The residents of Hiram Clarke may want to keep their fingers crossed as the push to put a tax increment redevelopment zone (TIRZ) in the area is becoming more of a reality.
City Council representative of District K, Larry Green has led the charge of redeveloping the area. His work has given hope to many of his constituents that a better economic development area could be on its way.
Citizens came out to speak to City Council on Wednesday morning, July 31, 2013, showing support and desire for a TIRZ in their area. Linda Scurlock, a citizen of Hiram Clarke, told council that Hiram Clark has a bad reputation but if they would just come out and see the community they would think differently.
There is raw and undeveloped land in District K and Vice Mayor Pro- Tem C.O. Bradford addressed the issue by asking, how will the city treat the area? Bradford reminded the supporters of the TIRZ that showed up at the council meeting of the importance of nurturing a new development to make sure it is safe, productive and regulated.
Mayor Parker said the area is “ripe for development and ready for it” at her weekly press conference. With the hopes of participation from Fort Bend, as most of the area is within their boundaries, the TIRZ can definitely happen. The more tax dollars that come in, the can be more done as far as infrastructure.
The city and people have to be all in for the TIRZ to work as they both have to scout for business opportunities to move into the newly developed area. The mayor is aware that the Hiram Clarke area is considered a food desert, which can be a great proponent to bring in 380 deals with businesses that may solve that problem.
This TIRZ 25 project will be heard about again as Green and his constituents have come to say that new development is needed and wanted in the Hiram Clarke area.