District 7 - State of the District
Mar 28th, 2005
DISTRICT 7
John Peavy
A Place to Call Home
District 7 is home to the University of South Alabama, unique boutiques,restaurants and more than 100 places of worship, representing
dozens of faiths. District 7 is also home to a dozen parks and
public facilities that provide a safe place for our families to play
ball, golf, picnic, fish and feed the ducks. Many of those who visit
our district find an assortment of pleasures to enjoy, but to most of us District 7 is home.
The State of Our City Today - is our Children's Future, that's why nothing highlights the need for strategic planning like this year's
State of the City. Since returning to public service only 8 months ago, I am reminded that our council is usually found advancing one project while being forced to sacrifice another. I believe that a long range plan will help us to identify, consider and prioritize the needs of our city in a way that we do not currently operate.
At nearly fifteen years old, our city's strategic plan is more history
than current. With the lack of a current long range plan, it is no
wonder why we applaud the progress Mayor Dow has brought to the city.
His vision and commitment has made up for a lack of such current plans.
To continue our progress I believe we must develop a plan that
will provide for new jobs, improved business relations and future
growth that focuses on the needs of the entire city.
While we are identifying infrastructure and services needed by our city, we are also seeking to improve our fiscal and policy management
programs.
During the special election this summer I made a commitment to repave
Zeigler Boulevard and we have delivered on that promise. We are completing a program to pave more than 100 streets in our
district. Some of these areas are receiving their first ever resurfacing and there is more to come.
District 7 is the home to our Japanese Gardens near the Art Museum. Once a beautiful showplace, we have a design and plan to return the gardens to their original splendor. Near these gardens we are putting the finishing touches on our new Boundless Playground at Langan Park. This playground was designed specifically for children with special needs. As the parent of a disabled child, I know that this program brought by the Kiwanis will touch the hearts of families throughout our community.
As a former coach, I believe that sports are vital to our communities'
family development and our economy. In addition to the hundreds of events we already enjoy, plans are underway to build an indoor tennis
and sporting facility using public and private funds.
Our district has been developing a trail and sidewalk program connecting many recreational resources in our community. With the help of our County Commissioner, the first stage of this project, between the University of South Alabama and Langan Park, is nearly complete and we will soon begin laying sidewalks along Old Shell Road.
I am honored to serve as the representative of District 7 and want to extend a special thank you to County Commissioner Stephen Nodine and Mayor Michael Dow for their commitment to helping me ensure that the state of our city today will be even better tomorrow.