LONGVIEW, TEXAS (KYTX) Once a thriving part of town, The west side of Longview has lost businesses and home construction as new development spread north. One local group is spreading the message, 'go west'.
Kimberly Fish raised her family on the west side of Longview. Many of the restaurants and shops that once lined the streets moved out. A problem she and others who live on the west-side want to correct. "A lot of people have discussed this in the parking lots, the schools, window shopping. You look around and you realize things have gone. Why is that?
The city says it is a common side effect of community growth. "As new homes are built, they're going to be built in areas that are typically undeveloped. As new retail space is created, they will be in areas that are undeveloped. That creates a natural small economy in those areas," says Chuck Ewings, assistant city manager with the city of Longview.
"We can support initiatives like demolition of older structures so we can remove some of that blight and bring some of those property values up. That would create opportunities from new construction projects," says Ewings.
Demolition of abandoned buildings is one solution proposed by the city as well as incentives like waiving building fees.
Kimberly says everyone can be a part of the solution. "Shop local. Support the businesses that are here already. Encourage them to be sustainable. Encourage other entrepreneurs and other homegrown businesses to locate here," says Kimberly.
With support from both the community and government, The Go West group hopes to soon see fewer businesses go out of business here.
The Go West Longview group plans to meet regularly with community members and business leaders to share ideas for development. The next meeting is May 21st at Big O's Burgers on Gilmer road beginning at 5:30p.m.
