Former Scott mayor talks growth in Fenton

FENTON - Village officials here are considering steps that can be taken to promote growth in their community.

Council members were presented with ideas from Purvis Morrison, former mayor of Scott, that they feel may help contribute to enhancing the future of their town.

Mayor Eddie Alfred, Jr. said he invited Morrison to a Tuesday night meeting of the board of aldermen to provide such.

“Where do you want Fenton to go? How are you going to make that happen?” Morrison said.

Morrison said that every community must have a strategic plan in place.

“You must make a plan to move forward with economic development and continue to invest in the infrastructure of your community,” said Morrison.

He also said that officials could not only look to see what they could bring to the area but also keep in mind what the village already has to offer.

“You must continue to build onto what is in place now and take care of it,” said Morrison. “It is part of your future plan as well.”

Morrison said that a town has to be willing to help future developers with such things as sewer and water issues.

“Developers will not come into your town if those basic necessities aren’t in place and maintained by the town itself,” said Morrison.

Morrison said with the aid of a consulting company, experts would visit the village to receive feedback from officials and residents.

“We will sit with stakeholders, clergy, police and fire department personnel, your superintendent and residents to see what they have to say,” said Morrison. “We do this to get a general idea of how they see things working and work on a plan from there.”

Morrison said visuals must be provided so that people can see the big picture.

“People need to see the numbers, see what investments can do,” said Morrison. “There can’t be opportunities without a plan in place.”

People that are making investments want to know what other plans are being made in the village, he added.

“People who invest money want to know what other businesses are planning to be around theirs, what will be next door and even down the road,” said Morrison. “They want to know how their business will be affected later on.”

Morrison said a strategic plan helps start the process so the community can see what is in the works for the future.

“Residents don’t want to change what the town is already about but also want to bring in new growth and bring new life into the community,” said Morrison. “Without a plan, it is difficult to convince people if you yourself do not know what’s to come.”

Morrison said that no town is too small to have a strategic plan geared towards promoting growth.

“A plan like this encourages new businesses to locate to your area,” said Morrison. “Businesses will lose interest if there is a lack of plans for growth or new things to come.”