[bystander1]

but we need something to be a regional draw. a less than the best aquarium isn't going to be the draw we need it to be. i think the resources would be better spent having the newest, most cutting edge, first of whatever we do build.




Of course, the best doesn't always have to mean the largest. Riverwalk Stadium isn't the largest but it has been well documented across the nation as one of the best. The aquarium, or whatever, can be the same.

In any case, of the all the plans the city has studied--an aquarium, the railroad theme park, the water park--the goal should be to build something that will get more folks downtown on Saturdays...the biggest day for family activity and tourism travel.

[ExpatBaman]

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20090116&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=901160321&Ref=AR&Profile=1007

Oh, and I'm all for it... but the big question will be 'how does it address Commerce St?'

Excellent question about the Commerce facade. Commerce and Dexter are the two most prestigious streets in the region, and we should be very picky about what we allow to be built there. It looks like the MainStay Suites will be on Commerce, probably with another parking entrance opposite the one visible on the far right of the Hyatt Place facade on Lee St. This is how the hotel at the convention center should have been done, with parking hidden in the center of the block wrapped with liner buildings that properly address the street. Maybe the brain trust at RSA will learn something from this.

Another question is what kind of materials will be used? This is a downtown location and should be built to last with quality materials, not the cheap junk they build these things with at interstate exits.

[tredici]

Oh, I seriously doubt this will be the standard interstate wood and brick buildings. They're looking for this to be a nice place so they can stay and make money for years to come.

[OCA REP]

It has not been added to the City's website yet, but I received my mailed copy of the agenda for the January 27th ARB Meeting. The first item on the agenda deals with the facade and other modifications for "The Alley" project located downtown in the Lower Commerce Historic District.

The inproper (historically speaking) placement of the water tower is listed in the "Department Comments" entered by the City. Might be an interesting meeting. I plan on attending and watching the discussion.

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20081220&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=812200802&Ref=PH&Item=2

[ExpatBaman]

^ I think it was a good idea to make use of the water tower in some way, but it does kind of block the archway. Hopefully once all the painting and streetscaping work is done it'll look great there.

[bystander1]

It has not been added to the City's website yet, but I received my mailed copy of the agenda for the January 27th ARB Meeting. The first item on the agenda deals with the facade and other modifications for "The Alley" project located downtown in the Lower Commerce Historic District.

The inproper (historically speaking) placement of the water tower is listed in the "Department Comments" entered by the City. Might be an interesting meeting. I plan on attending and watching the discussion.



GOOD GRIEF Review Board!! Give it a break!!! Geezzz...

[bystander1]

Excellent question about the Commerce facade. Commerce and Dexter are the two most prestigious streets in the region, and we should be very picky about what we allow to be built there. It looks like the MainStay Suites will be on Commerce, probably with another parking entrance opposite the one visible on the far right of the Hyatt Place facade on Lee St. This is how the hotel at the convention center should have been done, with parking hidden in the center of the block wrapped with liner buildings that properly address the street. Maybe the brain trust at RSA will learn something from this.

Another question is what kind of materials will be used? This is a downtown location and should be built to last with quality materials, not the cheap junk they build these things with at interstate exits.


Hopefully, we'll learn more about that when the city council meets Tuesday.
They are going to discuss more details about the project then.

[OCA REP]

GOOD GRIEF Review Board!! Give it a break!!! Geezzz...

I am going to take just one minute to explain something concerning the ARB and how it is supposed to work. Bystander1 and I are friends, so I know he will not be personally offended by me replying to his post.

As a resident of an historic district in Montgomery, I (and all the other residents of my neighborhood) am protected by the ARB. Any exterior work to a home or business within an historic district MUST go before the ARB to receive approval PRIOR to beginning the work. This keeps something inappropriate and not historically-accurate from being built or added to a property. If you begin work without getting approval from the ARB, a stop work order is issued by the city and you must present your plans before the next meeting of the ARB.

In my opinion, the entire Alleyway project (which I TOTALLY support) should have been reviewed by the ARB from the beginning. The project is located within the Lower Commerce Historic District. That says it all. Lots of time and money have been spent to ensure the historical accuracy of that area.

The City of Montgomery cannot expect citizens to follow a law/rule, but exempt themselves. By attempting to do this, they are telling residents/developers, etc. of all the other historic districts in Montgomery that it is not necessary to present before the ARB prior to beginning exterior work. This is not a good thing.

I hope that a compromise can be reached. I know there is some growing opposition to the placement of this water tower and several people will speak against it.

