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 History of Northlake > The 1990's |
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During
Reid Paxson’s two terms in office, Northlake saw more renovation and construction, and more beautification
efforts.
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| Mayor Reid Paxson |
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At
North Avenue and Wolf Road, where only decades earlier aldermen sought to install a stop light, the
Northlake Commons shopping center was constructed as part of a tax increment financing district.
The
final strike at the Town and Country Bowl came in December 1991 to make way for the Sam’s Club.
Shortly after, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Service Merchandise followed.
Roughly
$14 million in general obligation bonds for the 25-acre shopping center were secured and expected to
be repaid through the combination of property and sales taxes.
Other
steps toward progress made by Paxson included the implementation of a recycling program as well as visibly
beautification along North Avenue - complete with grassy medians, trees and flower boxes.
Also
during this period, city council members voted to make the mayor’s position full-time, ending the tradition
of a city-manager form of government.
The
1990s also saw a major overhaul of the Northlake Library District, which was expanded from 5,800 to
roughly 19,600 square feet, a 911 emergency service, and the vote for home-rule.
The
winds of more change came in April 1997 when Paxson was voted out of office and Jeffrey Sherwin was
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Mayor
Jeffrey T. Sherwin |
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launched into the mayoralty by roughly 1,000 votes.
Reflecting
on the past, the present and the future of the “City of Friendly People,” Sherwin said, “It’s important to
look back on where you came from. This city started with mud and gravel streets. We had well water. There
were no street lights, no library, no storm sewers, no city departments. These things were all developed
over time at a steady pace by my predecessors.
"Just
to see the progress in the last 50 years is gratifying and I hope that we can contribute to the ongoing
progress that has been made.”
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