Huntsville updates

[HSVTiger]

A fantastic idea, do it..maybe look into somehow linking it to Twickenham Square as well. Not sure what type of Sequoia trees they mean.

At a city subdivision committee meeting this morning, hospital officials unveiled plans for a tree-lined park running alongside Governors Drive between Madison and Franklin streets.

Mathis Sneed, a landscape architect with the hospital, told committee members that the park is intended to turn an unsightly construction zone near the tram tracks into a pretty place for hospital patients, employees and visitors to reflect.

"One thing we do not have for our patients and visitors is an open space to get away from whatever they're dealing with," said Sneed.

The roughly three-acre park will start outside the hospital's Plaza Resource Center and continue east past The Heart Center, taking in the old Wilson's Cleaners site. A small surface parking lot outside Plaza Resource Center will eventually be ripped up, said Sneed.

For now, the not-for-profit hospital is seeking the city's permission to clean and level the property and plant as many as 17 large oak and sequoia trees. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the park plan at its next meeting, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.
Sneed said future phases will include heavy landscaping, an elevated stage for small presentations, park benches, possibly water features and a curving stone wall along Governors Drive.

"We want to try to buffer that sound" from passing vehicles, he said. "Sixty thousand cars a day makes a lot of noise."

It will take several million dollars -- and probably more than five years -- to fully develop the park, said Sneed.
HSV Times source

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

A fantastic idea, do it..maybe look into somehow linking it to Twickenham Square as well. Not sure what type of Sequoia trees they mean.

At a city subdivision committee meeting this morning, hospital officials unveiled plans for a tree-lined park running alongside Governors Drive between Madison and Franklin streets.

Yes it is. We need more and more of this stuff in this town. The next step would be to rid Memorial Pkwy of all the nasty signs and wires up and down that stretch.

[HSVTiger]

Up on the City Council agenda are streetscape improvements downtown:
along Washington Street, between Holmes and Monroe. This includes the nearly complete Belk Hudson Lofts site on Washington. New sidewalks, trees, landscaping, lighting and signs.

[HSVTiger]

Coming to the Village on Whitesburg..Drakes

http://www.drakescomeplay.com/

Drake's opens Dec. 3 between Nothing But Noodles and Gadsden Music. The company took over three storefronts -- the former Cajun Crazy Wings Bayou Grill, Batteries Plus and Elite Boutique -- to create a 5,300-square-foot space that will seat 194.

Also construction is set to begin soon on another ALDI grocery location at the corner of Hobbs Rd and South Memorial Parkway.

[HSVTiger]

State of Alabama unemployment rates drop

the statewide rate fell from 8.5 percent to 8.1 percent, according to Gov. Robert Bentley's office.




Madison County's unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in September, which tied for second with Coffee County, also 6.4 percent. The Birmingham bedroom community of Shelby County has the lowest, with 5.4 percent.

Lee County and St. Clair County tied for third at 6.7 percent.

The counties with the highest unemployment rates were Wilcox County at 17.6 percent, Bullock County at 16.2 percent and Dallas County at 14.8 percent.

In North Alabama, Limestone County's unemployment rate was 6.8 percent in October; Lauderdale, 7 percent; Morgan, 7.4 percent;Jackson, 7.4 percent; Marshall, 7.6 percent; Colbert, 7.8 percent; Lawrence, 8.1 percent and DeKalb, 9 percent.

HSV Times

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Big plans for John Hunt Park
HSV Times

This morning, the city's subdivision committee reviewed an updated master plan designed to transform the old airport property south of downtown into a recreational mecca. Sun-bleached runways last used in the 1960s would be ripped out to make room for a 4,000-seat indoor sports arena plus an 18-acre outdoor festival area complete with terraced amphitheater.

The popular Benton H. Wilcoxon Ice Complex would get a third rink and arena seating for about 1,200, allowing it to host larger hockey and figure skating competitions. The old Jaycees Building would be replaced by a "multi-purpose community activities" facility. Two more championship-caliber soccer fields would be added near the park's main entrance.

