Huntsville updates

[HSVTiger]

New Lee High School moves forward

By STEVE CAMPBELL
Times Staff Writer [email protected]
One landowner unhappy at price, felt forced to sell

The Huntsville school board approved the purchase of 17 acres Thursday to expand the new Lee High School.

The board's action ends price negotiations with a landowner who was reluctant to accept previous offers by the board to buy his 8.9 acres along Meridian Street and Quietdale Drive.

For $1.2 million, the board bought David Hardwick's land, which allows access to five-lane Meridian.

The offer was up from the $950,000 offered May 30. Hardwick had said that offer was too low, and the board threatened to acquire the property through eminent domain.

Hardwick listed the value of his property at $1.6 million, according to Times archives.

In a phone interview after the meeting, Hardwick said he was "very unhappy" with the board's offer. He said he was effectively forced to take the $1.2 million or the board would acquire his land by eminent domain.

For another $1.6 million, the board bought 8.74 acres along Meridian just north of Oakwood Avenue from Dewey Brazelton and Charlie M. Smith Sr.

The combined tracts expand the current Lee campus to more than 51 acres and link the school to Meridian, allowing students to use the high school when construction begins this fall on the school's $42.5 million replacement.

Herbert Wheeler, finance director for Huntsville City Schools, said about $10 million of the construction costs are paid by TIF 4, the tax package approved by local leaders last fall.

Superintendent Ann Roy Moore said she hopes the new Lee will be ready for students in about two years. The current building will be torn down while saving the relatively new gym, she said.

The new campus will take up 235,000 square feet and be divided by a railroad track. Wheeler has said there are plans to build a $1.5 million pedestrian bridge over the tracks.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

"Council members asked for the work session to discuss a provision in the building height ordinance that imposes a two-story, 30-foot height limit for buildings in downtown C-3 zones if the property abuts or is across the street from residential districts. The secondary provision was viewed as a way to protect adjoining neighborhoods from the light pollution, shadows and "canyon" effect of a skyscraper next door.

Officials discovered later that the exception would block the planned $150 million Constellation development on the old Market Square Mall site at Memorial Parkway and Clinton Avenue. So they proposed lifting the "across the street" provision but keeping the abut requirement.

That led to a lengthy debate at the work session about how far to go with the residential protections. Language in the amendment would allow one extra foot of height for every four feet horizontal distance the structure would be built beyond the required setback line"

I really wish they'd lift the limit. As progressive as Huntsville wants to be, this height limit is the most backward way of thinking for a large metro to have. I agree that the historical districts should be preserved, but the restrictions inhibit the growth downtown...in the future that may come back to haunt Huntsville. I think the limit could be raised to 4-5 storys if it abuts a residential area and 30 storys in other parts of downtown. We should take a page out of a city like Asheville, they have a nice downtown...the historic districts mix well with the high rises.

A sad little fact from Emporis:
Huntsville 174 sq miles
Mobile 159 sq miles
Montgomery 156 sq miles
Birmingham 152 sq miles

Those stats tell me one thing, our city government would rather have sprawl instead of a densely populated core. Huntsville has more land inside the city limits than any other city in Alabama, yet we're behind the other 3 cities of the so called "big four" in developing our downtown area. Until we elect officials who can think outside of the 10 story box, we will never be the first class city we aspire to be. So if the population does increase by 30,000-50,000 over the next 5 to 10 years due to BRAC, i'd expect to see Huntsville annex more land to build subdivisions...instead of lifting an ass backwards limit to grow our core upwards.

[daveyp]

Originally Posted by -=skywalker=-

I really wish they'd lift the limit. As progressive as Huntsville wants to be, this height limit is the most backward way of thinking for a large metro to have. I agree that the historical districts should be preserved, but the restrictions inhibit the growth downtown...in the future that may come back to haunt Huntsville. I think the limit could be raised to 4-5 storys if it abuts a residential area and 30 storys in other parts of downtown. We should take a page out of a city like Asheville, they have a nice downtown...the historic districts mix well with the high rises.