[bystander1]

I am going to take just one minute to explain something concerning the ARB and how it is supposed to work. Bystander1 and I are friends, so I know he will not be personally offended by me replying to his post.

As a resident of an historic district in Montgomery, I (and all the other residents of my neighborhood) am protected by the ARB. Any exterior work to a home or business within an historic district MUST go before the ARB to receive approval PRIOR to beginning the work. This keeps something inappropriate and not historically-accurate from being built or added to a property. If you begin work without getting approval from the ARB, a stop work order is issued by the city and you must present your plans before the next meeting of the ARB.

In my opinion, the entire Alleyway project (which I TOTALLY support) should have been reviewed by the ARB from the beginning. The project is located within the Lower Commerce Historic District. That says it all. Lots of time and money have been spent to ensure the historical accuracy of that area.

The City of Montgomery cannot expect citizens to follow a law/rule, but exempt themselves. By attempting to do this, they are telling residents/developers, etc. of all the other historic districts in Montgomery that it is not necessary to present before the ARB prior to beginning exterior work. This is not a good thing.

I hope that a compromise can be reached. I know there is some growing opposition to the placement of this water tower and several people will speak against it.


No, of course I'm not offended. I've always understood the purpose and regulations of the ARB as well as the PC and the BOA. They are all necessary for orderly development...but still...GEEZZZ!

[bystander1]

Council authorizes Jinright to negotiate with hotel developers
By Jill Nolin • January 21, 2009

The developers behind a pro­posed downtown hotel develop­ment appear eager to move for­ward with the $30 million investment.


Developer Charles Perry told Montgomery City Council mem­bers that he was impressed with what he saw happening in down­town. The Renaissance Mont­gomery Hotel & Spa at the Con­vention Center, in particular, helped make that impression, he said.

"I'm absolutely blown away by the energy and number of activi­ties going on in downtown Mont­gomery," Perry said.

In exchange for their invest­ment downtown, the developers want a package of incentives from the city. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize interim May­or Charles Jinright to negotiate a deal with the developers that would grant the incentives.

Perry, a Birmingham native, and business partners Court­land Dusseau and Morgan Burkett want to build a develop­ment that would include two ho­tels -- a Hyatt Place and a MainStay Suites -- and a park­ing deck. The mixed-use devel­opment also would create oppor­tunities for retail.

The development, which would be at the corner of Bibb and Commerce streets, would bring an additional 233 hotel rooms to downtown. Officials say the extra rooms would make the city more attractive for larger conventions. And that would translate into more tax revenue and a stronger local economy for the city.

"Over a period of 30 years, we will have contributed $160 mil­lion to downtown Montgomery," Perry said.

Developers want the city to scratch their back, too.

The proposal on the table is for a portion of the lodging tax, which would be the new revenue generated by the hotels, to be used to pay for the new parking deck. The developers also would save about $608,000 by not hav­ing to pay the city sales tax on construction materials.

Less than an acre of the prop­erty involved -- which is known as the Frank Leu property even though the building, once the tallest structure in town, was de­molished in 1997 -- would be do­nated to the project. The proper­ty has an appraised value of $782,000.

The city would have a $12 mil­lion stake in the project.

But the projected $160 million return over time -- which would come in the form of increased property values, new jobs and lodging tax revenue -- assuaged any potential reservations on the City Council.

"That's a pretty good return. I like that," Jinright said after Perry finished his presentation.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090121/NEWS01/901210360)

****************************
This is the same site where Colonial Bank was about to build their new tower but foolishly decided to leave this hot property downtown and has now isolated themselves in the suburbs. But this is probably a better use for this location anyway. I like the fact that there will be retail at the street level.

[urbansouth]

i remember hearing that there would be space for residential condos in the new construction, not just retail and hotel. is my memory fading?

[bystander1]

i remember hearing that there would be space for residential condos in the new construction, not just retail and hotel. is my memory fading?

ummm, probably memory fading...



;)

[bystander1]

County claims new development for Outer Loop project; press conference planned
January 23, 2009

Montgomery County Commissioners say they plan to make a “major announcement” about the Outer Loop project next week.

But County Commission spokeswoman DiDi Henry would not say anything beyond what was printed in a brief press release that was sent out this morning.

A press conference is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Monday, with it immediately following the County Commission’s regular meeting.

Interim Montgomery Mayor Charles Jinright said Friday that he is familiar with the development but would not comment on the details because it does not directly involve the city.

