QDC ready to get busy on projects

Posted 6/17/15

Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) is ready to take the next step toward the restoration and revitalization of the downtown business district.

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QDC ready to get busy on projects

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Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) is ready to take the next step toward the restoration and revitalization of the downtown business district.

QDC President Randy Bennett is ready to move forward with plans for Quitman's downtown. "We have done enough talking. We need to start moving forward. It is time to start getting some things done in Quitman. It is time to make plans and put them into action," Bennett said. "This town is about to change in a positive way. We have an opportunity to make it happen. When we start sharing the vision others will step forward. They are just waiting for something to happen. Talk is cheap. We need a picture for people to be able to see what we are talking about."

QDC Executive director Denea Hudman said there had been a positive meeting with the Texas Downtown Association. "We had a great meeting and they gave us some good ideas on things we can do. They came in and visited with all the vendors downtown and those close by just off the main streets," Hudman explained. "They will be sending us a fi- nal draft on all of their suggestions. They gave several ideas for grants and ways we can get things done downtown."

According to Mayor J.R. Evans there are people close by who have had success in rebuilding their downtown area and they are willing to advise Quitman. "Sulphur Springs and Paris are both close and have shown interest in helping us get going," Evans noted. "We need to look at our downtown buildings. Just like Ramsey's and the Wood County Democrat buildings, we are now liable for those. We need to bring them to some safety standards."

Bennett feels like the time to go forward on action downtown. "Now that we have the property behind to use for parking, it changes the complexion on what we can do with the property. We can move forward with plans and set plans in motion," Bennett suggested. "We have got to get out there and have a vision for people to follow. That's what this board is about. We need to put forth that vision. What we do will determine what Quitman looks like in 20 years. We have to put the proposals out there so people can see them. We're not talking about a tourist attraction. We are talking businesses and jobs."

Board member Steve Straznicky said there needs to be more than one approach to the planning. "We can have two concepts, one on either side of the spectrum. We can do a conservative approach and we can do a more outof the-box plan," Straznicsky said.

The board approved $2,000 for a conceptual downtown development plan. Paperwork was signed to complete the transaction for the Lance White property north of the square.

Hudman reported she had been in conversations concerning two manufacturing companies, one a window business and the other a welding business. She has also been in talks with the owners of a hotel interested in coming to the Quitman Business Park area. "The Quitman Business Park is open and ready for business," Hudman said.

Faith Baptist Church is buying the facility (former Karate studio) next to Quitman Police Department and plans to open a community youth center. The plan is to have a facility for all the youth of Quitman to go after school and when school is not in session with many various activities.

There is progress being made on Quitman's first liquor store. "The iron and steel have arrived for the store (H&H Package Store)," Hudman said. "Glenn (Hanner) said once it gets dried in they will work day and night. They hope to open the third week of July."

She added the True Value store in the former Burks Furniture location is planning a "soft" opening the second week of August and a "grand" opening in January, 2016.

Evans said the Carroll Green Civic Center board was working hard to let the public know what all the facility has to offer. "The civic center board has really been active in trying to bring things to Quitman. The recent job fair had over 300 people attend," Evans said. "They also have a big gun show scheduled in August during Old Settlers."

For information about the QDC, the business park or any questions about local economic development, contact Hudman at 903-763-2223.