“As Clarksville-Montgomery County continues to draw attention and see rapid population growth, we must ensure the vitality of the heart of our community. Clarksville is one of the oldest and best-preserved cities in Tennessee – investment in the downtown core and surrounding districts is critical to ensuring a thriving community center,” said Buck Dellinger, CEO of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council (EDC). “We have a great opportunity to improve these areas.”

To facilitate the improvement of these areas, the EDC is proposing four commercial redevelopment districts. A redevelopment district is a localized area designated by the county and city government that is challenged or underutilized with growth potential.

The proposed commercial districts, The Vulcan-Frosty Morn District, The River-Marina District, The Two Rivers Mall District, and River-Turnbridge District, are based on the 2030 Smart Growth plan, are limited to commercial parcels, are transportation nodes, and are either challenged by flood zones or former industrial usage. Implementation of redevelopment districts will increase interest and create opportunities for more development within those areas.

“Our rapid growth is prompting the need to improve existing areas to alleviate sprawl. These redevelopment districts will attract private investors and kickstart public-private partnership, to the benefit of the greater community,” Dellinger said. “Planning for districtwide redevelopment will enable a districtwide traffic and infrastructure plan instead of the piecemeal, project-by-project approach.”

At the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board (IDB) meeting on May 11, the IDB approved the City of Clarksville’s development of the historic Frosty Morn site as the first project within the Vulcan-Frosty Morn District. Upon approval by the city and county government, this first district will be official, and commercial parcels within will be eligible for tax increment financing (TIF) to support economic improvements.

“Enhancing the vibrancy of our downtown core is tremendously important, and these redevelopment districts are instrumental in that effort,” Dellinger said.

To learn more about the TIF, visit Clarksville’s Conversation.

To learn more about the EDC, visit www.clarksvillepartnership.com.