Editor’s note: This story has been updated since it was first published to show that Bethany Church is not being converted into a convention center. The church is not for sale and will continue to hold services, however it is available for events during the week. Daily Report regrets the error.
The Bethany Economic Development District in Baker, near Bethany Church on Plank Road, has been expanded and renamed as the Baker Economic Development District.
The legislation for the expansion passed earlier this month during the special session, says Baker Economic Development Director Becky Bond, and is part of a larger effort by the city to drive investment in the area.
The new district encompases the entirety of Plank Road in Baker. The original Bethany district was established in 2017 and centered around the church. Bond expects the newly enlarged district to pair well with other local efforts underway to revitalize Plank Road.
“We believe this will allow for more opportunity in the area,” Bond says.
The district’s seven-person board will be reconfigured for the new district and will be led by local developer Brian LaFleur.
