phillips

Athens

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