HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Editor's note: The following is a compendium of notices resulting from City Council discussion from the May 11 regular session meeting.
Next phase of Huntsville Aquatics Center moves forward with Legacy Pool renovation
The Huntsville City Council has approved a construction agreement for phase four of the Huntsville Aquatics Center. The $6.4 million contract with Garber Construction Company involves an extensive renovation of the Legacy Pool.
Improvements will include new bleachers, a new exhaust system and LED lighting. The windows and wall panels will be replaced. Roof panels will be replaced or repaired. There will also be updates to the pool and deck area, including new blocks and timers.
The Legacy Pool, the centerpiece of the former Brahan Spring Natatorium, has remained virtually untouched since the facility was transformed into the Huntsville Aquatics Center in 2017. The addition of the 50-meter Competition Pool and Instructional Pool put Huntsville swimming on the map, with the center hosting numerous championship competitions.
“We’re looking forward to this next chapter for the Huntsville Aquatics Center,” Parks and Recreation Director James Gossett said. “The Legacy Pool has served generations of swimmers and divers. This project will ensure that legacy continues. From the ventilation to the seating, the renovation will improve the entire user experience.”
Construction is expected to begin in July, with the Legacy Pool closing to the public at that time. Lap and recreational swimmers will move to the Competition Pool. Divers may utilize the boards at Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Pool.
Huntsville introduces plan to help boost revenue, commerce in downtown area
The City of Huntsville will soon consider an ordinance to declare certain property as surplus and enter into a lease agreement with a new-to-market restaurant concept.
During the regularly scheduled City Council meeting Thursday, the City introduced an ordinance to declare a 7,000-square-foot parcel of land near the southwest corner of Cleveland Avenue Northwest and Meridian Street North as surplus. Officials have determined that no City department or division needs the property for public or municipal use.
The City also proposed an agreement to lease the property to Barracuda, which would build a walk-up-style restaurant and open-air garden at the site near AM Booth’s Lumberyard. Jim McGuffey, Huntsville’s Deputy Director of Urban and Economic Development, expects the agreement with Barracuda would increase sales and use tax revenue, promote commerce and serve as a catalyst for entertainment and development in the downtown area.
The Louisiana-based restaurant currently operates Taco Stand and Margarita Garden units in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Huntsville site would be Barracuda’s fourth location.
The Council will vote on the measure at its Thursday, May 25, meeting.
North Huntsville road project to improve safety for commuters
A much-needed roadway improvement project will result in a safer commute for drivers in North Huntsville.
City Council on Thursday authorized Mayor Tommy Battle to enter into an agreement with low bidder Grayson Carter & Son Contracting Inc. to make improvements to Monroe Road from Pulaski Pike to 1 mile east of Liberty Hill Road. The total contract amount is $4.7 million.
Kathy Martin, Huntsville’s Director of Engineering, said the project was necessary as traffic patterns continue to increase near the North Huntsville Industrial Park.
“The project is intended to improve safety with the installation of paved shoulders and improved sight distance along this roadway,” she said. “The contractor will soon begin utility relocations and improvements should be complete in September 2023.”
Because the affected portion of Monroe Road will be closed for construction for about four months, a detour will redirect motorists to Patterson Lane.
Project updates will be posted to HuntsvilleAL.gov/Roadworkprojects as they become available.
Renewed planning effort to provide fresh analysis of West Huntsville opportunities
Huntsville’s boundaries have grown over the past decade, prompting the City to update its long-term planning efforts along its western corridor.
The City on Thursday authorized an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., to conduct market analysis and visioning for future development in West Huntsville along Interstate 65.
The effort is a continuation of a 2011 Master Plan for Western Annexed Lands within Huntsville-annexed Limestone County. Shane Davis, Huntsville’s Director of Urban & Economic Development, said consultants would update portions of the original plan while also providing economic analysis on properties not previously included.
While creating the 2011 master plan, the City worked with a variety of stakeholders, including landowners and economic development partners. The completed plan yielded a shared development strategy that encompassed about 10,000 acres of annexed property.
Davis said the 2011 study proved to be a “win-win” for the City, landowners and citizens.
“Since 2015, the original study area has produced over 16,000 new jobs, added $6 billion in private investments to the tax rolls and today generates over $700 million annually in payroll within the area,” he said.
The goal was to not only identify land uses of the study area, but to also analyze return on investment from future development as well as identify essential long-term infrastructure investments. Davis said the renewed effort should produce similar results.
“We want to complement the successes of the original plan while also identifying new land uses and infrastructure that ensure Huntsville’s solid economic outlook regarding jobs and tax base,” he said.