New Billboard on Hwy 121 Encourages "Let's Make Haltom City Better"

    HALTOM CITY, TX, June 13, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Although the website for economic development in Haltom City features commercial and residential growth, it is increasingly obvious that the older south and central areas of the city are being left behind. Two years ago, in an effort to call attention to the problem and educate citizens about the changes needed to turn things around, local businessman Ron Sturgeon began a new movement called "Make Haltom City Thrive Again." He recently changed his billboard, which has driven over 5,000 to the website, to say "Lets Make Haltom City Better".

Sturgeon, who is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and business consultant who started his first business in Haltom City 50 years ago, believes strongly in his hometown and would like to see Haltom City become known as "the friendliest city in Tarrant County for small businesses." Why? Because such a strategy would add jobs and result in increased revenue from ad valorem, business personal property, and sales taxes, all of which would help the city and improve quality of life for citizens. It would also increase access to local products and services so that residents don't have to go to other cities to spend their money. Crime would also be reduced as existing vacancies get filled.

According to Ron, revitalization of the older corridors must be prioritized, specifically the areas around NE 28th Street, Belknap and Carson and Denton Highway (which currently has a whopping 29% vacancy rate). Changes in regulations and procedures should be made to facilitate small business growth and encourage commercial Realtors to resume showing commercial space in Haltom City. Says Sturgeon, "The city must have a better value proposition than surrounding cities, to grab their prospects, and rebuild its reputation with Realtors. For years, they have resisted showing space in the city because the prospects couldn't get opened, and that has to stop."

The members of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wholeheartedly agree and have repeatedly asked the city council to address the need for change. Citizens and voters are increasingly discouraged by the ongoing decline as well. According to HUBA Communications Director Joe Palmer, "They want a grocery store and eateries, and not just in the northern parts of the city. In the past, the city has even tried giving free land to the grocery stores, but that didn't work, which says how the grocers feel about the condition of the corridors. The only way we MIGHT get a grocery store is to rebuild these corridors, one business and one building at a time, and with bustling commerce on the corridors, the grocers might reconsider." However, current regulations and zoning in Haltom City seem to discourage, rather than encourage, small business growth.

Sturgeon himself is committed to the issue and is looking for like-minded individuals who want to see Haltom City realize its full potential. Anyone who lives or works in Haltom City and is hoping for a brighter future for themselves, their children, and their community should consider getting involved. Says Ron, "Let's work together to make the city thrive again by bringing back prosperity, products, services and jobs. Let's find leadership that's pro-business to bring back all the businesses that have left! Please contact me at [email protected] and let's get to work."

About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
The Make Haltom City Thrive Again website offers information and resources about its purpose and goals. For more on Sturgeon's personal ideas and background, check out his book Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America's Small Cities and watch the videos on his Facebook page. Ron is also the founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) which represents existing business interests in Haltom City and promotes growth of diverse businesses as well. HUBA is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. If/when Ron endorses candidates, he will do so on his own or with the Make Haltom City Thrive Again organization.

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