The overhaul continues south of Airport Road with a proposed playground and splash fountain, picnic areas, at least eight new tennis courts at the city tennis complex, and an expanded cross-country running track.

"We tried to make sure we put something for everybody in the plan," Steve Ivey, the city's manager of parks and recreation, told subdivision committee members. "We want to make it a park that all residents can buy into."

He noted that John Hunt Park - named for the frontiersman who settled Huntsville in 1805 - is at almost the geographic "dead center" of town.

But until the old runways are torn out and replaced with grass and trees, said Ivey, "nobody's going to believe it's a park."

Bringing the park plan to life will cost millions of dollars not currently in the budget. The city intends to raise the money by selling 25 acres near the corner of Airport Road and Memorial Parkway for retail development, said Manager of Planning and Zoning Administration Marie Bostick.

That land is now home to Huntsville Fire & Rescue Station 6, which would relocate to Drake Avenue, a firefighter training facility and city medical clinic. Bostick said the city will solicit bids soon from developers interested in turning the area into an "aesthetically appealing, high-end retail center."
Land sale proceeds, plus 25 percent of sales taxes generated by the retail center's stores and restaurants, would be earmarked for John Hunt Park as well as a proposed outdoor sports venue beside McDonnell Elementary School. The city is in negotiations to buy 140 acres near the Triana Boulevard-Johnson Road intersection from the McDonnell family, said Bostick.

Officials also want to create new roads linking John Hunt Park with Brahan Spring Park on Drake Avenue, Merrimack Soccer Complex on Triana Boulevard and the proposed McDonnell Park. All are within about a two-mile radius.



WAFF TV

Following a public hearing, the Huntsville Planning Commission unanimously approved an updated master plan for the 378-acre property. Mayor Tommy Battle said the $100 million proposal -- which includes an indoor sports arena, concert amphitheater, children's splash fountain, additional soccer fields and more.

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

Following a public hearing, the Huntsville Planning Commission unanimously approved an updated master plan for the 378-acre property. Mayor Tommy Battle said the $100 million proposal -- which includes an indoor sports arena, concert amphitheater, children's splash fountain, additional soccer fields and more.

I thought the Idea Map (Or whatever) was supposed to allow the public to voice thier input on this area. The master plan didn't seem to be changed at all based on that input.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

I thought the Idea Map (Or whatever) was supposed to allow the public to voice thier input on this area. The master plan didn't seem to be changed at all based on that input.

yeah not sure what changes were made, maybe it will still evolve, it is a long range project.
Other items, the temporary outdoor downtown ice rink opened today in Big Spring Park..it will be a big hit.
Walgreens plans a new store at the corner of Sutton and Taylor in Hampton Cove.

[HSVTiger]

The developers of the $85 million-plus Twickenham Square project downtown near Huntsville Hospital will hold a groundbreaking ceremony next week.

Scheduled for 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at the old mental health center property on Gallatin Street, the event will include representatives from Bristol Development Group, PGM Properties, Triad Properties, the City of Huntsville, Publix and Homewood Suites.

Twickenham Square promises to completely transform the former Councill Courts public housing site with 246 high-end apartments, a Publix supermarket, Homewood Suites hotel, large medical office building, four restaurants and as many as six retail shops.

Bristol Development co-founder Sam Yeager has said the Flats at Twickenham Square apartments should be finished in 14-18 months, and Publix possibly sooner than that.

The city has agreed to spend $9.8 million on a four-story parking garage serving the new development, and workers from Pearce Construction are already swarming the property just south of downtown. Huntsville Hospital plans to lease the top floor of the deck for employee parking.
HSV Times

[HSVTiger]

And our road system is stuck in 1968, in any case we are in good company.

A new report that projects Huntsville will be the fastest-growing metro area in Alabama -- and No. 23 nationally -- over the next five years.

Pitney Bowes Software's inaugural Metro Magnets Index predicts Huntsville will add 9,972 new households by 2017, representing a growth rate of 5.8 percent. The number of households will jump from 170,819 to 180,791, according to the company's estimates.