Jinright, who plans to attend the Monday press conference, said that he believes the announcement is “going to be a very good (one) for the city.”

“Let’s wait till Monday and see how major ‘major’ is,” Jinright said earlier today.

Jinright did say that the development in the project does not involve any “local funding.”

The Outer Loop has been on the local agenda for at least two decades, but with limited federal dollars available for new road construction, the $400 million project has been seemingly out of reach.

-- Jill Nolin


http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090123/NEWS/90123024)







Any ideas? ...like why this wasn't even submitted as a project for possible Federal stimulus funding?

[neilson]

County claims new development for Outer Loop project; press conference planned
January 23, 2009

Montgomery County Commissioners say they plan to make a “major announcement” about the Outer Loop project next week.

But County Commission spokeswoman DiDi Henry would not say anything beyond what was printed in a brief press release that was sent out this morning.

A press conference is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. Monday, with it immediately following the County Commission’s regular meeting.

Interim Montgomery Mayor Charles Jinright said Friday that he is familiar with the development but would not comment on the details because it does not directly involve the city.

Jinright, who plans to attend the Monday press conference, said that he believes the announcement is “going to be a very good (one) for the city.”

“Let’s wait till Monday and see how major ‘major’ is,” Jinright said earlier today.

Jinright did say that the development in the project does not involve any “local funding.”

The Outer Loop has been on the local agenda for at least two decades, but with limited federal dollars available for new road construction, the $400 million project has been seemingly out of reach.

-- Jill Nolin


http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090123/NEWS/90123024)







Any ideas? ...like why this wasn't even submitted as a project for possible Federal stimulus funding?
2 Words: Tim James.

Well.........ok maybe not Tim personally but somebody's gonna build a toll road.

[bystander1]

Toll road is what I'm thinking too. I'm just so ready for something to finally happen with that half-done highway that I hardly care if it's a toll or not anymore.

[bystander1]

I know Montgomery likes to claim it doesn't like to wait for the state or federal government to get things done, but this is a project that they should have at least put on the federal stimulus list first. Go ahead and beg for the money...the worst they could say is "no".




Could the outer loop become a reality?

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Motorists who are trying to avoid congestion in the capital city will be happy with this news. For years commuters have been waiting for the outer loop to be built around Montgomery, connecting Interstate 65 at Hope Hull to Interstate 85 at Mitylene.

On Monday the Montgomery County Commission partnered with Focus 2000 to begin a feasibility study, and one big difference this time - it's a private project. There are to be no state, federal or local funds involved.

County officials say six to eight months is the expected time it will take to complete the study, with construction beginning not long after.

Montgomery County officials, along with the attorney for Focus 2000, are convinced if the outer loop is going to be built, this is the way to go; the public-private route and not the road to Washington.

"Government has not been able in the past...to come up with the several billions of dollars," said Montgomery County Commission Chairmen Todd Strange.

"Focus 2000 is a non-profit, set up to take advantage of the laws that allow us to use tax-free bonds," said attorney Luther Strange.

Commissioner Strange says Focus 2000 is backed by a company called KUD International.

Both men say they have no idea how much it would cost to build the outer loop. That's part of the feasibility study and that study should indicate where the loop will connect with I-85 and I-65. One government estimate had the outer loop costing $400 million, though that estimate was made quite some time ago.

Another long term goal; if the loop is built, then there would be another analysis on building a road that would extend from the outer loop and go all the way through the wiregrass and hook up with I-10 in Florida.

"We want to dispel all the rumors that no route is clearly established..." said Commissioner Strange.

With a public-private partnership, the outer loop and the I-10 connector would become toll roads. Up until today, the state had already spent more than $50 million studying and buying right-of-ways, money that would be paid back to the state if this project comes together.

Meantime, no one is predicting just when bulldozers will start paving the way for the outer loop, but they are certain the loop is closer to reality than ever before.

"What Wall Street is waiting for is a good project, a good project that makes sense," said Luther Strange

"Just think, over a 20 or 30 year period what a boon it would be to our area to have everyone coming out of Central Florida.." added Todd Strange.

http://www.wsfa.com (http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=9736481)

[OldCloverdale]

did Byron Berry qualify?

[OCA REP]

did Byron Berry qualify?

According to WSFA and The Montgomery Advertiser, he did not. The whole process of qualification seems somewhat convoluted...

