Montgomery development news

[Capital Heights]

I just went Urban Hiking in downtown Montgomery and was quite surprised by the activity down there on a Tuesday evening. Lots of folks out walking and seeing the sites. Very Cool.

[bystander1]

Originally Posted by Capital Heights

I just went Urban Hiking in downtown Montgomery and was quite surprised by the activity down there on a Tuesday evening. Lots of folks out walking and seeing the sites. Very Cool.

Funny that you mentioned that. My friends and I were noticing that we're seeing more foreign groups touring the sites downtown lately. (Probably due to interest over the recent presidential election.)


There will be plenty of places to have a forum meet real soon guys. But the riverboat is available now. Let's think of a time to have one soon.

[hiijakd]

forum meet.
i have a luxury box at the biscuits....we'll meet there soon
ill post some possible dates

[bystander1]

Originally Posted by hiijakd

forum meet.
i have a luxury box at the biscuits....we'll meet there soon
ill post some possible dates

OHH MAN! Too cool! Sounds like a winner to me.

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by bystander1

OHH MAN! Too cool! Sounds like a winner to me.

Like I told you the other night at the ballpark... Byron, just tell us when!

[OldCloverdale]

March 26, 2009

King's opinion sought on tower

By Jill Nolin

The water tower straddles the sidewalk in the Lower Commerce Historic District. It represents both the entrance to Montgomery's evolving entertainment district and a continuing tug-of-war between city historic interests and city officials.

The Montgomery Architectural Review Board, which is responsible for determining the "appropriateness" of changes in Montgomery's historic districts, fought the city's decision to put the tower where it is -- and is still fighting it.

The board has voted to request that Alabama Attorney General Troy King issue an opinion on who has authority to decide whether the water tower stays or goes.

The board is asking the attorney general's office to clarify what the city's ordinances define as "public property."

The city's highest-ranking officials have contended that since the water tower is on a sidewalk, which is a right-of-way area and public property, it is not part of the building project and therefore out of the city board's hands.

The city board also wants King's office to determine whether the board has authority over projects that require more than repairs or maintenance, even if they are in these areas.

The board voted against the tower at its January meeting, even after executive mayoral assistant Jeff Downes told the board members that the tower was beyond their jurisdiction. The board members tacked on a request for the city to find a better place for the tower.

Board member Brandon Brazil, who has been outspoken in his opposition of the tower's location, said that if King's staff accepts the request, he is confident they will find what Brazil already believes to be true.

"There's no way to pull out the right-of-way and say it's not part of the district," Brazil said Wednesday.

Brazil said he believes it's important for King's office to look at the question because the scenario in Montgomery could set a precedent for the rest of the state.

The board voted against the water tower, saying its existence on the sidewalk was inappropriate because the tower was out of its historical context. Brazil went on to say that the water tower made the historic downtown look more like a theme park.

"If you start putting elements like this out there, who knows what's next?" Brazil said.

The water tower was once one of several towers that were part of the downtown Montgomery's skyline. Located on rooftops, the towers provided water, reduced owners' insurance rates and served as identification, according to local historian Mary Ann Neeley, who wrote a letter to the editor in January to speak against the tower's placement.

"Not a single one was in the middle of the sidewalk," Neeley wrote in the Jan. 13 letter. "History, preservation and water towers deserve better."

The city, which has invested about $1 million in improving the public property in the Alleyway Project, removed the tower from a rooftop in the area and placed it on the sidewalk to create an artistic and grand entrance to the Alleyway, also known as Grocer's Alley.

Downes also has said that there would be a "tremendous" expense involved in moving the water tower back to a rooftop because the move would require a crane.

He said Wednesday that he did not want to say much about the board's request until he had time to discuss it with city attorneys.

But he did say he wasn't opposed to the organization's request for a legal opinion.

"If they are seeking clarification, then I think that is good for everybody," Downes said.

Brazil said the board recognizes that the city is in "dire economic straits," but he said the board likely would support any long-term commitment to relocate it.

The city ordinance that defines the board's scope says that the requirement of "certificate of appropriateness" applies to public property within a historic district.

Joy Patterson, spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, declined comment on the situation, saying the request has not been received yet.

Once received, the opinions division will determine whether it will consider the question.

The board had to pass a resolution to officially ask for an attorney general's opinion, and the board did so at its Tuesday meeting.

"Other cities use this (language)," Brazil said at the meeting. "These gray areas come up, so it'd be great to get a higher authority to rule on it."

