The Vision 2015 Committee on Tuesday focused on more than just needed city infrastructure improvements.

Committee members ran the gamut of issues, from developing areas along Interstate 20 to positioning Longview as a retirement destination to fostering neighborhood associations that bring residents together and deter crime. One idea — establishing a human rights council — was among the issues that committee members voted to further study.

"We're drawing the map so that the city can steer," committee facilitator Randy Pennington said.

The City Council called the committee this summer to form a list of community wants and needs over the next five years. On Tuesday, the group selected 11 items from nearly two dozen ideas to explore further. Some ideas, such as sidewalks, a full-service hotel and development of an arts community, did not make the first cut. However, Pennington said some ideas could resurface before a final list is approved.

Purpose

Ed Banos, chief executive director of Good Shepherd Medical Center, has lived in Longview about a year and a half. He asked whether the committee wants to make Longview better for residents in 2015, to attract more residents or to generate tourists and revenue. He said the list of ideas included nothing that lures people to want to relocate to Longview.

"I think all things work together," local volunteer D.J. Nelson answered. "If it draws tourists, it draws more residents."

A similar committee four years ago, called Vision 2010, sought to determine Longview's needs and wants at that time. It culminated in a $26 million Capital Improvement Projects bond package of recreation, street and infrastructure improvements that voters approved in May 2007.

Mayor Jay Dean said the final result of the Vision 2015 Committee won't necessarily lead to another bond package; however, he wants the city positioned to tackle needs and wants when the global recession eases.

John Stroud, executive director of Longview Economic Development Corp., asked whether Longview is a destination and what tourists are coming to see. He pitched the idea of economic development for primary jobs as an issue the committee should explore, saying he has five businesses interested in building retirement facilities valued at more than $25 million each. Stroud said he needs the city's help.

"If there are investors out there looking to bring those things to the community," Dean responded to Stroud, "bring 'em on."

Revitalization

Much of Tuesday's two-hour conversation concerned South Longview — from revitalization to improving 12th Street to developing the Interstate 20 corridor.

Banos and local businessman Branden Johnson said few residents and corporate executives lure first-time visitors into the city through the south side.

"Still, I-20 will always be the main thoroughfare through Longview," Johnson said, but added, "If I made a wrong turn, I may not want to come back to Longview."

Local business owner and community activist Kasha Williams noted several projects completed along or near the Interstate, including retail development around Walmart and several hotels. Still, there should be more focus from the city on that area, she said.

City Volunteer Services Coordinator Shawn Hara asked that West Longview areas like Greggton be added to the discussion because it faces many of the same redevelopment issues as South Longview.

Local preservationist Victoria Wilson said redevelopment should first focus on the city's first residential neighborhood — bordered by South, High, Green and Nelson streets. Historical museums, parks, lands and gardens have proven to draw tourists and new residents in many other communities nationally, she said. Wilson also suggested a trolley to connect tourists to historical districts, the planned arboretum and other city destinations.

"It's sort of a vision that doesn't just stop at Main Street and High Street," Wilson said.

Teens, young adults

Community Services Director Laura Hill said surveys of residents continually point out that the city does not address the needs of teenagers.

She suggested that media and audio/visual opportunities be enhanced at the Longview Public Library to attract people age 16 to 25.

Johnson agreed, noting that teens need a place similar to the Green Street Recreation Center for active adults. He suggested the city use a vacant building to house programs and fun activities for young people.

Consolidating school resources

Two months ago, local developers said residents are looking for properties outside the city to avoid escalating school property taxes within the city limits.

The Vision 2015 Committee on Tuesday considered a way to help reduce local school districts' expenses.

Dean and Pennington said local districts could see substantial cost savings by combining some expenses, such as operating one bus barn instead of three or bringing all school employees' insurance under one plan.

Among the issues held over from the Vision 2010 Committee was talk of a multipurpose center. In voting among more than 20 items, it received the third-most votes. The conversation included talk of attracting a full-service hotel to Longview, though that idea garnered merely three votes.

"We've only been talking about an eat, sleep and meet place in this community for 25 years or so," Dave Spurrier said.

Dean said private investors for a full-service hotel are most interested in the U.S. 259 corridor, either north or south — not the fairgrounds area where city and Gregg County officials are considering putting a multipurpose center.

Hotel developers seek locations near restaurants and retail establishments, Richard Manley said.

"We haven't had a problem getting hotels to locate in Longview. We have a problem getting full-service hotels to locate in Longview," Stroud said. "That's why most communities will come in and build a conference center that's attached to a hotel. .. I don't think the city wants to build a hotel."

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Vision 2015 committee

Ed Banos, Jim Bartlett, Glendon Berry, Paul Boorman, Gary Borders, Shayne Cowan, Joe Fuentes, Jennifer Harris, Keith Honey, Charles Ireland, Branden Johnson, Lamar Jones, Jim Kendrick, Dale Lunsford, Andy Mack, Richard Manley, D.J. Nelson, Charles Peck, Jerry Russell, Gary L. Smith, Dave Spurrier, James Wilcox, Kasha Williams and Victoria Wilson; Judge Bill Stoudt and Bob Metzler, ex-officio members.

- Source: City of Longview

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Top ideas for further study

- More development of Interstate 20

- Transportation infrastructure

- Continued development of a multipurpose center

- Downtown revitalization

- Position Longview as a retirement center

- Complete pending parks projects

- Economic development

- Arboretum development

- Library upgrades/teen center

- Consolidation of school resources

- Develop a human rights council