Mayor wants big crowd next Thursday as town looks at Form Based Code concept
Flomaton Mayor Dewey Bondurant Jr., said next Thursday's meeting with John Robert Smith to discuss Smart Growth America's Form Based Code concept could be the biggest thing to happen in Flomaton for the next 50 years.
Smith, who used the Form Based Code to transform downtown Meridian, Miss., during his 16-year tenure as mayor of that city, now serves as chairman of T4 America and is the policy advisor for Smart Growth America.
Bondurant said the Form Based Code is a concept to develop land use plans to enable cities to prosper, without zoning.
Smith will arrive in Flomaton next Wednesday and take a tour of the town. Next Thursday he will meet with business leaders and others before hosting a public meeting beginning at 1 p.m. at town hall. The meeting will allow Smith to explain the Form Based Code and have a question and answer period with the citizens of Flomaton.
“The direction Flomaton takes for the next 50 years could depend on whether or not we implement the Form Based Code format,” Bondurant said. “It's a step to move the town forward and improve the quality of life for every citizen.”
Bondurant said he wants a large crowd of Flomaton residents to attend the 1 p.m. meeting and to ask questions.
“Just come with an open mind,” Bondurant said.
The mayor said the ultimate decision will be made by the town council on whether or not to pursue the program.
“I want people to come and ask questions,” he said. “If this is something you want, let the council know. If this is something you don't want for Flomaton, let them know as well.”
The town council previously voted to spend about $3,000 to have Smith come and make his presentation to the citizens of Flomaton.
Smart Growth America works to empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy and thought leadership to realize its vision of livable places, healthy people and shared prosperity. More information can be found at http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org.
“The goal is to set long-term strategies for the economic growth of Flomaton,” Bondurant said. “We need everybody's input on what direction they feel is best for Flomaton. The direction the town takes will depend on what happens next Thursday.”
