Thomas says Dothan experiencing retail ‘explosion’

The nation may be facing an economic crisis, but Dothan Mayor Pat Thomas says his city hasn’t seen the effects as much as most others.

Addressing the Citizens Supervisory Committee for what he said would be be the final time, Thomas said Dothan is enjoying a period of expansion.

“Even in these hard economic times and even with sales taxes down a little bit, we are having an explosion of retail growth in this city,” Thomas said. “We have at least three major shopping complexes that will be operational within the next 18 months.”

One of those new developments will be on the south side of town, which Thomas sees as an important distinction.

“After years and years, we’re no longer a north and west expansion town, we are growing around the circle in all directions, and that’s good news,” he said. “It will bring to Dothan a sense of oneness we haven’t had in a long time, perhaps since the split of the high schools.”

Thomas declined to name any of the centers coming to Dothan, but did mention one that will be a significant financial investment.

“There is an 83-acre development on the east side of town, across from the medical center. It’s a huge investment, more of an investment than the Dothan Pavilion,” he said.

The development is expected to house two large retailers and several smaller retailers, according to Thomas.

Dothan’s expansion hasn’t been limited to the retail world, however. According to Thomas, the city’s population is growing, unlike nearly every other city in the
state.

“We’re one of two cities in Alabama that still has a positive growth rate, 7 percent a year, which is strong,” Thomas said. “The population is up to 64,000. Every day, as commuters come in from 10 surrounding counties, we have a daytime population of over 120,000.”

Thomas credited the population growth, along with Target’s strong performance since arriving to town, with sparking retail interest.

City Manager Mike West told the board the city’s economic strength is tied to good decision makers throughout the city.

“No matter how bad we make it seem here, there’s a lot of folks that have it worse. We’re fortunate here. We have a group of department heads that don’t feel obligated every year to spend all their money, so that goes back into the pot,” West said. “Not everybody agrees on everything, but I think we’re all working toward that same goal, which si to make Dothan the best it can be.”