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LANETT — The City of Lanett has adopted a comprehensive plan for the next 10 years. It was unanimously adopted as an advisory policy document at Monday’s meeting of the city council.

The plan is seen as a guide for the city’s development over the next ten years.

“The City of Lanett recognizes the vulnerability of its resources, property and operation to the potential impacts of future growth and development,” a resolution approving the plan reads, adding that planning powers that are stated are being done in accordance with Alabama law.

Charles Bagley, a member of a planning commission that drafted the document, explained the goals the commission had in mind. “This plan is the product of countless hours of collaboration with the East Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission, community input, data analysis and foresight,” he said. “It addresses the core needs of our city while adapting to the evolving trends we face in infrastructure, housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, economic development and quality of life. The plan aims to preserve what we cherish about our city while fostering progress and ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy all that we have built, and for years to come.”

Council Member Tony Malone thanked Mayor Jamie Heard and fellow council members for their support of Comprehensive Plan 2024-34. “A special thanks goes to members of the Planning Commission and CCDA Director Chris Busby for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet in many meetings in order to make this happen,” he said.

Malone predicted that the comprehensive plan will put Lanett on the right path for future growth. “It covers a wide range of possibilities that will enhance the city’s appearance and opportunities to attract new businesses while providing a better quality of life for Lanett residents,” he said. “What needs to be done in Lanett will take more than 10 years, but this comprehensive plan is giving us a starting point. I believe we will be seeing positive developments in Lanett sooner rather than later.”

Malone said he liked that the plan addressed what to do about dilapidated housing while increasing the number of decent, affordable homes in Lanett. “It addresses having more street paving, continued improvements with sidewalks, having more LED lighting at night, the use of the former Lanett Mill parking lots and many other infrastructure needs,” he said. “It addresses the need to update some existing city ordinances, which we’ve already started doing. The plan also looks at what we can be doing in the way of economic development.”

In his presentation to the council, Bagley noted that the comprehensive plan is built around five key factors: (1) sustainable growth, (2) affordable housing, (3) transportation and infrastructure, (4) economic development and (5) community engagement.

“As we continue to grow,” he said, “it’s vital that our development be thoughtful and sustainable, ensuring that we preserve green spaces, support renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint. We need to make sure we have a housing plan that promotes opportunities for all members of the community regardless of income, age or ability. We need to keep in mind that a robust transportation system is the backbone of a thriving city. This plan embraces a future where we improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and enhance transportation options.

“To keep our economy thriving, we must support our local businesses while attracting new industries. This plan fosters innovation and entrepreneurship while creating potential job opportunities for all residents. Above all, this plan reflects the needs and aspirations of our community. We held public meetings, listened to concerns and incorporated feedback to ensure that this plan truly belongs to our residents.”

Bagley said the adoption of a new comprehensive plan sets the stage to take the next step. “We are at a critical juncture,” he said. “We believe that adopting this comprehensive plan will ensure that we meet the needs of today but will lead to a brighter, more resilient tomorrow.”

Malone said he’d like to see the Lanett Mill water tower get a new facelift and for the land along the river in Lanett to be developed into a public park. “We need to work with West Point on having walking trails that are connected,” he said. “I would like to see us build an amphitheater with a clear view of the river and other amenities such as a pickleball court, a large playground for children and maybe a dog park. I’m sick and tired of hearing people say that Lanett is not doing anything while every place around us is growing. We have got to stop wishing things to happen and make them happen. This comprehensive plan is a starting point to do that. It’s a good plan to follow. It’s something that will put us in the game.”

Malone added that while Lanett has its critics, he’s glad the city has been doing great work with its Fire & EMS Department, Lanett Police Department, the Electric, Streets, Public Works, Water and Recreation departments. “I thank God for that,” he said. “Our city is not doing bad right now. We are alive and well. If we stick to our new comprehensive plan I think things will get even better in Lanett.”