A sad little fact from Emporis:
Huntsville 174 sq miles
Mobile 159 sq miles
Montgomery 156 sq miles
Birmingham 152 sq miles

Those stats tell me one thing, our city government would rather have sprawl instead of a densely populated core. Huntsville has more land inside the city limits than any other city in Alabama, yet we're behind the other 3 cities of the so called "big four" in developing our downtown area. Until we elect officials who can think outside of the 10 story box, we will never be the first class city we aspire to be. So if the population does increase by 30,000-50,000 over the next 5 to 10 years due to BRAC, i'd expect to see Huntsville annex more land to build subdivisions...instead of lifting an ass backwards limit to grow our core upwards.

i hate the sprawl too and i agree with you wholeheartedly. i think the problem is that huntsville is suburbia and people here like that. that's why people move here instead of atl or bham. they'd rather live in a town that is completely suburban than in a suburb of a larger city. people want safe subdivisions with large yards, strip malls, big suv's and short commutes to work! that's my take on it anyway.

though i agree hsv is very progressive, it's easy to forget that the few of us who keep up with this stuff and want to see urban development aren't entirely representative of the entire population of our town.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by daveyp

i hate the sprawl too and i agree with you wholeheartedly. i think the problem is that huntsville is suburbia and people here like that. that's why people move here instead of atl or bham. they'd rather live in a town that is completely suburban than in a suburb of a larger city. people want safe subdivisions with large yards, strip malls, big suv's and short commutes to work! that's my take on it anyway.

though i agree hsv is very progressive, it's easy to forget that the few of us who keep up with this stuff and want to see urban development aren't entirely representative of the entire population of our town.

And that's fine. Engineers and Army guys aren't exactly the most urban or mold-breaking ppl. Frankly, I'm fine with the way they've shaped and will continue to shape the city.

Because of them, Huntsville is a great place to be a kid, raise a family, or retire. It's just that span after High School until you're married and have a family that it's boring, but even then it's a good reason to get out and explore other places and then return to safe, stable Huntsville once you're ready to settle down.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by neilson

And that's fine. Engineers and Army guys aren't exactly the most urban or mold-breaking ppl. Frankly, I'm fine with the way they've shaped and will continue to shape the city.

Because of them, Huntsville is a great place to be a kid, raise a family, or retire. It's just that span after High School until you're married and have a family that it's boring, but even then it's a good reason to get out and explore other places and then return to safe, stable Huntsville once you're ready to settle down.

I never said Huntsville was boring, i actually enjoy living here. I just think such restrictions are archaic and hurt future developement downtown. Right now most of the commercial/office developement is going to Research Park, some of those developements might have located downtown if it wasn't so restrictive. I don't see how having high-rises over 10 storys and a vibrant CBD make Huntsville any less desireable to the surburbanites.

As for the traffic, granted it's no Atlanta but it does take considerably longer to get from one side of the city to the other than it did just 5 years ago. The sprawl has a negative effect with it, traffic being one and land consumption being another. Developing some of the land can come at a cost of endangered species or an effect on the environment as we've had arguments over lately.

Do i think building up will solve the issues that face Huntsville in the future? No, however i do feel the city can offer an alternative to the suburban living.

[Bama_Bull78]

Anything Else on the debartlo development off 565. And i wonder why there is carmax going into huntsville for. ISn't there enough carlots here already? And i also Heard That the monrovia Golf Course on the corner of jeff and 72 is being turned into a development. but no news on what kind of business.

[Huntsville_secede]

Huntsville is a very boring place for anyone under 40 pretty much. They have a hard time attracting young professionals, anyway if this city doesnt get more things to do they will never be able to fill all of the jobs coming here. 50% of the people working on the arsenal will be within retirement age within the next five years. Things are getting better around here but this is a pretty sucky place if you are single, no one will move here unless they are already married. Its been getting a lot better as of lately but they have to do a much better job of attracting young professionals.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by Huntsville_secede

Huntsville is a very boring place for anyone under 40 pretty much. They have a hard time attracting young professionals, anyway if this city doesnt get more things to do they will never be able to fill all of the jobs coming here. 50% of the people working on the arsenal will be within retirement age within the next five years. Things are getting better around here but this is a pretty sucky place if you are single, no one will move here unless they are already married. Its been getting a lot better as of lately but they have to do a much better job of attracting young professionals.

I hear you on that. I'm single, just graduated from UAH, and will be starting work in September and while I'm ok with staying in Huntsville I just get this feeling that I'm gonna end up traveling outside of town more if I want to find stuff to do. Downtown is great for what it is and we can all agree to that, but I just feel like it's not the best place for single 20somethings...yet.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by neilson

Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntsville_secede
Huntsville is a very boring place for anyone under 40 pretty much. They have a hard time attracting young professionals, anyway if this city doesnt get more things to do they will never be able to fill all of the jobs coming here. 50% of the people working on the arsenal will be within retirement age within the next five years. Things are getting better around here but this is a pretty sucky place if you are single, no one will move here unless they are already married. Its been getting a lot better as of lately but they have to do a much better job of attracting young professionals.

I hear you on that. I'm single, just graduated from UAH, and will be starting work in September and while I'm ok with staying in Huntsville I just get this feeling that I'm gonna end up traveling outside of town more if I want to find stuff to do. Downtown is great for what it is and we can all agree to that, but I just feel like it's not the best place for single 20somethings...yet.

