As part of the Downtown Revitalization program, 30 East Palatka Holly trees have been planted in the beds on both sides of the street for three blocks and down 5th Street in downtown Luverne.

Robyn Snellgrove, President and CEO of the Crenshaw County Economic and Industrial Development Authority and former Mayor of Luverne Dr. Patrick Walker were able to secure a grant from Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) for the funds to begin adding greenery and color to the downtown area.

“I was talking with Dr. Walker about a year ago about a program called Main Street Alabama, and with his blessing the city joined that program,” Snellgrove said.

“One of the first things we wanted to do was make downtown inviting so we can get people to stop and shop.”

The planting began last Tuesday, and Snellgrove says she has already heard many around town express their appreciation and admiration for this project.

“It’s going very well. Robyn’s just beginning to start with the trees and all, but she’ll continue to work on it through the year,” Walker said.

“It came about through conversations between Robyn and I, and working with Kathy Smyth also with Main Street Alabama to proceed with revitalization. We were able to get funds through the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA).”

Snellgrove, with the assistance of Dale Shepherd of the Luverne Garden Club and City of Luverne workers Scott Fowler, Tito Payne, Stanley Furr, Marvin Bolling and Tim Burnette, began planting last Tuesday morning.

“AMEA is where the City of Luverne buys their electricity, and the grant with them will help us do this and help us with some future things that we want to work on,” Snellgrove said.

“Part of economic development is to make sure your downtown is inviting. We want people who are on their way to the beach to stop and shop. If our town is inviting, that will increase that foot traffic, and that increases our sales tax revenue.”