[thoraudio]

Byron just sent out a Facebook notification that he didn't qualify. Something about verifiable signatures.

oh, well.... better luck next time. :(

[bystander1]

Byron just sent out a Facebook notification that he didn't qualify. Something about verifiable signatures.

oh, well.... better luck next time. :(


Darn it Byron! I told you Gowen Kizabut wasn't a real name... :hell:

[OldCloverdale]

Keep up the good work downtown, Byron!

[hiijakd]

Im blaming all the problems on David Bronner...and global warming....haha..:shrug: .

well I will tell you that I learned how to work "the system" for next time so you better believe I am going to speak my mind.

in other news, anyone want to but a building on Perry street. I'll make you a good deal.

[OldCloverdale]

... anyone want to but a building on Perry street. I'll make you a good deal.

the place you've gutted?

[ExpatBaman]

FYI - author James Howard Kunstler (http://www.kunstler.com/) is in Montgomery today to make a free presentation at the art museum.

From the announcement on the Hampstead website (http://www.townofhampstead.com/news_and_events/event/17):
His multimedia presentation will focus on how the financial crisis, energy challenges, and suburban sprawl are all inter-related problems. But, rather than just identify problems, Kunstler will discuss the key steps that we can take to reverse the current challenges and embrace sustainable, time-honored development practices in the River Region.

There was a blurb in the Advertiser (http://montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090129/BUSINESS/901290311/1003/business) about this but, predictably, the paper chose not to mention anything about the topic of Kunstler's presentation. It'll be interesting to see if the paper actually covers the event and prints some of his comments. Kunstler is a controversial figure (I don't agree with everything he says), but he is spot on when he talks about the effects of sprawl.



Event info:

James Howard Kunstler Book Signing, Wine & Cheese Gathering 6 - 7 pm

James Howard Kunstler Presentation 7 - 8 pm

Venue: Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Free and open to the general public

Sponsored by: The Hampstead Institute and The City of Montgomery

[thoraudio]

FYI - author James Howard Kunstler (http://www.kunstler.com/) is in Montgomery today to make a free presentation at the art museum.

From the announcement on the Hampstead website (http://www.townofhampstead.com/news_and_events/event/17):


There was a blurb in the Advertiser (http://montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090129/BUSINESS/901290311/1003/business) about this but, predictably, the paper chose not to mention anything about the topic of Kunstler's presentation. It'll be interesting to see if the paper actually covers the event and prints some of his comments. Kunstler is a controversial figure (I don't agree with everything he says), but he is spot on when he talks about the effects of sprawl.



Event info:

James Howard Kunstler Book Signing, Wine & Cheese Gathering 6 - 7 pm

James Howard Kunstler Presentation 7 - 8 pm

Venue: Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Free and open to the general public

Sponsored by: The Hampstead Institute and The City of Montgomery


does his definition of sprawl include pseudo towns built in the suburbs?


:cool:

yeah, I went there.

[ExpatBaman]

does his definition of sprawl include pseudo towns built in the suburbs?

:cool:

yeah, I went there.
Ask him tonight. :D

Growth is going to occur (I use the term loosely because most of it isn't growth at all but merely leap-frog movement from one place to another within the metro area). The question is will it be sustainable neighborhoods such as Hampstead and Hudson, or will it be unsustainable conventional sprawl? The Hampstead design team could not prevent the "development" of that property. What is being done there is far superior to what would have been there otherwise (can you say "clear-cut and fill in the wetlands"?) as well as to what is being built near it on Taylor.

If the new residential and commercial developments over the past few decades had been built like Hampstead, the city wouldn't be sprawled out anywhere near as far as it is now. Hopefully the success of these New Urbanist neighborhoods will encourage financial institutions to drop the redlining of reinvestment in closer-in areas and allow the restoration of some of our finest existing neighborhoods.

[bystander1]

I saw hiijakd and about 20 other people walking past "the Alleyway" around 2pm today taking pics of the buildings and all of the work going on.

hiijakd, maybe you can tell us who they were and what they were doing. I thought they may have been with the Dover Kohl group.

[Brown Duckz]

Post the pictures people! :D

[hiijakd]

We were conducting a tour for a smart code advanced seminar that is going on here. People from all over the nation and one from China are here in town to learn about our smart code and how we got it done and in place so quickly.
We are actually on the forefront of the smart code and planning movement, which is actually kind of neat. People all over the country come here to study Montgomery. Yesterday was work sessions and tour of Downtown, today we are touring Hampstead and the Waters.


And yes, I'll make a deal with someone on one of the Perry street buildings.

[thoraudio]

And yes, I'll make a deal with someone on one of the Perry street buildings.

