says. “One of those reasons was the economic opportunities that we, as a community, could not fully engage in.” He highlights that Mableton’s major corridors—Interstate 20, Veterans Memorial Highway, and the East-West Connector—are ripe for development yet have seen limited growth over the past several decades. One challenge the city faces is the underutilization of commercial spaces. “We have a lot of strip malls and buildings that have been neglected, with little reinvestment,” the mayor explains. However, Mableton’s location is one of its strongest selling points for business development. With proximity to Midtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Visitor and Tourism Authority to attract more visitors to Mableton. “We envision a welcome center that ties together the new elements of our Center City with the historic parts of Mableton,” he says. Given the regional draw of the Mable House amphitheater, this initiative will enhance the city’s reputation as a destination for both locals and tourists. A HUB OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY As Mableton continues its growth, its economic potential is becoming more evident, especially with its recent incorporation. Mayor Owens sees immense opportunity ahead, especially in attracting businesses. “There’s a reason we wanted to incorporate,” he 166 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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