Last week, I shared a concept for how we might turn 26 acres near Margaret Elementary into something our city truly needs-an accessible community park, with space to gather, play, and grow together.

Today, I want to expand on that vision.

Right across from the park concept lies another opportunity: a future Margaret Town Center-a place not just to relax, but to live, shop, work, and support local businesses.

And before the usual question makes its way to the comments (“But how are you going to pay for this?”)-and while I always appreciate the extra attention from my critics-let me get ahead of it:

We plan. We partner. We pursue funding.

This isn’t a wishlist. It’s a roadmap. And I’m doing the work to get us there.

That’s why I’ll be engaging with Main Street Alabama and enrolling in the Alabama League of Municipalities Economic Development Academy-so I can bring back real tools and resources that help cities like ours grow responsibly.

This is how we enable smart development without burdening residents.

We don’t raise taxes-we find ways to keep more of our tax dollars here in Margaret, where they belong.

The Town Center concept is designed with purpose:

• Small storefronts to keep spaces affordable for boutique shops and startups.

• Restaurant footprints suited for bedroom communities-with outdoor seating and carryout-friendly layouts.

• Green space, walkability, and a vision that prioritizes livability over flash.

Yes-I’ve already started identifying businesses to approach. I just need to know: do you want me to approach them?

But this isn’t just about food or shops. It’s about creating opportunity for our residents and investing in the kind of city we all want to live in.

Margaret doesn’t just need to reclaim land.

We need to reclaim our future. Our plan. Our identity.

And trust me, this isn’t the final part of the vision. But I’ve learned to release it in small doses…

Because the copycats are always watching.

We don’t serve Margaret by protecting power-we serve by providing for people.

Let’s build a better city.

Let’s do it on purpose.

#MainStreetMargaret#VisionContinues#PlanningMatters#TownCenterPlan#SmartDevelopment#CommunityDriven