Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 11

30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 are looking for an urban, historic environment to live in – but on a budget,” says Spears. Many more housing developments are on the way, including a 148-unit neighborhood called Natalie Meadows, which was recently annexed by the city, a 72-unit affordable apartment development called Tranquility, which is in the financing stage, as well as a few 30-plus unit residential developments. The city is preparing for its retiree population with a 90-unit seniors housing complex, and a 40-unit apartment complex for military flight students that is being adapted from a former elementary school. “We have infill all over the community,” Spears reports. “We’re seeing vacant lots just spring up with single-family housing. The growth is very real.” Businesses are booming, with 12 major economic development projects slated for Santa Rosa County’s industrial parks that are located (850) 478-5250 panhandlegradingandpaving.com 2665 Solo Dos Familiaf, Pensacola, FL 32534 Paving the way for over 40 years for.” One of those things is a more walkable and bikeable community. The city has invested heavily in recent years to develop a sidewalk infrastructure that will allow residents and visitors to navigate the town without the need for a vehicle. “We look at where most people are trying to get and we determine where sidewalks are needed, and we invest accordingly,” says Jorgensen. Milton is also home to several trail systems, including the Blackwater Trail that runs through the city and extends beyond the city limits. There’s also the Riverwalk, a boardwalk along the river in downtown Milton that continues to be built out with new investment. As the city’s population has grown, so has its housing stock. The number of housing units has increased over 11 percent, with the majority of units valued in the $100,000 to $300,000 range. “That keeps us affordable and attainable to middle-class, young families, and retirees who