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Census records show a jump in population in the '90s, topping out at 5,576 people in 2000. Some folks, like Lowe, left the city only to return as an older adult. According to Lowe, who has lived and worked in Atlanta, Minneapolis and Memphis, his hometown possesses an appeal that can't be duplicated.
"It's a good place to have kids, to raise a family," he said.
Local chamber of commerce director Charles Carr is yet another of the city's prodigal sons, one who left the political arena of Montgomery for the rolling hills of home. After working for two governors, George Wallace and Guy Hunt, Carr returned to Oneonta and set about promoting the city from whence he hails.
"This community is church based and family oriented," Carr said from his downtown office. "We are cognizant of problems, but they're manageable and don't detract from what I call the Mayberry environment. We have people here who pay civic rent - they give back to the community"
Certainly, families won't run out of things to do in Oneonta. The city sports a public park facility that includes baseball and softball fields, handball and tennis courts, a walking track and swimming pool. The city's historic L & N Depot is also located at the park. Available to rent for events, the depot is equipped with a full kitchen. A second facility, Woodland Park, offers playground equipment for wee ones and wooded walking trails for moms and dads. Families also have access to the
county's nice top-notch golf courses and area attractions like Rickwood Caverns State Park and Spring Beach, an aquatic theme park in Blountsville. Annual city festival offer gatherings on a larger, community-wide scale. The June Fling promises a summer break, while the chamber's premier event, the Covered Bridge Festival, brings flair to fall. Held the fourth weekend of October the Covered Bridge Festival has grown to include multiple stages for musical entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, auto and motorcycle shows and a golf classic.
Another positive Oneonta offers to families is the number of housing options springing up and in development."If we have a lack of anything, it's starter homes," Carr said, adding that a local developer is polishing plans to construct entry-level homes in the $60,000 to $90,000 price range.
To ensure that families have all their needs met within city limits, both Carr and Tidwell are working toward a common goal: producing high-paying jobs. The mayor called it his "number one" goal.
"I want to make sure our young people have ample opportunities," Tidwell said. "There should be enough money not just for beans and potatoes, but a little dessert, too."
Oneonta's earliest industries centered around iron ore, coal and limestone. Today, the mayor is hoping to get a slice of another manufacturing pie: spin-off business from the state's rapidly growing auto industry.
According to Carr, more than 60 percent of the city's residents work outside their community, with an average commute of 37 minutes. The mayor is hoping an ongoing expansion project at the local industrial park will help change that.
Located at the south end of town, the Oneonta Industrial Park has an existing 100 acres available to manufacturing businesses. Thanks to the help of grant money, infrastructure is being added and upgraded, upping the level of services Oneonta can offer. Proximity to major cities like Birmingham, airports and a well-educated labor base add to the allure for industries
"Our schools are a source of pride. We have a rich learning environment," Carr said, adding that the Oneonta City School System is ranked in the state's top 25 for SAT scores and graduation rates.
While reaching for the same growth that has hit larger cities nearby, Oneonta's leaders agree that maintaining the city's small-town feel is equally important.
"We're a city on the move," Mayor Tidwell said. "Holding onto that atmosphere of community is a balancing act."
Published Sunday, March 2nd, 2003 – A Promotional section of The Birmingham News
By Leigh Norwood
Special Assignment Writer
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