HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville City Council members held its first public meeting since the presentation of its redistricting plan last week.
On Tuesday evening, residents expressed the desire to have more districts than the five we currently have.
Another concern is the redistricting plan shows one neighborhood split into two districts at Jones Valley Drive.
Councilmember Jennie Robinson (Dist. 3) said the plan cannot divide neighborhoods and will be discussed with planning staff.
Councilmember Devyn Keith (Dist. 1) said he does not see a value in expanding more districts when it comes to minority representation.
"In ten years if we were to grow as a populous again, it would always be contingent if I were on this council, of where those people are. If there is an ability to say that every district has 30-40% of African American representation, without a doubt. Because the potential power of having a safe district is now spread throughout the city," said Keith.
Additional public hearings will be held:
Monday, October 25, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 9, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 16, 4 p.m.
Monday, November 22, 5:30 p.m.
This is not the final plan, and Mayor Battle is encouraging you to give your thoughts and opinions before the December deadline. He says, "We will have the final vote in December. In between now and December, there will be a lot of people who have input into it, and as they have input into it, the plan will melt into the community's plan."
Click here for software that allows you to create and submit your own redistricting plans. The redistricting team also created a step-by-step tutorial on how to navigate the process.