Highland City Council debates future of town center amid commercial development concerns

Highland's Planning Commission is grappling with the future of its town center, as discussions during the January 28, 2025, meeting highlighted the need for community input on development strategies. A key concern raised was whether to focus resources on revitalizing the town center or to allow commercial development to spread throughout the city.

Commission members expressed a desire to understand the sentiments of Highland's residents, particularly regarding the town center's viability. With a population of approximately 20,000 and over 9,000 registered voters, the commission is eager to gather feedback from at least 2,000 to 3,000 citizens to gauge support for the town center initiative. The discussion emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive vision for the area, as past investments by property owners hinge on the town center's success.

Concerns were voiced about the potential consequences of diluting the town center's focus by permitting commercial development in other parts of Highland. Members noted that many cities have seen their downtown areas decline due to the proliferation of shopping malls and commercial nodes outside the city center. The commission underscored the need to concentrate on making the town center a thriving hub, which could enhance community engagement and local business success.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the possibility of establishing a new commercial node near Ridgeview, which could complement existing businesses like Costa Vida and Arby’s. The commission is weighing the benefits of this expansion against the desire to preserve residential areas.

As Highland navigates these pivotal decisions, the Planning Commission is committed to ensuring that the community's voice is heard in shaping the future of its town center and overall development strategy. The next steps will involve outreach efforts to solicit public opinion, which will be crucial in guiding the commission's recommendations moving forward.