Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
Cordova residents and community stakeholders gathered at City Hall on Tuesday, April 15, for a public presentation outlining the city’s proposed downtown redevelopment plan, led by Ben Farmer, president of planning, design, and construction firm Farmer | Morgan.
This event was part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Cordova’s historic center, shaped partly by public input gathered from a community survey and during a community design meeting last fall.
Farmer | Morgan was brought on as the lead consulting firm through a partnership with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, with funding support from the Environmental Protection Agency. PPM Environmental also contributed to the process as a sub-consultant.
“This is a draft document, and we’re still actively seeking input,” said Farmer. “We’ve left space for additions and revisions based on community feedback before finalizing the plan.”
The plan includes a wide-ranging look at Cordova’s physical layout, infrastructure, economic potential, and environmental context. It proposes a variety of development scenarios centered on goals like improving connectivity, fostering small business growth, and leveraging natural assets for recreation and tourism.
One central idea is to position Cordova as a hub for outdoor activity, using assets like Disney Lake and the surrounding landscape to attract visitors and support a more resilient local economy.
“If you can develop your own industry based on your assets, you create something that belongs to the community,” Farmer said.
The presentation also emphasized the importance of realistic timelines and coordinated investment between public and private sectors.
“There’s no magic wand,” said Farmer. “It takes time and effort to rebuild, and that means focusing investment where it can have the most impact.”
Cordova Mayor Jeremy Pate echoed that sentiment, outlining current city priorities such as renovating vacant apartment units and downtown buildings. These efforts, he said, are critical for building momentum and attracting further investment.
The draft plan will be distributed digitally and in print. Residents are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback. Comments will help shape the final version and guide implementation in the coming years. WL
