Imagine the city of Leesburg 10 years or more in the future.

City Hall may be in a new location. There could be a new retail area developed just north of city hall along U.S. highway 19. Expect a lot more green — trees and landscaping. Even the Veterans Park may be in a different location.

At least that’s the image architect and planner Ken Rickett, of Ellis, Rickett & Associates in Valdosta, has for Leesburg. Rickett has been working on a downtown development plan for the past few months with City Councilwoman Judy Powell and Bob Alexander, director of planning and engineering for Lee County. He presented an overview of the plan to Leesburg City Council members Tuesday night.

“Our goal is to create a new image for downtown Leesburg for the long term,” Rickett said. “We’re not saying this is what you have to do, or need to do, but you need some idea of where you are going. This is something in front of you that can give you an idea of a starting point.”

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