Oakwood hosted the Coalition's August meeting; Brown said Oakwood is well positioned for growth with its location on the railroad and near I-985 while it partners with Hall County, Flowery Branch and Braselton for sewer expansion.
"The most important thing is to continue to plan and execute and keep working toward our economic development efforts," Brown said. "The road projects that are going on, our sewer projects, even though the economy may be slow right now does not mean we should slow down on building the capital projects that are already funded. We want to make sure we're positioned for when the economy does turn that we are ready."
Brown said those planning initiatives include the city's Gateway project and 'Oakwood 20/30', a master plan the city wants to achieve in the next 20 years.
Brown said Oakwood generates $2.4-million annually in revenues for Hall County and $4.1-million in revenues from a tax base that is 74 percent commercial and industrial and 26 percent residential.
Brown, who was also an Air Force Reserve civil engineer in Iraq, shared his thoughts about the end of America's combat role in that country this month. He said America's job over there is not over.
"I don't think the job is done in Iraq," Brown said. "What I was seeing when I was there a year and a half ago, we were already talking about not having combat troops anymore and everything became an aid and assist brigade instead of a brigade combat team. I think we'll continue to transition and train the Iraqis to look after their own country."
Brown, a reserve Lt. Col., served with the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron and was in command of 1500 troops as senior U.S. official in Basra Province during the military command transition from the British. As a master planner of Iraq's reconstruction he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Brown said Oakwood is well positioned for growth
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/8/231871