No other Alabama city made the Metro Magnets Index's Top 50; the study analyzed 384 U.S. metro areas.

Provo, Utah, and its suburbs are expected to lead the nation in percentage household growth between now and 2017, followed by Austin, Texas; Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood, Texas; Raleigh, N.C.; San Antonio; Ocala, Fla.; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Charlotte; and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission in southern Texas.

[Colin Giersberg]

Even though I work for ALDOT in a very minor capacity, I will admit the roads here definitely need some serious attention. With only two major east - west routes and not much more for the north - south routes, this area is sorely lacking in four of more lane highways. I went to Memphis last week and it is a relative joy getting around there compared to Huntsville, Decatur, Madison and Athens.
To address the road issue, a lot of money needs to be thrown at the problems here in a hurry. Unfortunately, the design of added lanes or new roads takes time. Public hearings need to be conducted for input, environmental studies have to be done, the projects designed, and the R.O.W. has to be bought before the work can ever begin. The fact that Huntsville in particular, and Madison, Athens and Decatur to a lesser degree has grown faster than the roads can be upgraded. Since I moved here in 1998, there have been over 70 new sub-divisions built from I-65 to County Line Rd./ Old Railroad Bed Rd. and from I-565 north to the Tn. state line. Not a single road has been widened to any degree to ease the traffic problems around here.
While it brings no relief to us, it will take a lot of time for all of this work to be done, and even then it will be overcrowded. There just is no good answer to this, except for mass transit, and that is another issue again.

[HSVTiger]

Originally Posted by Colin Giersberg

Even though I work for ALDOT in a very minor capacity, I will admit the roads here definitely need some serious attention. With only two major east - west routes and not much more for the north - south routes, this area is sorely lacking in four of more lane highways. I went to Memphis last week and it is a relative joy getting around there compared to Huntsville, Decatur, Madison and Athens.
To address the road issue, a lot of money needs to be thrown at the problems here in a hurry. Unfortunately, the design of added lanes or new roads takes time. Public hearings need to be conducted for input, environmental studies have to be done, the projects designed, and the R.O.W. has to be bought before the work can ever begin. The fact that Huntsville in particular, and Madison, Athens and Decatur to a lesser degree has grown faster than the roads can be upgraded. Since I moved here in 1998, there have been over 70 new sub-divisions built from I-65 to County Line Rd./ Old Railroad Bed Rd. and from I-565 north to the Tn. state line. Not a single road has been widened to any degree to ease the traffic problems around here.
While it brings no relief to us, it will take a lot of time for all of this work to be done, and even then it will be overcrowded. There just is no good answer to this, except for mass transit, and that is another issue again.

True and good points. The problem is ALDOTS foot dragging and projects that have been planned for 20+ years. Delay and stall should be ALDOTS motto.
Finish what is planned. Poor directional signing, no urgency, always an excuse
and poorly planned solutions that have to go back to the drawing board.

[Rail Claimore]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

True and good points. The problem is ALDOTS foot dragging and projects that have been planned for 20+ years. Delay and stall should be ALDOTS motto.
Finish what is planned. Poor directional signing, no urgency, always an excuse
and poorly planned solutions that have to go back to the drawing board.

ALDOT can only upgrade roads they own and maintain though. Much of the burden and blame falls on city and county highway departments as well. Madison hasn't done squat to Wall Triana since the 80's, and even with the rebuilding of Hughes north of Old Madison Pike, they only added a turn-lane and bike trails/sidewalks. No significant capacity increase. Slaughter/Jeff Road is badly in need of a capacity expansion to 5 lanes.

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by Rail Claimore

ALDOT can only upgrade roads they own and maintain though. Much of the burden and blame falls on city and county highway departments as well. Madison hasn't done squat to Wall Triana since the 80's, and even with the rebuilding of Hughes north of Old Madison Pike, they only added a turn-lane and bike trails/sidewalks. No significant capacity increase. Slaughter/Jeff Road is badly in need of a capacity expansion to 5 lanes.

The problem with Slaughter Rd is that it is owned/maintained by Madison City, Madison County and Huntsville City at different parts.

