What's Going On Downtown?

          Studies have shown that in the last several years, there has been a shift back into to cities. There is a great migration taking place that is moving people away from the suburbs. This is not just happening in larger cities. This movement is taking place all over the country, even here in little historic Selma, AL. 

          Selma has always been a small city. Most of it's residents live outside of the city limits, and there is a large farming community that is still active here. However, there is a shift that is being facilitated by the powers that be in Selma, to get more people to move back into the city. The majority of the downtown area is lined with old multistory buildings that have businesses on the bottom floor but have nothing occupying the upper levels. City officials have passed a bill that would allow for the renovation and revitalization of these buildings, with the upper levels of them being turned into loft style apartments. There has been lots of talk about this change in the community. What will that mean for local economy and property values? Will it increase the the traffic to the many local businesses that call downtown home? Will this make room for Selma to have a public transportation system? 

         I believe that the shift to city living here in Selma would not so much draw current residents into the city as it would bring all new people in. It would open to door for many new businesses and ventures in the downtown area. There would be room for rental services, pet services, maid services, and cab services. There would be need for more sidewalks, entertainment, and restaurants. The economic potential and business possibilities are endless.There are many people in the area that are against the redevelopment of downtown however. They feel that Selma will loose it's historical value and significance if there is too much of a change.