My kids just pulled down all my old baseball cards from my parents attic.... so we may be in business.

Do you have any idea what a 1983 Topps Wade Boggs is worth?

:cool:


it's not much

[bystander1]

more news on the Alleyway...



Italian eatery coming to downtown
February 7, 2009

Sa Za Serious Italian Food announced Friday it will open a Montgomery location.


Ken Register, who owns the Olive Room Restaurant, will open the Italian eatery at 138 Commerce St. in the Alleyway project.

He will hold a formal announcement ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13 to discuss his plans.

"I am making this investment because I believe in the future of downtown," Register said in a news release Friday. "All the people associated with this project are as excited as I am.

"The cooperation from the city, county and Chamber of Commerce has made this dream a reality."

Register said architect John Chambless of Brown Chambless Architects, Realtor Jerome Moore and developers Jere Beasley and Greg Allen were key in the project.

Allen, one of the owners of the building, welcomed the announcement.

"We are very happy to assist in bringing fine Italian dining to downtown Montgomery," he said in the release. "We continue to be committed to this project and look forward to additional new tenants in the downtown area."

-- Cosby Woodruff

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090207/BUSINESS/902070357/1003/business)

[Port_of_Bama]

Have they started building on the pedestrian bridge down town yet ,I realy wish the one that suppose to be built in Mobile was like that ? I also heard that you guys suppose to be getting an aquarium I wonder how in the heck you guys beat us to it.:mad:

[bystander1]

Not yet. Some of those are projects were pushed by the former mayor (Bright) who's now a congressman, and interim mayor Jinright. More than likely the next mayor (likely Strange) will continue the projects full steam ahead with the momentum of downtown development going on right now.

[OCA REP]

I also heard that you guys suppose to be getting an aquarium I wonder how in the heck you guys beat us to it.:mad:

Is there really a need for ANOTHER aquarium in the southeast? A LOT of us in MGM are not impressed with the aquarium idea. We would like to see something more original that Montgomery can call its own. I have not seen any plans, but there is going to be some type of Wright Brothers Museum built in MGM. I would really like that to include an IMAX theatre since we do not currently have one in MGM.

[Port_of_Bama]

Is there really a need for ANOTHER aquarium in the southeast? A LOT of us in MGM are not impressed with the aquarium idea. We would like to see something more original that Montgomery can call its own. I have not seen any plans, but there is going to be some type of Wright Brothers Museum built in MGM. I would really like that to include an IMAX theatre since we do not currently have one in MGM.



Your right about the aquarium, and I had no idea that you guys didn`t have an Imax so the wright brothers museum with an Imax would be a good look. I wonder why the Imax passed you guys up for Huntsville ? Is there a certain theme that a city has to have to have one ?

[thoraudio]

Images from the Montgomery Advertiser concerning the new restaurant in the Alley.


http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=1

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=2

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=3

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=4

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=5

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=6

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=7

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=8

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=9

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=10

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=11

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=12

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=13

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=14

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090213&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=902130806&Ref=PH&Item=15

[Port_of_Bama]

What is that tunnel I see called ,and where does it go ? The 10th pic with the store fronts looks just like the Bieneville square area in Mobile.

[DruidCity]

Sorry if it's already in the thread somewhere, but someone told me they heard that the guy who owns Cypress Inn restaurant in Tuscaloosa is planning to open a restaurant in the Montgomery alley project with menu items like po'boy sandwiches.

[thoraudio]

What is that tunnel I see called ,and where does it go ? The 10th pic with the store fronts looks just like the Bieneville square area in Mobile.

The tunnel is the entrance to the Alleyway from Commerce St.

Sorry if it's already in the thread somewhere, but someone told me they heard that the guy who owns Cypress Inn restaurant in Tuscaloosa is planning to open a restaurant in the Montgomery alley project with menu items like po'boy sandwiches.

Dreamland is moving down there, but I haven't heard about the other place yet.

[DruidCity]

Dreamland is moving down there, but I haven't heard about the other place yet.


I think the Cypress Inn guy owns some of the franchise locations of Dreamland, as well, so maybe he's going to open both a Dreamland and this other restaurant.

[bystander1]

Does anyone remember the name of the Mobile seafood restaurant that's supposed to be coming to the Alley? I think it starts with a W.

[thoraudio]

Does anyone remember the name of the Mobile seafood restaurant that's supposed to be coming to the Alley? I think it starts with a W.

Wintzel's

[Port_of_Bama]

I love the sound of this alley project , I have to check it out when will it be complete ?


