In an article recently posted by the Star Telegram, Robert Cadwallader ([email protected]) examined the image problem that Kennedale fought for years. {{more:READ MORE ..}}
For years, Kennedale had a reputation as the home of a half dozen sex shops and strip clubs ? even though five of them weren?t actually in the city.
The sexually oriented businesses weren?t just an embarrassment to city leaders; they also hurt the city?s bottom line by holding back economic development.
After a decade-long legal battle led to a settlement that called for the businesses to close by the end of February 2012, the scene is much different today.
A QuikTrip now
occupies the southwest corner of the intersection. To the immediate south is a
Popeye?s, and next to it a Burger King. Last fall, a McDonald?s opened across
the street. And the city and a developer are about to finalize a deal for a
Hilton hotel just west of the QuikTrip along the eastbound service road.
The KennedaleEconomic Development Corp. owns 2 acres south of the Burger King that it wants
to sell for a sit-down restaurant.
Jack Thompson,
executive director of both the Kennedale Chamber of Commerce and ? since
February ? the KEDC, said the redevelopment activity ?changes the whole
perception of Kennedale? and creates momentum for future development.
fire truck for land?The article goes on to describe how it took work by several different mayors and councils to arrive at this point, including a creative deal with the city of Forest Hill in a land swap for a fire truck.Read the full article @ Star Telegram
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| Remember when the I-20/820 entrance
was filled with the Log Cabin Adult Theater, Dreamers Video, Christal?s lingerie and novelties, Show Time Cabaret, New Video and Fantasy Foxx, which featured nude dancing |
