Lakeland is on the cusp of phenomenal growth with new roadways, a sports park, running its own fire station and much economic development.
Jim Atkinson, Lakeland city manager, was the guest speaker at the monthly Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (6.28.17) and outlined current and future projects as well as initiatives from the new budget.
Wil Ashworth, Chamber president, introduced Mr. Atkinson, noting he has been with the City since 2005 and “Acts like the CEO of the City.”
Mr. Atkinson updated the audience on components of the City including neighborhoods, businesses, recreation and schools as well as roads.
The I-40 interchange is scheduled to be complete by the end of July, said Mr. Atkinson. “It will be a masterpiece. Traffic lights are in now along with decorative brick. It’s going to be fantastic.” Work on the interchange started the summer of 2014.
Beverle Rivera Drive may be more important than the interchange, he said, noting how dangerous it was to turn from Huff N Puff onto Canada Road. “Now Huff N Puff is permanently closed with a new thoroughfare,” he said. “That work is scheduled for completion in October.”
He said he hopes a new athletic complex/sports park, proposed for City-owned property at Memphis-Arlington Road and Canada Road, might start construction this winter. Recreation participation is increasing, he said from 158 in 2014 to 620 last year. Numbers are already at 376 for 2017, just halfway into the year.
Regarding a Lakeland fire department, Mr. Atkinson said Mayor Bunker is “Really driving this one.” He said having a fire department in house (versus current operation by the Shelby County Fire Department) would allow the City to reduce and phase out fire fees, improve response time, improve the ISO rating and increase value-added service. “We can operate the fire department for less than we are paying the County,” said Mr. Atkinson, citing numbers of $2.4 million paid to the County versus $1.5 million or $1.6 million to actually operate the station.
He noted there are not a lot of new homes available in Lakeland, but “help is on the way.” He cited Oakwood Grove and Kensington Manor as neighborhoods coming out of the ground. Other developments, starting in 2006, have been approved by the City and awaiting movement by the developers.
Among new initiatives for the City is a push for economic development. A variety of groups are working toward that goal, including city officials and staff, volunteer boards and Pinnacle Planning Advisors (PPA). Mr. Atkinson said PPA is Dexter Muller and he is the most respected expert on economic development.
The City has updated its branding with a new City logo and amended City slogan, gateway signs, promotional video, marketing plan and small area plan.
Mr. Atkinson said there is a misconception that the City had to take the certified property tax rate provided by the Shelby County Assessor after the recent reappraisal. “That is not the case,” he said. He noted that other municipalities have moved to raise their taxes above the certified (revenue neutral) rate but Lakeland officials chose to reduce the rate more than that. The current tax rate is $1.40, certified is $1.29 and the approved rate is $1.25.
Questions were raised about Lakeland Commons (expect plan to be submitted to the Board of Commissioners in 30 days); the impact of new neighborhoods on schools (the new middle school has been built to accommodate 1,200 students); and The Lake District (supposed to start a hotel and restaurant in the fourth quarter this year.)
Mr. Ashworth complimented Brittney Buchanan, new executive director for the Chamber, for securing a $60,000 EDGE (Economic Development Growth Engine) grant for the Chamber.
The next luncheon will be July 26 at Club Windward featuring Lakeland School System officials Dr. Ted Horrell, Matt Adler and Joretha Lockhart.
Two upcoming annual Chamber projects are the Business Expo Aug. 19 and the Golf Tournament Oct. 23.
