Huntsville updates

[HSVTiger]

Well on the surface this isn't good, but a lot can happen in a year.
Let's also hope that President Obama doesn't shut the space program down.
We can't have anything like that it must be outsourced to China, India, Mexico.

There was zero chance this plant was going to remain open

http://www.al.com/business/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/business/1251796538126570.xml&coll=1

"Continental Automotive Systems said Monday that it will close its automotive parts plant in Huntsville by Dec. 31 next year, laying off more than 1,000 workers.

Monday was the deadline Continental had set to make a final decision on the plant. It warned a month ago that significant cuts in product development and manufacturing costs were necessary to save the operation, and it asked the United Auto Workers to agree to several concessions, which the union rejected."

[-=skywalker=-]

I don't know what kool-aid "some" of you are drinking but I just don't see Alabama and more specifically, North Alabama fairing well in the recession. The state unemployment rate ranks 36th out of 51, correct me if I'm wrong but how is that doing better than most states in the recession?

Just because Wall Street has bounced back doesn't mean the national economy is recovering, unemployment rates haven't improved and families are struggling to make ends meet, especially those families in the middle to poor working class. A lot of businesses either have a hiring freeze or are in the process of reducing their payroll. The city of Huntsville has a hiring freeze for city government positions. Almost all of the local school systems have a hiring freeze, my girlfriend who graduated from Athens State in May can't find a teaching job since most schools aren't hiring at the moment.

If you're not an engineer or rocket scientist, it's a struggle to make it in this area right now. That's why when you get out of the city of Huntsville, the unemployment rate jumps to almost double in surrounding counties. Rates as of July 2009

[SpawnOfVulcan]

I wasn't aware that the state unemployment numbers were exactly the same as North Alabama's.... hmmmmm

I don't think that unemployment numbers describe the economic situation adequately. Alabama has one of the lowest costs of living in the entire country, which makes it easier to live on what ever income you do or don't have coming in to you house. Plus, I've always considered Alabamians to be more careful when it comes to what they spend money on. They don't typically buy things they don't need if they have low amounts of money.

Btw, I've never smoked anything in my entire life.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by -=skywalker=-

I don't know what kool-aid "some" of you are drinking but I just don't see Alabama and more specifically, North Alabama fairing well in the recession. The state unemployment rate ranks 36th out of 51, correct me if I'm wrong but how is that doing better than most states in the recession?

Just because Wall Street has bounced back doesn't mean the national economy is recovering, unemployment rates haven't improved and families are struggling to make ends meet, especially those families in the middle to poor working class. A lot of businesses either have a hiring freeze or are in the process of reducing their payroll. The city of Huntsville has a hiring freeze for city government positions. Almost all of the local school systems have a hiring freeze, my girlfriend who graduated from Athens State in May can't find a teaching job since most schools aren't hiring at the moment.

If you're not an engineer or rocket scientist, it's a struggle to make it in this area right now. That's why when you get out of the city of Huntsville, the unemployment rate jumps to almost double in surrounding counties. Rates as of July 2009

I agree with you skywalker. The mayor is either setting a smoke screen or has his head in the sand. All of these stupid rankings HSV has scored high on don't mean squat because they don't translate into anything you can hang your hat on. It just makes you feel good while 1200 people are looking for work. Now it is also true that HSV is positioned probably as best it can be but I wonder how agressive this administration is on going after jobs. Mailing out Forbes rankings won't do much. Has anyone been in direct talks with Audi? Boeing? did the city talk to Continental since they have known for months that the plant would shut down? Of course the new jail will be the biggest project in the city for the foreseable future, crime does pay!

[HSVTiger]

Let's hope he's(Lightfoot) right, he(president) may have wanted to talk to the astronauts to keep from talking to someone else about health care.

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Robert Lightfoot is not troubled that a much anticipated report that should set the future course of NASA has been delayed from a Monday release date, when it should have landed on the president's desk.
The fact the White House appointed a commission is actually a positive step, Lightfoot said, because it shows "there is interest in NASA at that level. This president has taken time to speak to shuttle crews twice on orbit for a lengthy amount of time.

"I think that shows his commitment to space exploration and human space flight."

[-=skywalker=-]

Originally Posted by Alabadrock

Plus, I've always considered Alabamians to be more careful when it comes to what they spend money on. They don't typically buy things they don't need if they have low amounts of money.

Ah, you mean it's not normal local etiquette to be laid off and spending money on comics or collectibles?! But in all seriousness, after owning and operating a retail business several years ago I know people around here are generally very frugal, especially in hard times. Still doesn't help the unemployment rates and lack of money for the working class in the surrounding counties though.

Thanks HSVTiger!

Also, I'm curious to know when we will start seeing the signs of growth from BRAC, honestly after hearing about it for over 3 years I have yet to see the impact on the local economy. Personally, I think it's a tough sell to get people to move from more prosperous areas like NoVa for example, where school systems are among the highest in the country, unemployment rates are lower than the national average, and sound infastructure is in place (roads, highways, airports, public transit).

