Huntsville updates

[HSVTiger]

Last nights economic retail summit was a big hit. Thanks to all those involved
to making it happen. This should lead to others later on hopefully sooner.
The next should be about downtown.
So what did we learn?
The city is doing well overall, especially compared to other areas.
No matter what people want some retailers are not going to come to Huntsville because the demographics don't match their requirements. That is ok, one thing that was not mentioned, staying power.. a retailer comes but goes out of business after the novelty wears off.
The city is working hard but I think the focus is too narrow on west Huntsville.
The North and Northeast sections of the city are screwed, yet the demographics are good. Why should a resident of this part of the city have to drive 20 miles to shop or eat? Makes no sense. A hotel possibly for the Alabama A&M area. A couple of downtown announcements in the coming weeks.
Zoning changes downtown to encourage urban infill.
Huntsville has few retail corridors, so why not take advantage of those that are not developed, this would help spread out the traffic and still build.
Support what we have, new retailers want to know how the competition is doing. Support the small businesses and restaurants..not everything has to be a big chain.
The Parkway is a tremendous eyesore, this and other issues with Huntsville's pathetic, primitive road system. This has to be the biggest obstacle for the city to overcome, ALDOT why won't you help us?
The city is seeing real recovery starting to take place and will be ready for the retail expansion that will take place.
No mention on what traffic plans will take place for Redstone Gateway. This is a huge retail development under construction, but I have serious concerns about the traffic stuation that it will create.
This was good first step for the residents but Huntsville has been in this game for a long time and has well experienced people in place to do the job.
Ultimately it is up to the retailer to decide yes or no.