I was browsing the stimulus watch website and out of the big four ,Montgomery was the only city that wasn`t on the list for stimulus funding do you guys know why ? http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/AL&per_page=200

Click on browse by state and city on upper left corner.

[BlessedMobile]

Wintzel's

That would be Wintzell's. The original location downtown is easily one of our best seafood restaurants in Mobile. I hope your restaurant will be that good or better. Great gumbo!

[philopdx]

I love the sound of this alley project , I have to check it out when will it be complete ?


I was browsing the stimulus watch website and out of the big four ,Montgomery was the only city that wasn`t on the list for stimulus funding do you guys know why ? http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_state/AL&per_page=200

Click on browse by state and city on upper left corner.

Gosh, I didn't see Montgomery anywhere on that list.

I find it tragicomic that Montgomery didn't get a whole lot of help from a man who's favorite philosopher was Jesus, nor can they get help from "the most liberal member of the Senate" now that he's in charge.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, I suppose.


Come on folks, where has that good 'ol Confederate "we don't need big government" grit gone?

:shrug:

As I remember, the federal government wasn't much liked in those parts. So Montgomery, this is not a time for tears, this is a time to REJOICE! The liberal tax-and-spenders have chosen to keep your pride intact by withholding their tainted municipal welfare! You didn't need them anyway, you big, strong city, you.

*blushes and blows a kiss*


Wait, are those FDIC cars I see driving over to Colonial Bank? Oh dear. Say it ain't so, Bobby, say it ain't so!!
:Titanic:

[Port_of_Bama]

Gosh, I didn't see Montgomery anywhere on that list.

I find it tragicomic that Montgomery didn't get a whole lot of help from a man who's favorite philosopher was Jesus, nor can they get help from "the most liberal member of the Senate" now that he's in charge.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't, I suppose.


Come on folks, where has that good 'ol Confederate "we don't need big government" grit gone?

:shrug:

As I remember, the federal government wasn't much liked in those parts. So Montgomery, this is not a time for tears, this is a time to REJOICE! The liberal tax-and-spenders have chosen to keep your pride intact by withholding their tainted municipal welfare! You didn't need them anyway, you big, strong city, you.

*blushes and blows a kiss*


Wait, are those FDIC cars I see driving over to Colonial Bank? Oh dear. Say it ain't so, Bobby, say it ain't so!!
:Titanic:



Hmmmm I see you are realy touched by the fact Momntgomery wasn`t on the list my friend it will nbe ok believe me. All of the big four deserve to have a piece of that cake and in my opionion Montgomery needs it more than Huntsville.

[thoraudio]

Mr. Philopdx, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[thoraudio]

Oh, btw, that list was a 'blue sky' list dreamed up by some mayors.... it may or may not have absolutely anything to do with actual money from the 'stimulus' package.

[Port_of_Bama]

Oh, btw, that list was a 'blue sky' list dreamed up by some mayors.... it may or may not have absolutely anything to do with actual money from the 'stimulus' package.



Oh ok I see.

[Port_of_Bama]

Mr. Philopdx, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.




lol, Couldn`t have said it better. :tup:

[urbansouth]

Mr. Philopdx, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Billy Madison? Well Played!

Btw, any news on the water tower from any of yous guys? A respectable official tells me that it will stay (and will be painted). Obviously, against the ARB wishes.

[bystander1]

Oh, btw, that list was a 'blue sky' list dreamed up by some mayors.... it may or may not have absolutely anything to do with actual money from the 'stimulus' package.


Hey folks! My computer was dead for the last few days, but anyway...



The mayors lists were done to show the government what projects they could use the stimulus money for, but each state is going to get certain amounts from the Feds regardless of the amount of projects in each state. The states will then distribute the money. So the real battle will be between the state and the local municipalities.

That's why that early mayors list doesn't hold too much weight because the state will likely use or request a different list to go by; which is why Montgomery says it waited to submit its list to the state.

[OldCloverdale]

how much taxpayer money will go to all the lobbyists?

[Port_of_Bama]

I was reading the Press Register yesterday and it had an article about Mardi Gra societies in Montgomery. They were saying Montgomery was introduced to Mardi Gra by a Mobilian around 1855 I believe. That article was a suprise to me good to know that our region isn`t the alone in celebrating Mardi Gra.:tup:

are any of you part of/attended a Mardi Gra ball in Montgomery ?

[thoraudio]

I did, years ago, back in high school. Cotillion balls were held around this time, usually put on by 'The Mystic Order of...' or some such. usually very private affairs though, no parades or anything.

