HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville's District 1 council member, Devyn Keith, spoke with FOX54 on Sunday about a variety of topics that involve his district and its constituents. We began our discussion with the subject of beautification and revitalization and also spoke about national matters that could affect residents.
Sparkman mural and future projects
Keith was the self-described "mediator" who helped Huntsville Utilities and Arts Huntsville partner with local artist Peter Lucker on a mural which will soon cover the water tank at the substation at the corner of Sparkman Drive and Pulaski Pike. He said the substation, which was already due for refurbishment, was going to be simply repainted. The plan to put a mural there instead excited the community.
"What you're seeing right now is one of the most beautiful, biggest murals in the City of Huntsville," Keith said. "Float [Lucker's nickname] had a great idea, and it's going to encompass what I think is very important - a joy by which you smile as you head home. Once you see the colors and the coordination, it's going to make sense why he put it there and what it means there."
Keith teased that there is an expected announcement later this year about another mural project - this one at Stoner Park, which is undergoing a $10 revitalization. Keith said the skate park project is on-point to open in early Spring 2025. "It will be the largest skating rink in the state," he added, "able to hold about 200 skaters at one time."
Hands-free enforcement
The councilman was vocal in his wariness of strengthening the severity of hands-free violations beyond those imposed by the state when the subject was proposed last year. With a few modifications, the rule went into effect earlier this year with a six-month grace period where officers let motorists off with a warning. Monday, July 1, the enforcement of the ordinance goes into effect.
"In any change such as this, it will have to be highly monitored," said Keith. "The concerns that citizens have are seeing our officers abuse it in a way to pull people over is understandable. But the only way that you can save lives is by trying a measure such as this."
There will be a six-month review period, after which council members will review statistics regarding imposition of fines and penalties related to the ordinance. Keith said if he finds abuse of the ordinance, he will move for it to be rescinded.
HPD involvement with Decatur police footage of Steve Perkins shooting
In the gag order hearing concerning former Decatur officer Mac Marquette, accused of murder in the shooting death of Steve Perkins on Sept. 29, 2023, it was revealed that body camera footage of the incident was handed over to someone in the Huntsville Police Department for the purposes of "editing the video due to graphic content."
We asked the councilman if there has been concern within his office or that of the council regarding that revelation, and whether it has triggered any investigations. Keith responded that while he couldn't speak to whether there were any open investigations, "I can tell you that the City of Huntsville takes that very seriously. We want an understanding of what happened. We'll make that as transparent as possible."
He also said that the results of any investigation would be revealed to the mayor and the council. "Most importantly is making sure that once the final report comes out, the citizens of Huntsville have every answer."
Homeless in Huntsville
The Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places on Friday. We asked Councilman Keith if the ruling would have any impact on how the city addresses the challenges of those experiencing homelessness.
Keith stressed that the city has had a compassionate response to its homeless population, and that he sees no reason for that to change.
"Huntsville has been in the forefront of making sure we find homes for those who are homeless," he said. "Any individual, a mother with three kids can be homeless. We have to make sure that we are finding transitions for individuals who are living in their car, at a friend's house, working 40-60 hours who can't afford to live somewhere else."
Commending mayor's 'hard work' and thoughts on his own re-election
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle was granted a fifth term in office this week after no qualified candidates met the deadline to challenge his seat.
"I think Mayor Battle is reaping the benefits of a lot of hard work that he put in over the past 18 years or so," Keith said. "It's something he can be proud of. Huntsville is a unique place, not just in Alabama but in the nation, and a large part of that is the work that man has done."
Keith's seat is up for re-election in August. As of press date, he will run against Michelle Watkins and Reggie McKenzie. Keith said his platform continues on "issues around property values - how do we bring in new houses, communities ... grocery stores and restaurants." He said he's also concerned with keeping up with infrastructure and crime rates.
"The next four years will probably be the more successful years, that we reap the benefits of the hard work we've done," Keith said.
"Revitalization on the Parkway is paramount," he continued. We asked if he was concerned about recent closures of major chains such as Red Lobster and Hooters in the city. "What you're seeing is actually a diversity," he replied. "You're now seeing 52 new restaurants coming within the year. So for every one that closes, you're seeing three or four pop up. For an
organization or restaurant to come into a market, they've done a lot of study, pre-work to make the decision to call this place home.
"Huntsville is growing at such an enormous rate, and we need to make sure a lot of those successes are felt in North Huntsville. A better District 1 is a better Huntsville."