During a recent government meeting, local business owners and community members expressed significant concerns regarding the development plans for Stimpson Avenue. A business owner highlighted a remarkable 17% increase in sales over the past year, attributing this growth to increased visibility after a street improvement project. However, they cautioned that pushing businesses back from the street could hinder future growth, emphasizing the need for commercial presence on both sides of the street to capitalize on existing traffic from established anchors like Hocking Valley Bank and the Post Office.

Concerns were raised about the lack of public engagement in the planning process, with several attendees noting that only a small number of local stakeholders had participated in discussions. One property owner lamented the absence of local input in decisions being made by a large engineering firm, stressing that community members should have a say in shaping the future of their neighborhood.

The city administration acknowledged the preliminary nature of the design plans and committed to enhancing public engagement moving forward. They emphasized the importance of gathering input from local residents and business owners to ensure that the development aligns with community needs. The mayor reassured attendees that their voices would be heard as the city seeks to improve the Stimpson Avenue corridor, which has already seen a $7.2 million investment aimed at transforming it into a vibrant gateway to Athens.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are eager for more transparency and collaboration in the planning process, hoping to create a development that benefits both businesses and residents alike.