To create the position and not hire from outside is insanity in its highest order. Just more good ol' boy network but without the consquences of elections to worry about. As for what area of the city to develop heres a novel idea, throw the doors wide open, dust off the welcome mat, recriut businesses and industry to the area and let them decide where to "develop". I can assure you if it is anything retail related they ain't going downtown. Thats my point though, the city 'leaders' feel like it is their job to decide what businesses should go where. Demographics will determine that, not who owns what building or piece of land that needs to be leased or sold.
Ask anyone familiar with such things in Sylacuaga in the late 90's how that worked out with Winn Dixie.