AHOSKIE – With potential growth just over the horizon, it’s a wise decision to have a plan in place.

That’s the idea behind a public meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. today (Tuesday) in the Town Council chambers at Ahoskie Town Hall.

There, the public is invited to listen as local leaders begin to map out a strategic plan in regards to future growth and economic development in Ahoskie.

Scheduled to join Town Council members in the discussion are a host of local business and economic leaders. Included in that group are Stan Dixon of the Ahoskie Downtown Merchants Association, Phyllis Frymier of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, Hertford County Economic Development Director Bill Early, Meryl Brown of the Ahoskie Beautification Committee, John Fritz of the Ahoskie Historical Committee, Ahoskie Planning Board member Archie C. Hassell and Wendy Ruffin-Barnes of the Ahoskie Board of Adjustment.

At their Oct. 11 meeting, Ahoskie Town Council members directed Town Manager Tony Hammond to set-up this meeting. The Council agreed that in order to move forward in this planning process, input was needed from the aforementioned individuals.

Ahoskie is currently in the process of a much-needed expansion to its wastewater treatment facility, an estimated $14 million project that will open the door for business and residential growth.

Additionally, the town is in the early stages of studying annexation. That project will generate additional property tax revenues, but, if approved, will also increase the number of households that will require town services.

In a separate matter, the Town of Ahoskie invites the public to attend its annual Christmas tree lighting.

The ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at No Man’s Land Park, located at the railroad crossing on Main Street.