Another thing I notice when I come back to Huntsville after a trip; what's with Huntsville's passion for strip malls/shopping centers? About half of which seems like they sit vacant, it's really an eyesore and anyone visiting the city can get the wrong impression.

[urbanoptimist]

NATIONAL politics aside...
I was noticing that the old Stone Middle School is currently for sale, anyone know how much they're asking? I wonder if this could be a possibly location for a (more)downtown community college. I know it's not big enough for Calhoun but maybe they could add some additional buildings where the fields/gym are and, god forbid, a parking deck instead of fields of pavement.

Another thing, I know my idea to tear down some five points houses west of Andrew Jackson wasn't met with much enthusiasm, but what if just the first blocks on either side of Andrew Jackson were altered. That's Russell to the east and dement(?) on the other. Two parallel parking lanes could be added where it doesn't interfere with existing, attractive buildings and buildings not to exceed 5 stories or so could line the Avenue. This would add a much more urban feel to the area and I think this area has a lot of pull for young professionals and artistic minded peoples. Maybe some rental apartments instead of half-million dollar condos?

[Jugernagt]

Originally Posted by urbanoptimist

NATIONAL politics aside...
I was noticing that the old Stone Middle School is currently for sale, anyone know how much they're asking? I wonder if this could be a possibly location for a (more)downtown community college.

That's the school with the ten foot fence and barbed wire on top. Sounds like a good place for a jail to me.

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by Jugernagt

That's the school with the ten foot fence and barbed wire on top. Sounds like a good place for a jail to me.

Maybe we put SciQuest in that spot. It might kick-start some redevelopment in that area and help "pull" the boundaries of downtown past the Parkway.

[Huntsvillenative]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Maybe we put SciQuest in that spot. It might kick-start some redevelopment in that area and help "pull" the boundaries of downtown past the Parkway.

Sci-Quest is most likey going to be relocatd to dowtown, either in an existing facility or a new one to be built for it.

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by Huntsvillenative

Sci-Quest is most likey going to be relocatd to dowtown, either in an existing facility or a new one to be built for it.

If you live past Rideout Road/RPBLVD, then Stone Middle School IS downtown.

[urbanoptimist]

Originally Posted by Jugernagt

That's the school with the ten foot fence and barbed wire on top. Sounds like a good place for a jail to me.

I'm sure that the fence would be taken down, it's actually not that bad of a neighborhood, just a little bit neglected. But if a college was built in this neighborhood, I'm sure that would inspire other projects in the neighborhood ie restaurants, maybe a few samall apartment buildings. This could be really positive for the neighborhood and with the completion of precinct one and the demolition of that public housing across from it, it seems that this would be a great corridor for expanding "downtown" (clinton avenue)

[Huntsvillenative]

Originally Posted by urbanoptimist

I'm sure that the fence would be taken down, it's actually not that bad of a neighborhood, just a little bit neglected. But if a college was built in this neighborhood, I'm sure that would inspire other projects in the neighborhood ie restaurants, maybe a few samall apartment buildings. This could be really positive for the neighborhood and with the completion of precinct one and the demolition of that public housing across from it, it seems that this would be a great corridor for expanding "downtown" (clinton avenue)

That neighborhood is NOT safe at all even with the police/fire station close by. There are hookers, drug dealers and crackhouses right across the street behind Stone Middle school.

[HSVTiger]

JF Drake Technical college is exploring the possibility of creating a downtown
"branch campus"in the old art deco Times Building. How much of the 12 story building would be used has not been decided. Currently Drake's main campus is several mile north adajcent to Alabama A&M. Good idea, hopefully it will happen but needs approval from the state.

[ThatGuy]

A proposed high-speed rail line from Atlanta to Chattanooga has just won a place in the running in a national network.

http://www.ajc.com/news/big-boost-for-atlanta-136397.html

Maybe Huntsville could get on that network as well.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

A proposed high-speed rail line from Atlanta to Chattanooga has just won a place in the running in a national network.

http://www.ajc.com/news/big-boost-for-atlanta-136397.html

Maybe Huntsville could get on that network as well.

Doubtful.. Huntsville could have been a national leader(ya know high tech space, rockets etc) in this but lack of interest, vision, no state support
are roadblocks. We are late to this party, the city can't even get simple
overpasses built in 20 years or less.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

yea, that announcement doesn't do much for our area. Though, there is one good thing, any future proposals for high speed through Huntsville-Decatur will be easier to get through if there is a rail line closer by in Chatt.

[gkcooper]

Originally Posted by Alabadrock

yea, that announcement doesn't do much for our area. Though, there is one good thing, any future proposals for high speed through Huntsville-Decatur will be easier to get through if there is a rail line closer by in Chatt.

Who will ride these mythical rails? No one that I know would ride them.

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by gkcooper

Who will ride these mythical rails? No one that I know would ride them.

I would happily take a train to DC, Philly, Chicago, or New Orleans.

[SpawnOfVulcan]

Originally Posted by gkcooper

Who will ride these mythical rails? No one that I know would ride them.

I know I would. The main reason no one rides the rails is because there aren't enough options once you get on them. You can only get to a few places on a train in the U.S.

Thanx for the optimism...