Our Vision
In Locust Grove, our vision for a brighter future is within reach and starts with us. Together, we dream of better infrastructure, including more sidewalks, sit-down restaurants, effective traffic control, and recreational activities for our kids. These changes are not just dreams but achievable goals we can work towards together. I am committed to being the voice that advocates for our community’s needs and aspirations.
Improving our infrastructure is essential for enhancing our quality of life. With more sidewalks, we can create a safer, more walkable community that encourages healthy lifestyles and connects our neighborhoods. Better traffic control will ensure smoother commutes and safer roads for everyone. Recreational activities for our children will provide them with opportunities to learn, play, and grow in a supportive environment. These enhancements require time and effort, but with change comes progress, and progression takes time.
I understand that many residents are concerned about having to travel to other municipalities to enjoy sit-down dining experiences at places like Longhorn or Red Lobster. Locust Grove is home to Tanger Outlet, which attracts over 4 million visitors annually. Travelers represent an important segment that can drive restaurant sales, yet we lack the sit-down dining options that could capitalize on this opportunity. Successful restaurants in small communities often rely on the visitor market, with food expenditures accounting for 25 percent of visitor spending. So why does Locust Grove lack sit-down restaurants despite such a significant draw?
Having more sit-down restaurants would bring more revenue to the city through taxes and create job opportunities. Who doesn’t want to live, work, play, and eat in their hometowns? While increasing sit-down restaurant options might lead to higher traffic and congestion, we can plan for this by utilizing city real estate growth and preparing for population increases. With city growth comes new opportunities to develop traffic solutions that keep our roads safe and efficient
We can explore various federal and local grants to achieve these goals, such as the Recreational Trails Program, which can help fund walkable trails and other infrastructure improvements. These resources can play a vital role in our city’s development, allowing us to enhance our community without placing undue financial burdens on our residents.
The change we want to see starts with us, and I am eager to be the community’s advocate, pushing for the progress we deserve. Together, we can transform Locust Grove into a city where every resident feels valued, connected, and empowered—a place where our visions become reality. Let’s work hand in hand to create a vibrant community that we’re proud to call home.