A big thank you to the Martha, David and Bagby Lennox Foundation! The Lennox foundation has been so very good to this city and county. For those that have not seen The Clarksville Times, make it a point to read the article in the paper dated January 4, 2018. There is quite an extensive list of recipients.
The City of Clarksville has been listed as a recipient for many years. On behalf of the City of Clarksville, thank you! You have made such a difference in the lives of so many.
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Communities Unlimited met this past Monday at the HUB building in Clarksville. For those of you that are not aware, the City, CEDC, and Zip Code are partnering with Communities Unlimited to create jobs, bring business in and help us meet other needs of the community.
The object is to assist in creating a sustainable community. All efforts to promote our city and county and improve conditions are not only for the present generation but future generations. It is our responsibility to leave something behind that they can use for their benefit.
We have many needs. Infrastructure, water, jobs, housing, recreational and the list continues. Many surveys have been taken throughout the years through Main Street, Texas Historical Commission, The Rural Resource Team, City Comprehensive Planning and Capacity Plan, hotel assessments, Emergency Management, mitigation plans, tourism, and St. Edwards University.
All plans always touch on water, housing, recreational, medical, transportation, parks and trails, education, code enforcement, retail development, business and industry, hunting and fishing and our rich and extensive history.
I think we all know what is needed but often times we do not touch everyone that could lend their thoughts and assistance. What do you think is needed and which area or areas would you like to work on as a priority?
The city and county pretty well work on a regular basis with various agencies pertaining to infrastructure, water, wastewater, streets, drainage, airport upgrades, transportation and and other services.
It takes years to get some of these areas addressed but you just keep on letting those needs be known. So, let us hear from you.
Think about it and maybe outside the box, look at our assets and weakness, at what we have accomplished and what still needs to be accomplished. I, for one, appreciate Ryan and Melinda Watters contacting Communities Unlimited. If anyone can come in, look at our community and through their eyes and our input, bring ideas, strategies or resources to the table, it is a win for us.
In fact all assessments have been built on our input throughout the years. Many of you have attended these meetings in past years. Communities Unlimited is listening to us, what we would like to see and giving their input on what it takes to build a strong team that can take the ball and run with it when they are no longer assisting. This is the second year of a possible three year commitment.
So, come to the HUB in February and meet with us. Maybe they can assist you in a new start up business or expansion.Do you need assistance with compiling a plan, marketing and promoting, or perhaps a loan?
Do you have suggestions on what sector to work on next along with job creation? This is a county-wide effort. We invite all city and county residents and by that I mean in the county. Avery, Annona, Detroit, Bogata, Clarksville and unincorporated areas.
We also invite those that live elsewhere to join us. Bring your ideas and strategies.
The Red River County Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville EDC, Lennox Foundation, the City and County, Tourism Committee, Gatekeepers and Lennox Health Resource Center and other healthcare groups, PRIDE Association, RBEG Committee, those in the medical field, CISD staff, school board, teachers and Superintendent, Red River Charities, Inc, Clarksville Alumni Outreach Committee, ZIP CODE, Main Street, The NETT Board, Churches, Red River County Library, Boys and Girls Club, HUB, and Ark-Tex Council of Governments are all trying to improve conditions for our youth and the people that live and work here to promote this area, to entice needed growth, create jobs and business, increase sales tax, recreational activities and technology,and other sectors or areas, to ensure we remain sustainable.
There are many, many more organizations and committees and boards doing the same. I cannot name them all as there are many. We are not the same face or community we were in the 80’s or 90’s. But we can find our niche, come up with different ideas and strategies to promote our area and work to bring it about to be even better!
We have taken many recommendations throughout the years and will continue to do so. But, we might need to revamp a bit. It also takes a village. We welcome your input.
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Congratulations on the sale of The Clarksville Times. The Times was sold to a new locally-based corporation formed by Lou and Patricia Antonelli of Clarksville. Congratulations! I look forward to the open house!
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Have you noticed how many of the historic buildings downtown are being utilized for lofts? There are three, with two more of the historic buildings being developed for loft living now.
I am hopeful we can take a tour of these lofts at a later date. A lot of time, effort and money have been spent in the creation and retention of our retail businesses on the square.
We thank them and our industries. We are appreciative and we are here if any problem arises we might be able to assist with.
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You might have noticed the article Main Street has had in the paper for several weeks. Nominate a business that you feel meets at least one of the four point approaches of which Main Street is founded on - Design, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Organization.
Mickey Allen is the Main Street Director. The City of Clarksville has been a Main Street City since 2003. We are proud of that designation and we appreciate the Lennox Foundation providing $10,000 toward that program for our director’s salary.
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The City is getting ready to close out the latest CDBG water and waste water grant and the HOME Program (the substandard housing is demolished and a new home built in its place) is now closed out.
It will be three years before the city will be able to apply for or utilize those funds for CDBG and the HOME Program. A number of people have contacted us pertaining to the HOME program. In light of the time frame to build any more homes, you might want to apply to the USDA for home improvements. ---
The city has now hired an engineering firm, MTG Engineers, who has already started working with the USDA to submit an application to address our water and wastewater needs.
Dan Boyles, MTG Engineering, has been the city’s engineer for over 20 years. He knows this system well. All this takes time. It is a process.
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I invite you to attend our City Council Meetings. Those meetings are now held at 6:00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
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