Eh, it's not as bad as you lads make it sound. I'm a single 20 something and i love it here, whether it's playing a round of golf on the many courses in the area or enjoying a day at the lake or spending a day in the mountains hiking and exploring. It's also right in the middle of all the major metro areas in the region, a few hours will take you to Nashville, Atlanta, or B'Ham. Granted it's not a heavy party town, but i'm not really a party person...and not all single 20 somethings like to party. We also have one of the best radio stations in the country IMO in the Rocket 95.1, i've traveled to 35 states and yet to find a station i like better. If you guys want a night out, you should hit up one of the strip clubs like Dream Girls or Jimmy's...Dream Girls has been doing a lot of promotional stuff this year and bringing in dancers from around the country.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by Bama_Bull78

Anything Else on the debartlo development off 565. And i wonder why there is carmax going into huntsville for. ISn't there enough carlots here already? And i also Heard That the monrovia Golf Course on the corner of jeff and 72 is being turned into a development. but no news on what kind of business.

I don't know, i played the Monrovia golf course two weeks ago for the first time...didn't hear anything about it. But i can tell you that course is the worst in the area and a waste of land...no fairways and some of the smallest/hardest greens i've ever seen...i was able to escape it with a 75, but i certainly won't be playing that course again. So it could be possible that they want to put something there if the price is right.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by -=skywalker=-

Eh, it's not as bad as you lads make it sound. I'm a single 20 something and i love it here, whether it's playing a round of golf on the many courses in the area or enjoying a day at the lake or spending a day in the mountains hiking and exploring. It's also right in the middle of all the major metro areas in the region, a few hours will take you to Nashville, Atlanta, or B'Ham. Granted it's not a heavy party town, but i'm not really a party person...and not all single 20 somethings like to party. We also have one of the best radio stations in the country IMO in the Rocket 95.1, i've traveled to 35 states and yet to find a station i like better. If you guys want a night out, you should hit up one of the strip clubs like Dream Girls or Jimmy's...Dream Girls has been doing a lot of promotional stuff this year and bringing in dancers from around the country.

Agree 100% on The Rocket. We're lucky to have a station like that in this corporate radio world we live in. And I have to agree on the outdoors aspect too, between the mountains, lakes, and recreational activities we definitely have it good. I do believe that Bridge Street will make a very positive impact on Huntsville and will be looked at as the starting point for some very interesting projects that will be seen all over the city.

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by neilson

Agree 100% on The Rocket. We're lucky to have a station like that in this corporate radio world we live in. And I have to agree on the outdoors aspect too, between the mountains, lakes, and recreational activities we definitely have it good. I do believe that Bridge Street will make a very positive impact on Huntsville and will be looked at as the starting point for some very interesting projects that will be seen all over the city.

Bridge Street will be nice, but i'm most looking forward to more details on Constellation. I hope they can lure some restaurants like Dave & Busters, fun places to hang out and grab a bite to eat.

[neilson]

Originally Posted by -=skywalker=-

Bridge Street will be nice, but i'm most looking forward to more details on Constellation. I hope they can lure some restaurants like Dave & Busters, fun places to hang out and grab a bite to eat.

I'd still like the idea of light rail from Alabama A&M to Ditto Landing along the L&N Railroad. Madison County has owned the line since 1985 so it's just be a matter of constructing stations, twinning the existing track, building new track from just north of Max Luther Drive on up to A&M, and buying the equipment for the line.

All said and told, it wouldn't be that expensive to do and you tie in the "hub" of the system downtown at the train station and create a direct pathway to the city bus station a block up and use that for connections to the Transit Centers being built at UAH and Bridge Street.

[HSVTiger]

there are things to do, maybe not all the time every day, but HSV leaders are
aware and making a strong effort to improve. Not sure if other cities in the state can say the same thing. It is constantly improving in any case.
If you can't find anything in these links rent a movie or take a hike on the mountain

http://www.gethyp.net/join.html

http://www.al.com/go/

http://www.valleyplanet.com/

http://flyingmonkeyarts.org/calendar.html

http://www.merrimackhall.com/

http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/CrossRoadsCafe/EventSpotlight.aspx

[Huntsville_secede]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

there are things to do, maybe not all the time every day, but HSV leaders are
aware and making a strong effort to improve. Not sure if other cities in the state can say the same thing. It is constantly improving in any case.
If you can't find anything in these links rent a movie or take a hike on the mountain

http://www.gethyp.net/join.html
http://www.merrimackhall.com/
http://www.al.com/go/

http://www.valleyplanet.com/

http://flyingmonkeyarts.org/calendar.html



http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/CrossRoadsCafe/EventSpotlight.aspx