[Port_of_Bama]

I did, years ago, back in high school. Cotillion balls were held around this time, usually put on by 'The Mystic Order of...' or some such. usually very private affairs though, no parades or anything.



Hmmm cool it was a lasy by the name of Kathy from your area who was interviewed and she love the Mardi Gra balls in Montgomery !

[OldCloverdale]

are any of you part of/attended a Mardi Gra ball in Montgomery ?

I went to one at the Montgomery Country Club

sweet tea & Goody's powder was the first order of business this morning

[OldCloverdale]

MONTGOMERY ADVERTISER

March 3, 2009


Open house planned for riverboat


There will be an open house to see the Harriott II, Montgomery's new riverboat, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

There will be popcorn and soft drinks along with brochures with information about the riverboat.

The riverboat is docked at the Riverwalk Amphitheater floating docks and has a capacity of 350 to 400 people.

The riverboat can be booked for public use, and there will be several weekly public dinner cruises as well.

The Harriott II's maiden voyage will be a Blues Cruise, with boarding starting at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $15 and are available at www.etix.com (http://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/onlineSearch?action=venueSearch&venue_id=6005)or by calling 241-2100.

-- Scott Johnson

:cheers:

[jatrippe]

My wife and I were driving down East Chase Parkway and saw a large structure that looked like a movie theater between the Bruno's shopping center and Costco. It was on the Wynnlakes side of the road. I've heard that the movie theater was going next to Home Depot, not where I saw it. Does anyone have any info?

[rbp]

My wife and I were driving down East Chase Parkway and saw a large structure that looked like a movie theater between the Bruno's shopping center and Costco. It was on the Wynnlakes side of the road. I've heard that the movie theater was going next to Home Depot, not where I saw it. Does anyone have any info?

Just guessing, theaters usually have much higher parking ratios and this doesn't look that out of line. The floor poured inside was flat and I think they'd have done some contouring in concrete. There's also few exits other than the front which theaters usually have many.

I'm wondering if Academy Sports is moving in.

[bystander1]

I'm wondering if Academy Sports is moving in.


Yes. It is.

[jatrippe]

Thanks for the replies. That is an awefully big Academy Sports. Is a movie theater going in next to Home Depot then?

[Capital Heights]

Unless I be mistaken, the building in question is going to be a climate controlled storage building.

[bystander1]

It was widely known that Academy Sports would put their location in the EastChase development, but there were other developers trying to convince Academy Sports to sign on with them so they can get their projects off the ground. One proposed location is the development next to Walmart on Chantilly and another is next to Home Depot on Chantilly. Who knows, maybe they bowed out of the first and are renegotiating with some other developer...

[mgmrebel]

Looking on Academy Sports website they have announced a location in eastchase,

[bystander1]

^ Yeah, I caught that earlier too. Thanks.

BTW, there was an approval a couple of years ago for a climate control storage center on the corner of EastChase Pkwy. and Minnie Brown Rd. about 100 yards from the spot where the new building is going up.

[thoraudio]

Images from The Montgomery Advertiser about the open house for the Harriott II. My oldest and I went down there, and it looks nice.

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=1

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=2

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=3

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=4

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=5

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=6

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=7

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=8

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=9

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=10

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=11

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=12

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=DS&Date=20090307&Category=COMMUNITIES010305&ArtNo=903070803&Ref=PH&Item=13

[thoraudio]

Oh, and on the way home from church tonite, it was really neat to drive in downtown.

There was a concert at the MPAC, the first cruise for the Harriott, and something else (I think maybe a Todd Strange rally??). Downtown was packed..... on a Sunday night. :tup:

[bystander1]

I know what you mean thoraudio. I went down there today and it really is pretty nice! And it was packed down there today as well as Saturday night too. There were activities going on everywhere--including the performing arts center, Union Station, Riverwalk Stadium, and the RSA activity center.

I have pics that I took of the Riverboat and other things going on, and I'm uploading them now to post later on.


BTW, the Harriott II will make a good venue for a forum meet! :cheers:

[OCA REP]

BTW, the Harriott II will make a good venue for a forum meet! :cheers:

That sounds like a GREAT idea!

[bystander1]

Here are those pics I took from the riverboat earlier, plus a few more things.
Enjoy.


http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20003.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20004.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20005.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20006.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20007.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20008.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20009.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20010.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20011.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20013.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20014.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20015.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20016.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20019.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20020.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20021.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20022.jpg


"The Alleyway" is part of the Riverfront Entertainment District and will be made up of restaurants, bars, clubs, and retail shops.

