September 2006
The City of Alba has a determination not only to thrive, but to prosper. This is evidenced by the rich cultural and business history. From the days of lignite and coal mining and cotton milling up to sport fishing in a trophy bass lake and the electronic age, the citizens and business owners have united to keep the city alive.
Revitalization is in the works through the efforts of the Alba Economic Development Corporation (EDC.) The EDC is a group of citizens, business people and city employees. These members are appointed by and report directly to the City Council of the City of Alba.
The major efforts of the EDC are concentrated on the area within the city limits. Dan Boutwell of Municipal Planning Resources Group, Inc. (MPRG,) a consulting firm has been commissioned to devise a comprehensive plan.
Mr. Boutwell will be doing an on site visit with the EDC in October. Preliminary discussions between Mr. Boutwell and the Board members of the EDC have resulted in the development of the first stage of the plan.
The consultant has been addressing questions from the EDC and noted that the plan should begin the focus on the City of Alba's unique attribute, which is the downtown Square.
Since the downtown area of Alba is arranged around a centrally located square, attention will be focused from the square area and progress from downtown outward. The Square, in what was once the business district, has tools from the coal mines and decorative street lamps which were donated by citizens.
During the course of the project there will be a public hearing and a representative from MPRG will be on hand to answer questions. The Economic Development Corporation reports to the City Council and the Council will make the ultimate decision regarding suggestions from the EDC.
Regular Economic Development Committee meetings are open to the public on the last Monday of the month at 2:00,(with the exception being the October meeting which has been moved up one hour to October 1:00, due to the presentation by Mr. Boutwell) at Alba City Hall, and are open to the public.
Press Release Online 10-17-06
HEADLINE: Revitalization of Small Town Near Big Lake
SUMMARY: Alba, near Lake Fork, is a small East Texas town which is moving in a positive direction through the Economic Development Corporation.