HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Community members and government officials gathered Thursday morning for the Christian County Chamber of Commerce Eye Opener Breakfast. This event allowed people from across the county to gain insight and join the discussion regarding current and future growth.
Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight, Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver, along with Christian County magistrates Phillip Peterson and John Bruce made up the panel. They discussed the state of the community with the specific topic of “The Growth of Our Community: Celebrating Progress, While Navigating Growing Pains”.
The event was held at The Silo in Hopkinsville, with discussions set up in a podcast-style format. This allowed attendees to participate in the conversation and also be a part of the city’s podcast series.
Growth, downtown apartments, Oak Grove impact
On the topic of growth, Mayor Knight brought up the thriving business park in South Park that will soon be home to Toyota Boshoku. Continued expansion has paved the way for more industry to join the area. “Each additional industry that we bring to commerce park will be easier and easier,” added Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam.
Moderator Amanda Brunt led the panel into a discussion about the positive effects of change and growth. Magistrate Bruce, who resides over a rural district in the county, mentioned that although people are often resistant to change, even smaller cities in the county have embraced it. He explained that rural communities having direct and safe access to the accommodations of surrounding cities has made a positive impact.
In regard to Oak Grove, Mayor Oliver explained that water line expansions that are in the works will accommodate significant growth and allow more areas to be buildable. She also credited increased tourism in the county to the diverse range of events at Oak Grove Gaming, and the city’s efforts to provide entertainment.
On that same topic, Mayor Knight shared that people may notice significant changes to Main Street and South Virginia Street in the coming years as they attempt to renovate the dozens of vacant upper-level apartments downtown. This would allow for the continued revitalization efforts downtown while creating more housing and providing incentives for property owners.
Brunt shared visitors spent $239 million on tourism in 2023, and the city is estimated to grow its population by over 2,000 residents in the next few years. The discussion was recorded by the city and will be available as a podcast on the City of Hopkinsville website.
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