Millbrook’s downtown strategy focuses on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that draws residents and visitors.This approach aligns with contemporary urban planning principles that prioritize walkability over vehicular access, encouraging community interaction and local economic activity. “We don’t have the traditional downtown that some older cities have,” Harper explains.“We took the heart of the city, which is what we’re calling our downtown, and we’re crafting it really from the ground up. We want to attract new business while maintaining this beautiful Village Green Park where the community gathers on a regular basis.” The downtown vision emphasizes creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs rather than national chains, which are directed toward the Highway 14 corridor. This dual-track development approach allows Millbrook to cultivate its unique local identity while still attracting larger commercial interests. “Our downtown efforts, will help create an environment easier for our entrepreneurs in the local community to come and open up businesses,” says Gay.“I’d love to see a bed and breakfast be part of that if they’re looking for some type of place for people to stay.” HIGHWAY 14 CORRIDOR While Millbrook’s downtown development focuses on local businesses and community character, the Highway 14 corridor serves as the city’s commercial backbone. This five-lane thoroughfare, with its high traffic counts and visibility, has become the strategic focus for attracting national retailers, restaurants, and hotels to bolster the city’s economic base. “The downtown reflects more of the local culture, the local brand, the mom-and-pop businesses,” Harper notes. “Highway 14, which is our main commercial corridor going through our city, is going to attract the national chains, the hotels, the people that require really large traffic counts and visibility. Not to say that we don’t have a good traffic count going through our downtown, it’s just not as high as it would be on Highway 14.” 154 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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