OT - Question for Economic Development-minded folks

[FQDawg]

This isn't intended as a Bash the Golden Triangle question... I'm just genuinely curious what dynamics are in play.

How much (if at all) do Starkville, Columbus and West Point (and the related counties) work together on economic development and growth? It seems like Starkville is growing westward when logic would seem to dictate, at least to me, that it should be trying to grow eastward towards the other two as much as possible.

Seems like if all three cities were to commit to growing towards each other, it would be better for the whole region. Seems like it'd be much easier to sell a 60,000 person region (to say nothing of 25,000 students) than any of the cities individually.

That area where Alt-45 and 82 intersect is crying out for some major retail development. Maybe even an Outback for whenever the boycott is lifted.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

"If you build it, they will come."*

 

[ShrubDog]

All of that is private property and it would take an unbelievable task of persuading people, not eminent domain, to sell their land. It aint gona happen.

I got a project ongoing that involves 14 different land owners that we are trying to purchase land from. This has been going on for several years and its only for easement purposes.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

http://gtrlink.org/

You aren't going to find many sets of 3 towns in 3 different counties, that are more unified than the Golden Triangle. At this point in time, if it can be done, Joe Max and Co. are trying to do it.

The problem you will find in the GT, is the in-fighting among the towns, example old Starkville guard fighting the new, etc. Not necessarily Starkville fighting West Point or Columbus.

 

[FQDawg]

I definitely get that

I assumed it was all private property. I'm curious how many landowners there are and how big the properties are. Is it 500 landowners or 50? Could you tip the scales fairly quickly with one or two strategic purchases or would it take 15-20 (or more)?

 

[FQDawg]

Thanks for the link

Didn't even know that group existed. Answers a lot of my questions.

 

[[email protected]]

Starkville with the LINK is trying to build an Industrial Park that would be a Hugh boost to the tax base of Starkville and Oktibehha County, plus additional jobs not minimum wage jobs. However, as the project gets to almost the end to actually purchase the land and begin development, One family with property close to the proposed site has put up a roadblock by challenging the cities rezoning the property. So one family is in essence blocking the economic growth of Starkville and Oktibbeha county just because they can. Joe Max is doing all he can but this came out of nowhere.
so this is what the area has to deal with in bringing growth to the area.

 

[57stratdawg]

This is true. There have subsequently been additional issues during cite prep which has further delayed progress. My understanding is this is suppose to go out between the Hospital and the by-pass.

 

[thatsbaseball]

That would make the "Crossroads" the true center of the Golden Triangle ! I`m good with that...it was that way when I was in school anyway.

 

[RocketDawg]

That would make the "Crossroads" the true center of the Golden Triangle ! I`m good with that...it was that way when I was in school anyway.

Ha, yeah it was, for many students anyway. If you were there when I assume you were based on what you said, they didn't even call it the Golden Triangle then. Not sure when that started.

 

[Mjoelner]

That area where Alt-45 and 82 intersect is crying out for some major retail development. Maybe even an Outback for whenever the boycott is lifted.

I remember about 20 years ago a developer was proposing to put a mall and some apartments out in the area of the crossroads if the president of EMCC would agree to move all sports to the GTR campus and make it the main campus. He wouldn't do it so it didn't happen and I haven't heard talk of it since. This was told to me by the guy that was lined up to survey the property before it all eventually fell through.

 

[[email protected]]

Actually at the Hwy 82 and hwy 389 exit.

 

[J-Dawg]

This is true. There have subsequently been additional issues during cite prep which has further delayed progress. My understanding is this is suppose to go out between the Hospital and the by-pass.

North side of 82 between 25 and 389 interchanges.