Yeah there are some things to do but not nearly enough to seriously thing we cant cotend with other great cities in the south attracting young professional such as Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, birimgham, yeah these are all much larger cities but if we are going to have a world class research park we have to step up to the plate. You can rent a movie in Montana so that means nothing. But yeah overall Huntsville is doing ok but I think it could become much better if people support it

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by Huntsville_secede

Yeah there are some things to do but not nearly enough to seriously thing we cant cotend with other great cities in the south attracting young professional such as Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, birimgham, yeah these are all much larger cities but if we are going to have a world class research park we have to step up to the plate. You can rent a movie in Montana so that means nothing. But yeah overall Huntsville is doing ok but I think it could become much better if people support it

You know, when i first posted...it had nothing to do with what activities are to do around the Huntsville area...just the discontent with the cap over downtown. I don't know why the conversation geared towards lack of activities, which i believe is one of the lamest arguments you can come up with.

There is so much to do in the area, you just have to be willing to get off your ass and find those places. I was born in Orlando and lived in cities like D.C., Chicago, Indy, Charlotte, and Nashville...and Huntsville has as much to offer as most of those cities...and in some cases more with Orlando being an exception.

If you want to go to the mountains or to the lake, you're just minutes away. I can tell you that the cities i named doesn't offer that. Huntsville is fortunate that it has natural features that very few cities/metros can match, it's a mecha of outdoor activities. And unless someone is just fat and lazy, it has plenty to do.

[TimCity2000]

I live in Birmingham, and I promise you everything I do here I could just as easily do in Huntsville. You may not have the same amount of restaurants, bars, clubs, etc, but you do have them nonetheless. The main difference I see is that here in Birmingham there are several "destination" areas like 5 points and Lakeview. Huntsville's downtown is very slowly becoming such an area, and Constellation should help. Concentration of activities/nightlife is key.

[Huntsville_secede]

@

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by Huntsville_secede

Go ask young professionals in Atlanta what do they think of Huntsville. Many people refuse to take jobs here because of that you are in denial im not saying its the worse place im just saying it needs much improvement

To each is their own...i find Huntsville more desirable than other cities i've lived because i enjoy outdoor activities...i don't hang out at clubs or bars often, so that's not my cup of tea. I do however enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, golfing, basketball, tennis or just star gazing...a lot of those things larger cities like Atlanta doesn't offer. You have to drive hours away to get that...in Huntsville it's practically right outside your back door. Other "young professionals" might find Huntsville appealing for the reasons i've mentioned if they prefer to live an outdoor active lifestyle...if you want lots of clubs or bars, then yeah...Huntsville is not for you. So please don't say I'm in denial because I prefer to live a different lifestyle than you, as I said in my last post I've traveled to and lived in many different cities. As the saying goes, "if you don't like it then leave it"...otherwise, quit complaining about your invalid argument that there's a lack of things to do...get off your duff and learn about the area, see what it has to offer. You might find that there's a lot to do here, if you're willing to give it a chance.

Oh, and one last thing...I felt the same exact way when I moved here 7 years ago...but in the last 3 years I actually took the time to explore the city and surrounding areas, after many day time trips I am proud to call Huntsville home. There's so much to do in the area that I can no longer use "I'm bored" as an excuse.

[Bama_Bull78]

Originally Posted by Huntsville_secede

Yeah there are some things to do but not nearly enough to seriously thing we cant cotend with other great cities in the south attracting young professional such as Raleigh, Nashville, Atlanta, birimgham, yeah these are all much larger cities but if we are going to have a world class research park we have to step up to the plate. You can rent a movie in Montana so that means nothing. But yeah overall Huntsville is doing ok but I think it could become much better if people support it

Okay those things u listed are fine to do if ur into arts and stuff like that. But if ur single and not art type of person.
Sammy T's way to pack most nites to get in Crossroads is becomeing the same way. And if u want a permit in city of huntsville u might as well get two loans for the Club the other for the lawyer to get approve by the city council. The horse is okay. They get all the left over from Sammy's and Crossroads. and Hog Wild is way to crampd for a country club. WE need a Dave and Busters type of Business. And strip clubs as one mentiond. IS not a best way to meet LAdy. And u really can't dance there. And Even the black clubs like the Green room have u ever dorve down jordan lane on a friday night. So With Basically have Two big colleges here with dorm and everything And other two year colleges. just in the city alone. Then add in Athens state and Tn area we have some almost 150,000 ppl from 19-30 there that could support clubs in Huntsville or somewhere around but all clubs ownd by the same ppl.