THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - Big plans for development are being discussed this week in the city of Thomasville.
The city unveiled it's comprehensive plan that sets the stage for growth in the city over the next 10 years.
Over the next 10 years folks in Thomasville are hoping to see their city grow new businesses, new ways of travel, and a new quality of life.
The final draft of the 2028 Blueprint Thomasville Comprehensive Plan was unveiled to the public Tuesday night.
"I thought the presentation was very interesting, its very future oriented," said resident Audrea Ferrell. "We need a lot of economic development here in Thomasville as well as housing."
"I think the plan is a fantastic attempt at coming together as a community and putting something together we can all be proud of," said another resident John Bennett.
The median age for the city of roses is 39, so a fairly young city with an average income of $31,000.
50 percent of the population rent their homes so a lot of talk is focused towards providing more housing, specifically lofts above downtown businesses and town-home communities near the downtown area.
The focus is also on rebuilding and rehabilitating older homes in historic communities like Fletcherville.
"We need to come up with new ways to continue to grow.," said Bennett. "A city that is not growing and not expanding is dying."
The average travel time to work is about 18 minutes. Part of the comprehensive plan focuses on walking and bike lanes and improvements to the major gateways into the city such as Remington Avenue, West Jackson Street, and Smith Avenue.
"Citizens' input is very important, we are proud of our city and want it to be the best it can be," said Ferrell. "We're on the right track."
The city has the full 300 page document up on the Blueprint 2028 website.
Staff is inviting folks to joins in on the conversation by participating in the chat forum there as well.
