SMITHVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - The town of Smithville held its first public meeting where a land use map is being developed as part of a long-term plan.
A zoning workshop afforded Smithville residents the opportunity to provide input and learn more about the future land use map as the town is working on zoning districts.
"[We need] a zoning place for the mobile homes or manufactured homes where they could be put here in Smithville, and [the workshop] was just informative for knowing what is going on in the community," said Jerry Pierce, Smithville resident.
As part of the comprehensive plan both the Planning Commission and the Board of Aldermen were able to receive vital feedback from residents of Smithville and together they were able to work together to come up with a plan outlining future land use for the town.
"The board took the recommendation from the zoning and planning commission to adopt the future land use map," adds Smithville Mayor Gregg Kennedy. "It's off to the printers right now to get reprinted and established."
The map pertains to zoning districts and requirements and what procedures will be in place for process for administration and enforcement.
The timeframe for this road map to the future is designed to help Smithville in the long-term.
"You know, this comprehensive plan is not for a year down the road or two years down the road," adds Kennedy. "We're looking at twenty years down the road as we grow, and we are growing."
Current and former residents who visit the town say they see a bright future, but like so many towns across the nation there are challenges due to the economy.
"Every time I come back I see something new being built, homes [and] new businesses," adds Kym Stanford, Monroe County resident. "I see progress and hopefully it will get a little better in the years [to come] and get back to where it was, if not better."
"It's going to be a new and better Smithville," added Pierce. "It's going to be long-term, you know. With the economy, people are not building back like we hoped they would, but they are coming back."
There are more zoning workshops scheduled for the future where residents are encouraged to attend and voice any questions or concerns.
Smithville's sales tax revenue for the month of June was higher than that same month before the devastating EF5 tornado.
Local leaders say that's a sign the town is gaining ground.
