Peggy Coyle introduces the current Core Team for the downtown revitalization project.
A group of local business owners and residents joined an open conversation about restoring vibrance to the downtown area of Deer Park. The discussion was led by a Community Development Specialist from Retail Strategies.
Peggy Coyle has long represented the property owners surrounding the Deer Park Airport in the areas zoned for industrial development. She opened the meeting by recapping how the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce had worked with Retail Strategies to secure a contract for retail recruitment and downtown revitalization. She introduced the current Core Team, which is focusing on the downtown project. Coyle then introduced Jeremy Murdock, a community development specialist from Retail Strategies.
Murdock led the discussion using a slide presentation, seeking input from those attending. His presentation and interaction were similar to a business coach’s, creating an atmosphere of positivity and discussion centered on easily agreeable ideals. The presentation slides provided visual options for attendees to choose their preferred look, enhancing their engagement and ensuring their preferences were considered. One point of disagreement did arise regarding problems with permits, inspections, and the city’s lack of transparency surrounding the building code.
If you would like to express your opinion or participate in the project, Coyle recommends contacting one of the Core Team members or Jennifer Shorts, the head of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee.
Core Team Members (no particular order)
- Billy Costello, State Farm Insurance & Deer Park City Councilmember
- Jessica Mitchelle, NOIR A Style Parlor
- Greg Schuler, Deer Park Diesel
- Jeff Hickethier, Ericks Realty
- Debbie Freeman, Olsen Building
- Jennifer Shorts, Jennifer Shorts Real Estate & Head of Economic Development Committee
Below is a video of the meeting. A technical issue prevented the entire meeting from being recorded during the first few minutes.
