When Mike and Amy Wade, owners of Wade Funeral Home, moved to Pantego about a decade ago, they were drawn by its small-town feel. “With its two beautiful parks, sidewalks, excellent schools and superior first-responder times, it is a nice, family friendly community,” Amy says. “I like to say Pantego is an ‘oasis’ in the middle of Arlington.”
In recent times, it has also become the focus of an economic development project that is tapping not only the livability of the town, but its potential as a commercial center. Mayor Doug Davis recently told Arlington Today that “Shop Pantego” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a point of emphasis embraced by the town council and the Pantego Economic Development Corporation.
Cathy Allen, the new Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of Pantego, says she is excited to be a part of the energy and excitement in a town that has a proven track record of being financially sound and a safe area with a vision to continue to grow, even though it is surrounded by Arlington.
“The location actually makes Pantego a designation to ‘Shop Pantego’ and meet the local business owners who take pride being in Pantego,” Allen says. “Our mayor and council and PEDC (Pantego Economic Development Corporation), along with the new Town Manager, Joe Ashton, and staff have embraced the revitalization of shopping centers and buildings and the welcoming of businesses into Pantego, along with streamlining the process to open a business in Pantego.”
To that end, that collective ensemble has defined the retail trade areas and upgraded the commercial areas by grants and loans through the PEDC, Allen says. The town has also added new lighting with “Welcome” seasonal banners down the Park Row corridor and put up new lighted street signs to Park Row and Pioneer Parkway. Additionally, local business owners have established a Business Alliance group that partners with the Town and PEDC to enhance “Shop Pantego” vision.
“Community spirit continues with our Community Relations Board and, of course, our residents and businesses enjoy the safety knowing our Police and Fire are protecting our Town and visitors with the utmost care and response time,” Allen says. “All of this, combined with our commitment to ‘Shop, Dine, Play and Live in Pantego,’ brings the Town alive with wanting to be a part of Pantego. Property owners both residential and commercial want to be a part of this. It just feels like a small town, but it has big opportunities for all.”
Amy Wade agrees and says she is passionate about serving on the PEDC because she sees the potential in her town for renewal of an aging infrastructure – and the subsequent economic boom that will follow. “It is an exciting time for the town of Pantego, and many residents are getting involved to help Pantego be an even more desirable place to live,” she says. “The future looks very good for our little town – right in the middle of the Metroplex!”
