From Councilman Michael Gay
Elmore County
2024 in Review:
2024 has been an exciting year for announcements, ground breakings, and ribbon cuttings. This has been a year we celebrated old traditions and started new ones. We have welcomed new businesses, neighbors and opportunities. The City of Millbrook has continued to move forward in our desire to promote quality of life and opportunity for our citizens. We all can celebrate the progress and agree that there is much more to be done.
Growth and visible progress starts with 17 Springs. This generational changing project is moving toward completion in February 2025. Phase Two is nearing completion and will open in two months. The second phase will have an 86,000 square foot indoor facility that can host basketball, wrestling, volleyball, cheerleading, and other tournament quality events. It will also host corporate and private events. The possibilities are endless. Attached is a 7A level multipurpose stadium. The stadium will host, football, soccer, and track events. It will also be able to host outdoor entertainment events. There is also six tournament quality softball and 12 U baseball turf fields. The level and quality of 17 Springs is garnishing attention far and wide. The Grandview YMCA has all already booked multiple sports and other events. This past year the prestigious Collegiate Blue Gray Tennis Tournament was held here. We have also seen AHSAA, Collegiate and other tournament sporting events. 17 Springs is already living up to the saying “build it and they will come!”
The Marketplace at 17 Springs is close to completion. Soon we will be announcing new restaurants, hotels and other businesses that will occupy this space. The tax revenue generated from this development will benefit all the governmental participants. Our local citizens will benefit from the many opportunities 17 Springs will create.
How was this project possible? The secret sauce is the partnership and leadership made up of our partners the Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Economic Development Agency, City of Millbrook, and the Montgomery/Grandview YMCA. The leaders of the organizations have kept clear goals and exercised patience in the development.
A short drive down the road above Walmart the new shopping center anchored by Publix opened in July of 2024. The Publix development brings additional jobs, shopping and dining choices. It has also opened up the rest of the property for further development.
Downtown continues to take shape. Planning continues for future development. Ann Harper, Millbrook Economic Developer, has been leading this work. The Senior Center under the leadership of Olivia Venable has become a vibrant place for our seniors to gather and prosper. The Village Green continues to see more activites for the community to enjoy. In fact, the city is seeing thousands of people attending various events. Danae Morgan, our city Cultural Events and Arts Director, has done a fantastic job. The Millbrook Art Mill continues to add to our downtown quality of life. It is located near the Village Green and serves as the hub for cultural and artistic events. It is our hope the increased activity will spur development and interest in a downtown centered around the Village Green. I believe many entrepreneurial opportunities will come out of this for our local citizens. Businesses are thriving and growing on Main Street. Soon we will hear announcements of new growth in the downtown area.
Our public schools continue to see improvement. The Board of Education is making investments that are paying dividends. From STEM labs to new facilities for the arts, our children are getting more choices. Additional opportunities for vocational and dual enrollment is opening up greater career development too. There is much to be done; however, we can appreciate the progress attained. Thank you Elmore County Board of Education for your continued progress.
I want to highlight the work being done by WELCOME, our local food bank. WELCOME serves hundreds of needy families each month. They have moved into a new facility off I-65 Service Road. The new facility gives them the room to expand their mission. All this is possible through the generous support of numerous donors and organizations. WELCOME has a capital campaign to raise funds to help them complete the work being done at their new location. I hope you will join me in supporting this campaign with financial contributions and helping to spread the word. It speaks to a community’s character in how we help those in need. Thank you for your support.
As you can see, our growth is steady, planned and deliberate. Highway 14 continues to mature as our commercial and economic engine. Downtown is becoming a place where we can gather as a collective family to enjoy local events and entertainment. There is much work to be done. The fun part is that we are building it together. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as a city councilman. Thank you to the council members for allowing me to serve you as Council President. Thank you Mayor Kelley and our local leaders for the opportunity to work with you for the benefit of Millbrook, Elmore County, and the River Region.
Happy New Year!
Michael
