When it comes to grant applications, planning is a crucial step that can benefit all parties interested in improving something in their community. In the small town of Mentone, home to about 325 people, city leaders recently took the opportunity to host officials with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and TARCOG to discuss a few projects, big and small.

A tour of the historic Moon Lake Village was a top priority. After Moon Lake Elementary closed in 2021, the Town of Mentone took over the school campus after DeKalb County deeded it to the town. It’s located on the eastern side of the city limits.

In 2022 they began developing the campus as Moon Lake Village, a collection of shops, offices, spaces for artists and galleries. Northeast Alabama Community College also holds classes there and a new restaurant is planned for the former lunchroom.

The group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.

Mentone has applied for an Appalachian Regional Council grant to upgrade electricity plumbing, bathroom accessibility and other infrastructure across the former school campus. During the tour, the group discussed potential ways to do even more with the site to draw visitors to Mentone.