Katrina Shields

The City of Lakeland Economic Development Strategic Plan is designed to provide a coordinated strategy for advancing economic development within Lakeland and its surrounding region. It focuses on six core areas: Business Climate, Business Clusters, Quality of Life, Infrastructure, Facilities, and Sites, Business Leadership, and Economic Development Efforts. The plan's objective is to identify and implement realistic strategies to maintain and grow businesses, jobs, the tax base, and wealth, ultimately enhancing the community's overall quality of life.

This Corridor Study provides strategic guidance for the Highway 70 corridor in Lakeland, Tennessee. The plan aims to create a safe, functional, and multimodal environment by enhancing pedestrian safety, fostering a stronger sense of place and identity, improving traffic safety through speed reduction, and outlining potential funding sources for enhancements. Key areas addressed include land use, transportation, streetscape improvements, and economic development strategies, with a focus on implementing features like multi-use paths, sidewalks, and roundabouts.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the approval of the regular meeting minutes from February 12, 2013. The new business primarily focused on an action item regarding the Delta Blues Winery, where the commission voted to approve the main building and event building elevations as recommended by staff. Officer and staff reports included an update regarding illegal signs.

The meeting included discussions on the Lakeland Commons TIF, with comments from commissioners. The board also discussed and took action on a TIF Draw Request for Lakeland Commons, which resulted in a roll call vote with a resolution passed. Concerns were raised, and the developer will be contacted. The board went into an Executive Session after the meeting.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various Parks and Recreation activities. Key topics included monitoring Zadie Kuehl Memorial Park, preliminary site plans for a future dog park, and inclusive playground proposals. Updates were provided on the Athletic Complex, including expenses for power lines and potential solar costs, as well as a possible soccer grant. The board discussed a homeschool group volunteering to build a bridge at I.H. Park and improvements to the I.H. Park/Clubhouse. The LAMP summer concert series was also discussed, and appreciation plaques were mailed to former PRB members. The search for a new Parks and Rec Director was mentioned, and updates were given on the Tree City Application and an Arbor Day event. Updates on basketball, soccer, cheerleading, and football programs were provided. The Lakeland Senior Center's attendance and new programs were discussed, along with a fundraiser. Commissioner Dial requested the PRB to set a vision for the future of Parks and Recreation.