Land Use
February 6, 2006
Alba is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan, which will define areas for specific use. The comprehensive plan for land use will encompass only the area within the city limits of Alba.
Utilizing funds from the sales tax increase, the Alba Economic Development Committee (EDC) commissioned the consulting firm of Municipal Planning Resources Group, Inc. (MPRG) to devise a comprehensive plan which will define areas for specific use. MPRG is a consulting firm that is dedicated to providing primarily municipalities with planning-related expertise.
Dan C. Boutwell, AICP of Municipal Planning Resources Group, Inc. was in attendance at the January meeting of the Economic Development Committee. He addressed several questions from the committee members and noted that the plan should be to begin the focus on the unique attribute which is the downtown square. Situated in the heart of what was formerly the business district, the square now has decorative quaint streetlamps and tools from the coal mines displayed.
There are a limited number of businesses in the downtown area around the square at the present time, and numerous unoccupied buildings. So there is potential for a revival of business and industry. The plan will begin the focus within the comprehensive plan on the area around the square and move outward.
At a later time there will be suggestions from MPRG, within this contract, as to land use in the Extra Territorial Jurisdictions.
During the course of the project there will be public hearing for all interested parties to be informed of progress. A representative from MPRG will be in on hand to answer questions. The Economic Development Committee reports directly to the City Council. The City Council makes the ultimate decision regarding suggestions from the EDC. The City Council meets in the evening, on the first Monday of the month at City Hall. The EDC meetings are held monthly at City Hall at 2:00, on the last Monday of the month.
The Economic Development Committee is composed of appointees: Jan Feil, Chairman, and members, John Ballard, Orivn Carrol, Karyn Margos, Lindy McCarty, Don McKenzie, and Jill Russell.