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LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland residents are getting the opportunity to weigh in on what they want the future of three of its redevelopment districts to look like.
The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency has launched what it calls ‘Restore the Core.’
From Downtown to Midtown to Dixieland, city leaders are looking to keep up with a growing community, to make it a place for residents to thrive and to keep calling Lakeland their home.
Stephen Debats is a collector of all thing’s history. “I love Lakeland postcards, anything to do with Lakeland history,” he said.
It’s a passion that’s grown into a business, as he’s the owner of Lloyds Lakeland Antique shop.
He bought the property in 1997, but the shop has actually been in the heart of downtown since 1976.
Over the years, Debats says he has seen downtown change.
“In the downtown area, you got enough stuff that you can be walking and find some stuff that you didn’t know you needed to see,” he said.
He says more business means more foot traffic. He hopes that push will continue, but also that there will be ways to preserve the area’s rich history.
Ideas like that are what Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is looking for with “Restore the Core.”
They want feedback from residents about what they love and what needs to be improved in the three main districts — Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland.
Valerie Vaught, the manager of Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency, says there are a few things they have been looking at.
“We have housing demand that’s changing, we have aging infrastructure in very different ways, so we certainly want to accommodate the change in times,” she said.
CRA leaders say they want to explore plans that would have a long-term impact on those three areas.
These are key priorities that can be found on the CRA’s website about the plan.
- Support for local business and economic growth
- Improved streetscapes, green spaces and walkability
- Expanded housing options through mixed-use and infill development
- Historic preservation and cultural district enhancement
- Safer, more connected transportation networks
Debats said infrastructure is top of mind for him, to ensure businesses like his continue to thrive.
“We are not in a downcycle right now, we are in a upcycle and if they’re going to go from here up, let’s do it,” he said.
He plans to keep his door open for anyone who wants to purchase their own piece of history.
The CRA held an open house to launch the plan at the RP funding center on Thursday, and plans more events over the next six months.
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Lizbeth Gutierrez
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