Leaders discuss progress at state of the community breakfast
{Davidson County Commissioner Karen Watford gives updates on recent projects and future plans during the State of the Community Breakfast on Tuesday morning. Photo contributed by the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce}
Government leaders, elected officials, representatives from local organizations and other citizens gathered for the return of the annual State of the Community Breakfast on Tuesday morning at Sapona Golf and Country Club.
This is the first time the event, which is sponsored by the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, has been held since 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the event, Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes and Davidson County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Karen Watford gave an update on past successes, recent projects and future plans for their prospective legislative branches.
{Lexington Mayor discusses areas of focus by leadership at the State of the Community Breakfast on Tuesday. Photo contributed by the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce}
Hayes said Lexington is in the middle of a wave of activity, and leadership has focused on a variety of areas to increase the tax base, encourage economic growth, build infrastructure, create more recreational opportunities, the equitable distribution of services and develop diverse housing options.
“The City of Lexington is under construction,” said Hayes. “It is really important that as leaders we take a good, honest look at our city and what our needs are... We are addressing our needs one section of the city at a time.”
Hayes mentioned two large economic development projects underway. He said Siemens Mobility is very close to holding its grand opening, kicking off production on a $220 million project that will bring up to 500 new jobs. Two other recent economic development projects including U.S. Foods and Divert, Inc opening new facilities, which will bring approximately 100 new jobs each to the area.
Hayes said city leadership has also been focusing on “smart growth” by providing a variety of affordable housing options. He said there are currently 600 apartment units and 554 single-family homes currently under construction, with more planned for the future. He said the city is also planning to partner with the Piedmont Triad Regional Commission to conduct a housing study to make sure the city is growing where it is needed.
Hayes then touched on upcoming projects, including the long-anticipated passenger rail station and development in the depot district. He also mentioned the redevelopment of the Dunbar School property, which is being transformed into an apartment complex while maintaining the historical importance of the building.
Watford said the county has also been focusing on economic growth, as well as, supporting the local school districts, expansion of sewer systems, improvements at Davidson County Airport and providing recreational amenities for the citizens.
She said the commissioners recently approved matching funds for both Lexington and Thomasville City Schools to apply for state needs-based grants to build new high schools, the near completion of major renovations at Lexington Middle Schools and the upcoming renovations of the Davidson County Schools administration building.
Watford said the county commissioners have also increased the teacher supplement pay and per pupil spending for all the school districts. She said they have also worked closely with Davidson-Davie Community College to prepare students to enter the workforce through the apprenticeship program and other pathways.
She said the county has changed how it addresses economic development since the restructuring of the Economic Development Commission, which now consists of representatives from all the municipalities. She said the EDC has been focusing on transparency, including a dashboard that citizens can access to get more information on which projects are being considered, and marketing.
“I think all of us feel we are working together and not against each other,” said Watford. “To rethink what businesses are coming into this area. We have had nearly $800 million in capital investment with almost 1,00 jobs through the EDC. So, this is wonderful for our citizens.”
Watford also discussed how county leadership has been focusing on providing more recreational opportunities, including a controversial $65 million sports complex/community center slated for construction in Southmont.
She also mentioned recent amenities added at the Yadkin River Park, including a dog park, walking trails and themed playgrounds. She said there is also an environmental center proposed to house educational programming and other events.
The county commissioners have been working on moving forward with building a new Davidson County Jail, which has been delayed due to the U.S. Postal Service remaining in the county-owned building, which is the site for the new jail, according to Watford.
She said the county is in the process of expanding sewer service along the U.S. Highway 64 corridor from the Nucor site to Thomasville. Watford said this important investment in infrastructure will improve industrial development opportunities in the area.
Another area Watford discussed was the recent improvements at the Davidson County Airport, including the addition of two new hangers and two more hangers in the future. She said the airport will also be renovating its terminal building, with the possible addition of a restaurant and meeting rooms.
“Davidson County is investing in the future,” said Watford.
