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we actually got it. the grant for goodwater was approved today and we can finally start cleaning up those old buildings. im blown away by all the support and cant wait to see the real change starting on main st.

June 20, 2015

Let's Save Goodwater!

Let's Save Goodwater!

🏆 Won — 214 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Lauren S.
D
Deron O.
N
Nancy M.
C
celia b.
V
Valerie V.
C
Cam J.
T
terrell R.
I
Irene J.
R
Ruby T.
T
Tempest F.
+204 more
LH
Started by Leslie Hardy 11 years, 4 months ago

Goodwater is a tiny town by the railroad tracks in east central Alabama. Once a thriving community of restaurants, stores, barber shops, and movie theaters, its main street is now reduced (primarily) to abandoned, dilapidated structures. These decaying buildings not only create a safety hazard, but the pervasive atmosphere of neglect has led to increased crime in the area.

And yet, the town council, mayor, and residents have not given up hope!

Ed's Deli bravely opened on Main St. a couple of years ago, and their lunch time crowd is booming! Several citizens beautifully remodeled (and saved) three buildings at one end of Main St. and run a community style flea market selling everything from clothing and toys to washing machines and farm equipment. Goodwater's young city clerk has planted flowers in large tubs and pots all along the city sidewalks. Hope indeed prevails.

Goodwater, with the aid of grant writer, Susan Monroe, is applying to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)

for a Community Dev. Block Grant (CDBG) /Community Enhancement Grant. This is our only hope of obtaining the funds necessary to demolish and remove the dilapidated buildings blighting our downtown corridor.

AND THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR HELP.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION BELOW SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT FOR GOODWATER'S GRANT APPLICATION.

Please also feel free to comment on what Goodwater means to you and how you think the town's downtown area could benefit from this type of assistance.

Your signature can make all the difference.


Updates

Reached 100 supporters

May 28, 2015

77 Comments

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Deron Owens
11 years ago Featured

There is no place like Goodwater, although the physical state of this city looks bad, the people are still great, I was born and raised Goodwater and I will forever support the city. As a member of the last class to graduate from Goodwater High School ( Class of 88) we are here to support. Please reach out to me

O
O'Kesha Kelly Jacobs
11 years ago Featured

Goodwater will always be home. So many fond memories. So many good people. Revitalizing the downtown area will not only beautify the city, it will also reestablish and restore pride in the community. "Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much." ~Hellen Keller

M
Maureen Graham
11 years ago Featured

I have family in Goodwater, AL and it will always be home away from home to me. I am not from there but Goodwater was the first place in AL I had ever been. There are many good people in this town and they deserve to enjoy the serenity it brings to them. We need small towns with small businesses like this to continue to thrive and go back home to. SAVE GOODWATER!

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Denson Franklin,jr.
11 years ago Featured

My grandparents on both sides lived and are buried in Goodwater. I spent many happy hours there and still return regularly. It's worth keeping!

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Dixie Grissom
11 years ago Featured

I grew up in Goodwater I would not exchange my life for any other place under the sun. All 3 churches were so active and had activities for all kids in the town. We didn't have more to do that took away study time. But, we lived simple a life and love and respected our families and each other. Please return return that sweet little town of Goodwater, Al!

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Diane Robbins Pegues
11 years ago Featured

I grew up in Goodwater as did three generations of my family before me. It was a wonderful place to live and I still visit my hometown frequently. Goodwater is very dear to my heart and I would love to see it revived for future generations.

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Lauren Stover
1 year ago

Goodwater is full of potential, and seeing people rally behind it is so encouraging. One of the historic downtown buildings—right next to Ed’s Deli—is being restored with a new vision: Liza Pizza, a casual, family-friendly pizza spot that aims to bring fresh energy and connection to Main Street. The property owner is working hard to make this dream a reality, and I’ve been helping along the way—doing everything I can to support the process and the heart behind it. But projects like this take more than dedication. They require funding, visibility, and a community that believes in rebuilding what matters. It’s not just about pizza—it’s about turning a once-abandoned space into something vibrant and meaningful. It’s about restoring pride in a town that deserves it. We want Liza Pizza to be a part of Goodwater’s comeback story, but getting there means overcoming big challenges—especially when it comes to grant access and small-town resources. This petition is a powerful step forward. Thank you to everyone supporting it. Goodwater’s best days are still ahead, and we’re doing everything we can to be part of that future. — Lauren Stover Helping bring Liza Pizza to life

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Leslie Hardy · petition starter
11 years ago

The building in the image above, Goodwater (Franklin) Feed and Seed, circa 1903, has just been listed on The Alabama Register of Historic Places. Congratulations, Goodwater!