A recent business census commissioned by the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) has shed light on a troubling decline in business occupancy rates within Haltom City's central and southern corridors. The study, which was conducted at the end of 2023, reveals a drop from 83.2% in 2022 to 79.9% in 2023, indicating a nearly 4% decrease in occupancy. This decline has raised concerns among local business advocates about the future vitality of these key areas.
The census focused on several critical corridors, including Denton Highway south of Loop 820, Carson from Belknap to Beach, Northeast 28th from Belknap to Beach St., and Belknap west to Beach St. The findings are alarming, with vacancy rates now exceeding 20%. HUBA has voiced frustration over the city's lack of response to this issue, emphasizing the need for immediate action to reverse the trend.
Joe Palmer, HUBA's Communications Director, criticized the city's focus on northern development while neglecting the visible deterioration in other areas. HUBA has been pushing for policy reforms for three years, arguing that current regulations, such as restrictive parking requirements and outdated zoning laws, are stifling business growth. The alliance believes that these policies are particularly harmful to small businesses, which are crucial for the revitalization of the central and southern corridors.
The implications of this decline are far-reaching, affecting not only the local economy but also the city's appeal to potential residents. With North Texas experiencing rapid growth, Haltom City's decreasing population and rising vacancy rates present a stark contrast. The situation threatens to weaken the city's tax base and its ability to fund essential services, further deterring new businesses and residents.
HUBA's call to action includes the development of a comprehensive plan to attract businesses to the declining areas and foster a stronger relationship between the city and the business community. The census data serves as a critical benchmark for assessing the economic health of Haltom City's main corridors, highlighting the urgent need for policy reevaluation to address the increasing vacancies and restore prosperity to these vital parts of the city.
