we anticipate significant growth as the economy stabilizes.” “We’re entertaining a large condo developer looking to do 300-400 units in Albemarle, and as him and I have been negotiating on how this is going to go, one of the biggest things that drew them wanting to pursue Albemarle is the planning department and Lindsey” says Mason. Albemarle’s residential development strategy focuses on meeting the growing demand for housing while maintaining the city’s character and quality of life. The approval of thousands of new housing units emphasizes Albemarle’s commitment to providing market attainability for residents. As these developments progress, Albemarle is poised for substantial population growth, further stimulating the local economy. The city is also exploring innovative housing solutions, and mixeduse developments, to ensure all residents can access quality housing options. ENHANCING PARKS AND RECREATION Investment in parks and recreation is a priority for Albemarle. “We’re updating our master plan and replacing lighting on two of our ball fields,” says Mayor Michael. “Our parks are fantastic, with City Lake Park being a major attraction, hosting food trucks and bands on the first Friday of every month.” Tourism and recreation are also key focuses.“We have many walking trails and marked routes throughout downtown,” Mayor Michael explains. “We hope to develop more greenways to support tourism and encourage walking and running.” Albemarle continues to invest in sports facilities, playgrounds, community centers, and the development of walking trails and greenways to provide diverse recreational opportunities for all ages. EMBRACING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY The city is making significant investments in highspeed internet infrastructure to support businesses and residents, particularly in response to the rise of remote work.“We have two internet providers ready to expand services as soon as businesses need them,” says Mayor Michael.This digital infrastructure is key to attracting tech companies and empowering local entrepreneurs. Albemarle is also delving into smart city initiatives to enhance public services, investing in traffic management systems, energy-efficient street lighting, and digital public service platforms. By embracing cutting-edge technology and innovation,Albemarle aims to elevate the quality of life for its residents 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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