Some of the key players in Lakeland’s economic development met this week to start establishing a plan for the suburb’s future, particularly along prominent roads.

The sites are for future schools, looking 15 to 20 years down the road, Superintendent Ted Horrell said. 

According to Lakeland’s economic development specialist, a Downtown Memphis business owner who resides in Lakeland wants to bring a venue like Railgarten or Carolina Watershed to the suburb.

Lakeland’s Municipal Planning/Design Review Commission recommended Thursday evening, July 15, denial of the $150 million Chapel Lakes residential project. The Board of Commissioners will have the final say.

Record low inventory levels have continued across the Mid-South since the second half of last year, while pricing is also steadily climbing higher both for existing and newly built homes.

Lakeland’s Board of Commissioners approved unanimously a preliminary development plan for the 80-acre Heathfield on Scott’s Creek residential project between Old Brownsville and Seed Tick roads north of U.S. 70.

The Lakeland School System is on track to open the district’s first high school, filling a void as the only one of the six suburban systems without one.

After welcoming new member Brian Sullivan, the Lakeland planning commission approves businesses and discusses new regulations.

Summer program offers more enjoyable ways for Arlington and Lakeland students to keep pace or catch up on studies after a tough academic year.

The initial draft of a 100-acre park master plan in Lakeland addresses several of the amenities residents addressed in a survey, but also includes needed baseball and softball fields.

Lakeland settled on a $1.04 property tax rate to fund its $100.5 million budget. Increased sales tax revenues helped offset the suburb’s spending.

Rick and Brenda Frembgen are bringing Carrington Oaks Coffeehouse and Floral, along with their newest franchise — The Exercise Coach — to Phase 1 at the $70 million mixed-use project on U.S. 70 at Seed Tick Road.

Lakeland’s Economic Development Commission/Industrial Development Board granted Lakeland Town Square additional TIF funding Thursday night for Phase 2 of the mixed-use project’s infrastructure expenses.

Lakeland officials recommended approval of a new convenience store/gas station at Lakeland Town Square, while Clint Starnes stepped aside from the suburb planning commission because of personal and scheduling conflicts.

Margaritas Mexican Grill & Bar is among the first commercial tenants announced for Lakeland Town Square with an opening date for the restaurant sometime around the first of the year.

A failure of Lakeland planning and design review commission citizen members to attend recent meetings has led to cancellations and frustration from elected officials.

As coronavirus shots become available at drugstores and doctor’s offices, the need for the drive-thru serving Bartlett, Lakeland and Arlington has diminished, said Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald.

The first tenants of the 160-acre mixed-use development in Lakeland should begin moving in toward the end of the year, some of them in Phase 1 available for holiday shoppers.

Lakeland officials began their review of the annual budget and property tax rate, approving the ordinances on first reading. 

If you don’t succeed at first, try, try again should be the motto for Lakeland’s effort to get its own ZIP code. So city officials are trying again.

Lakeland moves forward on initial phase of its athletic complex with two soccer fields and a parking lot.

Former house framer Martin Cook has transitioned into a developer with subdivisions around the area, including the Estates of Chambers Chapel in Lakeland.

Lakeland Schools System Superintendent Ted Horrell has been named the 2021 Southwest Tennessee Superintendent of the Year.

As Lakeland grows, so does the need for more parks. The latest recreation area — Oak Ridge Park — should open in May as students finish classes and start summer break. 

Jeana Decker, who’s leaving her administrative role with Millington Municipal Schools, has nearly 35 years of experience in education.