HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
After more than a year, Huntsville is making progress in economic development outlined in the city's Ideas Report.
The city launched the Ideas Map on January 24, 2011, seeking ideas from residents about businesses they would like to see in Huntsville. During the 19-day period, 927 ideas were posted on the map, with more than 4,800 votes.
Some of the top ideas were an additional Kroger at Martin and Zierdt, Five Points Streetscape, Trader Joe's at Lincoln Mill, Joe's Crab Shack at Bridge Street, and Target in Northeast Huntsville.
While those ideas my not come to fruition, several other ideas are now a reality. Chipotle, one of the most requested restaurants on the Ideas Map, opened its doors on University Drive Tuesday. Clothing store, H&M opened at Bridge Street Town Centre on June 14th. Department store, Kohl's, opened a new location in Jones Valley.
Several other businesses have confirmed they will open in Huntsville soon. Home Goods posted a job opening for a Huntsville store manager on their website. Dunkin' Donuts is scheduled to open in August this year in North Huntsville. And for beer aficionados, Below the Radar Brewery is currently under construction in downtown Huntsville. They owners plan to offer quality beer for the discerning palate, according to their website.
"We opened the Bright Ideas Map last year so that citizens across the city could let us know what type of retail and economic development they wanted in their communities," said Mayor Battle. "Since that time, many of the suggestions mentioned on the Ideas Map have opened or announced Huntsville stores. This includes Chipotle, which opened today, ALDI, Dunkin' Donuts, H&M, HomeGoods, and a South Huntsville Kohl's. The City continues to use the Ideas Map results as an economic development tool to attract new retailers and restaurants to the region."
Since we're on a roll, what business do you want to see next?
Copyright 2012 WAFF. All rights reserved.
Chipotle opens to a line of hungry customers in Huntsville.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WAFF, a Raycom Media Station. 