Community Workshop for Downtown: Heritage Towne Center

The Forney Economic Development Corporation, City of Forney Community Development Department and the University of Texas School of Urban and Public Affairs will join forces to host a community wide workshop Monday March 16, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church. The purpose of the workshop is to gather input from stakeholders – the residents of Forney and surrounding areas - regarding the development, redevelopment and expansion of downtown Forney, recently named "Heritage Towne Center." All Forney area residents are invited.

The event features Dr. Ardeshir (Ard) Anjomani, Professor of City and Regional Planning at the School of Urban and Public Affairs UTA, his team of grad students, recently appointed Community Development Director Noah Simon and his staff. The Forney EDC recently entered an agreement with the school to complete a study of the downtown with recommendations and proposals to be delivered this summer. "Community input is essential in providing direction to the study," states Fran Owens, Executive Director of the Forney EDC.

"This will be a completely interactive workshop in which citizens have the opportunity to express themselves through drawing, discussing, data and surveying," states Forney EDC Economic Development Coordinator Kim Buttram. Refreshments and door prizes are included in the venue.

"We encourage all Forney area residents to come to this workshop; not just downtown area folks. The Heritage Towne Center will be a place for all Forney area residents to enjoy and appreciate, whether you live in Windmill Farms, Travis Ranch, or Shamrock Ridge; this is your downtown. What do you want to do with it?" asks Buttram.

For more information, the public can call the EDC office at 972-564-5808 or email kbuttram@cityofforney.org.