Several years ago they tried to come together and widen that rode. They couldn't decide who should pay what share so they compromised and repaved it instead.

[HSVTiger]

New Baggage claim area complete..

The baggage claim marks the end of a five-year, $92 million expansion and improvement project at Huntsville International Airport. The $25.9 million baggage claim upgrade nearly quadruples the airport's baggage handling capacity. Also celebrating the airports 45 year anniversary in it's current location, (the original was at Airport Rd and South Memorial Parkway) even though it bears no resemblance anymore.

Now it will be interesting to see what the next expansion will include.

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by HSVTiger

New Baggage claim area complete..

The baggage claim marks the end of a five-year, $92 million expansion and improvement project at Huntsville International Airport. The $25.9 million baggage claim upgrade nearly quadruples the airport's baggage handling capacity. Also celebrating the airports 45 year anniversary in it's current location, (the original was at Airport Rd and South Memorial Parkway) even though it bears no resemblance anymore.

Now it will be interesting to see what the next expansion will include.

All the baggage claim upgrades and they still have one of the longest waits for baggage at any airport I've been. Methinks they didn't upgrade the personnel numbers.

[huntsvillefan]

I don't fly that much, but I must say my experiences in and out of Huntsville have all pretty much been pleasant (I did have an ugly experience with a TSA official a few years ago--but that could happen anywhere).

[stewdog1]

Originally Posted by huntsvillefan

I don't fly that much, but I must say my experiences in and out of Huntsville have all pretty much been pleasant (I did have an ugly experience with a TSA official a few years ago--but that could happen anywhere).

Oh, don't get me wrong. Flying in and out is pleasant. Just the long wait for baggage is always a pain when coming home from a long trip/flight. It's not like they are unloading a 747. It's a commuter jet, minimal baggage, yet it has taken 30 minutes on some flights for the bags to show up. And we would be the only flight coming in at that time.

[ThatGuy]

Originally Posted by stewdog1

Oh, don't get me wrong. Flying in and out is pleasant. Just the long wait for baggage is always a pain when coming home from a long trip/flight. It's not like they are unloading a 747. It's a commuter jet, minimal baggage, yet it has taken 30 minutes on some flights for the bags to show up. And we would be the only flight coming in at that time.

I think we are just able to get to the baggage claim area faster here than in other airports so the wait time seems longer. I just wish the would put an extra set of bathrooms down there, because they always seem to be cleaning the one they have...

[HSVTiger]

Twickenham Square groundbreaking today downtown









Bristol and PGM Properties -- both headquartered in the Nashville area -- are working with Huntsville-based Triad Properties on Twickenham Square.

PGM representatives said construction on the Publix is expected to begin in March and take 12-14 months to complete. At 33,000 square feet, it will be smaller than the Publix on Whitesburg Drive.

The office tower, called Twickenham Place, should begin rising from the corner of Gallatin Street and St. Clair Avenue later this month or in early January. Its first announced tenant is Huntsville Hospital's clinical laboratory -- the eighth-largest hospital-based lab in the nation.

William Stroud of Triad Properties, which is developing the office tower, said the lab will cover about 1 1/2 floors of the five-story building. Another large medical tenant could be announced in the next month, he said.
Huntsville Hospital will be a co-owner of the office tower, said Triad's Gerry Shannon, and the building will be physically connected to the hospital by an elevated, air-conditioned walkway similar to the one over Governors Drive.

PHD Hotels of Opelika is building the Homewood Suites, putting 101 hotel rooms just down the street from the hospital's main entrance. Tom Hunt, the company's president, said he couldn't resist getting involved in Twickenham Square.

"Once we saw this site and everything that was happening," said Hunt, "we wanted to be part of it."

The city has agreed to spend $9.8 million on a 920-space parking garage serving the development, and workers from Pearce Construction are already swarming the property. Huntsville Hospital plans to lease the top floor of the deck for employee parking.

City of Huntsville source

Been nice if the hotel or office building was 10-15 floors, Publix could be split level design