Devereaux Bemis, director of the Mobile Historic Development Commission, said the sidewalks are considered part of the Architectural Review Board's jurisdiction there. He added that only the board determines when a sidewalk is exempt.

"The Architectural Review Board has control over pretty much everything in the district, including the rights-of-way," he said Wednesday.

[bystander1]

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

March 26, 2009

King's opinion sought on tower

By Jill Nolin

... The board voted against the water tower, saying its existence on the sidewalk was inappropriate because the tower was out of its historical context. Brazil went on to say that the water tower made the historic downtown look more like a theme park.

"If you start putting elements like this out there, who knows what's next?" Brazil said.

...hmmm, Party Poopers!

...no offense, OCA REP.

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by bystander1

...hmmm, Party Poopers!

...no offense, OCA REP.

None taken Bud...

The ARB generally does a pretty good job of serving their purpose. I shudder to think what Old Cloverdale (and some of the other historic districts) would be like without their intervention.

[OldCloverdale]

Originally Posted by OCA REP

...The ARB generally does a pretty good job of serving their purpose. I shudder to think what Old Cloverdale (and some of the other historic districts) would be like without their intervention.

agree ---- but this water tower issue seems silly ... very silly

[bystander1]

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

agree ---- but this water tower issue seems silly ... very silly

Yes, my sentiments exactly.

This "quirky" little trademark will actually enhance the value of the buildings in and around the Alley because of its uniqueness--not take away from them.

[Brown Duckz]

Does anyone know of any cheap property in and around Downtown?

[thoraudio]

Originally Posted by Brown Duckz

Does anyone know of any cheap property in and around Downtown?

define cheap.

[Brown Duckz]

Originally Posted by thoraudio

define cheap.

I'd say sub $200k, possibly something well under appraisal though. Doesn't have to be a huge structure, can be anywhere in and around the downtown area north of I85, east of I65, & doesn't necessarily have to move in/rent ready.

There is a 4 condo unit on Monroe for sale I think, around $225k, but I'm not sure if the property is renovated or setup for renters just yet [parking/common areas/etc].

[hiijakd]

I'm selling my 4 units and commercial property for $850,000. I also have 2 buildings on Perry St. that I might have contracts on but if not they are $100,000 each. That includes my contracting oversight as well, so you could build out as fancy as you'd like at your expense.

[OldCloverdale]

Put this on your calendar for Saturday afternoon!

http://www.oldcloverdale.org/documents/2009_OCA_HomeTour_Poster.pdf

Old Cloverdale Association Tour of Homes and Gardens


Sat, 4 Apr, 2009
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Each spring, those who appreciate older homes and historic neighborhoods, graced with mature trees and gardens, eagerly anticipate the annual Home and Garden Tour presented by the Old Cloverdale Association. Our tour this year will present six residences and a grand garden.

This year’s tour will begin at Cloverdale Park, where Cloverdale resident, Jeff Benton, will conduct a free walking tour from 10:45 to 11:45 AM. Tickets for the tour are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Advance tickets may be purchased from Cloverdale retailers Apropos, Capitol Book & News, Filet & Vine, M.Bagwell Gallery, and at Gallery East at EastChase. An information and ticket sales tent will be erected in Cloverdale Park on the day of the tour. A trolley will also be available and will run a set route between all of the homes and Cloverdale Park.

Visitors to the Old Cloverdale Home and Gardens tour are requested to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes for safety, comfort, and to protect the floors of the homes; high heels are not permitted. The homes are not wheelchair-accessible, and children younger than 12 are not admitted.

Location: Old Cloverdale Historic District (Cloverdale Park, adjacent to First United Methodist Chuch)
Fees: $18.00 in advance
$20 on the day of the tour

[OCA REP]

I just want to invite all of you to our 2009 Old Cloverdale Tour of Homes and Gardens this weekend. The event will take place this Saturday, April 4th from Noon to 4:00 PM.

We have some great residences and gardens on the tour this year. Provided below are links to documents from our website that contain additional information about the tour:

Old Cloverdale 2009 Home Tour Brochure

Old Cloverdale 2009 Home Tour Poster

Old Cloverdale Merchant Discount Flyer

Hope you can make it out to visit with us on Saturday!

