Haltom City, TX, is experiencing significant business challenges as major retailers like Sam's Dollar Store and Big Lots have shuttered their doors. According to a recent Facebook post by city employee Jayson Steele, these closures are set to be replaced by Five and Below and WD's Discount, respectively, with a new Wingstop also expected to open. However, the city's past experiences with promised new businesses that never materialized cast doubt on these developments.
Joe Palmer, Communications Director for Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA), emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that while some new businesses are coming, the overall vacancy rate in Haltom City remains close to 30% and appears to be rising. "The big businesses have left because of a lack of traffic and the continued decline of these areas in the south and central parts of the city," Palmer stated.
The city's struggles are not isolated; HUBA warns that many older corridors in South and Central Haltom City will continue to deteriorate until proactive measures are taken. HUBA has proposed a list of code improvements to encourage new business, but according to Palmer, the city council has yet to propose any comprehensive plan for revitalization. Newly elected council members have praised improvements on the north side of the city but have remained silent on addressing issues in the declining south and central areas.
Despite the city's administration touting success in attracting businesses to the northern parts of Haltom City, the visible decline in the south and central areas tells a different story. The boarded-up businesses and deteriorating conditions are evident to both residents and potential new citizens. This is compounded by a recent report showing a decline in Haltom City's population, even as the Dallas-Fort Worth area sees an influx of 1,000 new residents daily.
HUBA is calling for public hearings and the development of a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate the city’s older districts. This call to action is crucial, as the decline in retail and office spaces makes it more urgent to attract new businesses to prevent further degradation and increased crime.
The situation in Haltom City is not unique; many smaller, older cities across America face similar issues. However, successful examples of urban renewal can be found with a simple Google search.
The continued decline in Haltom City's commercial landscape underscores the urgent need for a strategic plan to revitalize its older districts. Without decisive action, the city risks further economic and social decline, impacting both current and future residents.