[OCA REP]

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

Put this on your calendar for Saturday afternoon!

http://www.oldcloverdale.org/documents/2009_OCA_HomeTour_Poster.pdf

Old Cloverdale Association Tour of Homes and Gardens


Sat, 4 Apr, 2009
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Each spring, those who appreciate older homes and historic neighborhoods, graced with mature trees and gardens, eagerly anticipate the annual Home and Garden Tour presented by the Old Cloverdale Association. Our tour this year will present six residences and a grand garden.

This year’s tour will begin at Cloverdale Park, where Cloverdale resident, Jeff Benton, will conduct a free walking tour from 10:45 to 11:45 AM. Tickets for the tour are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Advance tickets may be purchased from Cloverdale retailers Apropos, Capitol Book & News, Filet & Vine, M.Bagwell Gallery, and at Gallery East at EastChase. An information and ticket sales tent will be erected in Cloverdale Park on the day of the tour. A trolley will also be available and will run a set route between all of the homes and Cloverdale Park.

Visitors to the Old Cloverdale Home and Gardens tour are requested to wear flat, comfortable walking shoes for safety, comfort, and to protect the floors of the homes; high heels are not permitted. The homes are not wheelchair-accessible, and children younger than 12 are not admitted.

Location: Old Cloverdale Historic District (Cloverdale Park, adjacent to First United Methodist Chuch)
Fees: $18.00 in advance
$20 on the day of the tour

OMG... great minds thinking alike! Too weird that we posted this at about the same time. The more people the merrier though!

[OldCloverdale]

When does The Alley Bar open?

[bystander1]

Originally Posted by OldCloverdale

When does The Alley Bar open?

I'm not sure, but here's something interesting about the Alley...

Montgomery's Biscuits pitch family-friendly food prices
By Cosby Woodruff • April 4, 2009

You'd expect a team called the Biscuits to be concerned about food, which is one reason you'll pay less for it at Montgomery Biscuit games at Riverwalk Stadium this season.

Recognizing that many families are looking for ways to save money, the new concession prices will allow children 12 and younger to eat free at Sunday games, and every fan can save with Biscuit value meals, according to team spokesman John Laaser.

The economy is the main reason for the food price cuts, he said.

"We certainly are aware of the economic times we are in," he said. "We are doing our part to keep this affordable family entertainment."

On Sundays, the team has expanded its kids events to include free food. Every child 12 or younger will receive a coupon for a free hot dog and 12-ounce soda upon entry to the stadium.

You don't have to be a kid to purchase a value meal. Anyone can buy the meal, which includes one of eight entrees -- such as a hot dog, hamburger or chicken fingers -- plus a bag of chips and a drink, and get it for $2 less than the items would cost if purchased separately.

Laaser denied that the discounts were created to compete with other dining options near the stadium.

A Dreamland BBQ restaurant is scheduled to open Thursday opposite the stadium on the season's opening day, and other restaurants are expected to follow during the 2009 season.
That gives baseball fans more dining options on game days. Laaser said the Biscuits welcomed the new neighbors. He said the team sees them as partners.

"We are not competing with the Alleyway," he said. "We think that will only help us, so we don't look at them as competitors."
Still, he predicted many baseball fans will wait until they get to the stadium to eat.

"Part of the experience is ballpark food," he said.

http://montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090404/NEWS01/904040326&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

ahh, free enterprise...

I think it's a win-win for both the customer and the businesses. What ya' think?

[urbansouth]

I think the article is not addressing the issue from the right perspective. The stadium will without a doubt lose conssessions' income and us regular patrons will probably see some of the unique offerings go. However, I think it will be more than compensated by ticket sales.

I believe we will see that the resturants will attract customers that were not initally thinking about going to the stadium. After a meal and a few beverages, they will consider purchasing an affordable ticket and enjoying 4,5,6 innings of quality baseball beore they go home. They won't be purchasing food, but will be contributing to the overall income of the stadium. There is no question that the resturants are a "win-win."

I hate to post such a long reply... but, I had a very astude Montgomerian bounce something off me and I would like to do the same to y'all.

Have any of you visited Boston? Ever been down the 'Freedom Trail'? If so, you may not have realized that the Freedom Trial almost single handily rescued an aging, historic part of Boston (needless to say an historic part of America). Granted Montgomery is no Boston, but my friend proposed using the Freedon Trail model with respect to Montgomery's Civil Rights History as one facet of the downtown revitalization efforts. An aquarium is great and all, but a visitor from California, Nebraska, or even Georgia is not so interested in the large mouth bass. They know about Montgomery because of Rosa Parks and MLK, Jr. Do y'all have any thought on this...