Here's one of the newest restaurants to move to the Alley, Dreamland BBQ. They should be open for the first game at Riverwalk Stadium across the street.

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20023.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20024.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20025.jpg


This will be the entrance from Tallapoosa Street...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20026.jpg


...and this will be the Commerce Street entrance...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20028.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20029.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20027.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20030.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20031.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20032.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20033.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20034.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20035.jpg



Hmm, what's this sign on the door?

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20038.jpg


...it looks like another bar is coming to "the Alley".

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20037.jpg


The Alleyway is right across the street from a couple of hotels...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20039.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20040.jpg


...and Union Station.

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20042.jpg

More pics to come later.
:)

[tredici]

Very nice. Montgomery is gonna be one happenin place once all this gets finished. I imagine another Chattanooga is on its way to the South!

[bystander1]

Thanks Alabadrock.

[bystander1]

I think this is an important development for the Centennial Hill area downtown. It's next to the new RSA HQ building.



Mixed-income housing to replace Tulane Court
By Jill Nolin • March 4, 2009

Montgomery Housing Authority officials say they're moving ahead with a plan to tear down Victor Tulane Court and replace it with a modern housing development.

Tulane Court, located at 550 Smythe Curve, has been vacated and all the units are boarded up.

Evette Hester, MHA executive director, said she hopes to demolish the buildings by the end of the year.

The three-phase replacement would not be a traditional "housing project." The new development would cost just under $20 million and would offer a range of housing options. It would not be wholly replaced with the public housing that currently exists, according to Hester.

The first phase would create about 170 units, but a later phase calls for restaurants and retail space to be built into the development.

"We think this is the way of the future. We think it will be the impetus to stimulating the economy in the downtown area," Hester said.

Tulane is located off Hall Street and is just a few blocks away from the heart of downtown Montgomery.

Hester said the new mixed-income format is what is being used in areas such as Chicago and Birmingham.

...

Lakenya Bend with Boulevard Group Inc., which will serve as the project manager for the Tulane project, accompanied Hester on Tuesday.

Bend said the project would focus on creating "a real sense of community." This would be done through a centrally located park and landscaping throughout the development.

The buildings also would huddle around the streets, creating an "all eyes on the streets" effect, according to Bend. This would help residents keep an eye on what was happening in the development.

Victor Tulane Court is across the street from the new Tulane Gardens, which was a $12 million complex that opened in 2006.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903040338

[bystander1]

The crane has gone up for the 12-story RSA Judicial Building on Dexter Ave.
Here are some pics on what will be a very unique building. Too bad we don't have any updated renderings of it.


http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20043.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20045.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20046.jpg


This building will be encased by the Judicial Building with some type of glass facade...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20047.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20048.jpg


A second crane is about to go up...

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20050.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20051.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20052.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20053.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20054.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20056.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20060.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20062.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20063.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20064.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20066.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20067.jpg

http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/Picture%20068.jpg

[OCA REP]

The crane has gone up for the 12-story RSA Judicial Building on Dexter Ave.
Here are some pics on what will be a very unique building. Too bad we don't have any updated renderings of it.

Thanks for posting these. I park in the deck across the street from this construction site and have noticed everything that you have documented. I had the best intentions of taking some photographs and sharing them, but you all know how intentions are...

[Port_of_Bama]

Man talk about progress in motion !!!!! Montgomery can easly be something bigger than Chattanooga glad to se the progress in your city. It`s always a good feeling to see crowds in the downtown area so I know that feeling. :notacrook:

[bystander1]

^ Speaking of Chatty, this is one of Todd Strange's (Montgomery's new mayor as of Tuesday) pet projects. He had pushed for studying the possibility of building an aquarium along the riverfront even while he was the chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.


This is a preliminary rendering from WAKA 8.


http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/aquarium_montgomery_proposed_sketch.jpg

[tredici]

WOW, that aquarium rendering looks amazing!

[thoraudio]

I like the giant bass.



As others have said, something unique would be nice. The Bass Masters/Buck Masters 'theme' park I thought was always the best idea for Montgomery

[Port_of_Bama]

I can see Montgomery moving up in tourism. Hey guys if you could may be some of you but I also spy on this site call City-Data.com. A site where new comers to a city come on and ask questions. It kills me on that site the way other posters from other cities in Alabama post such negetive images of your city me and this other forumer from Montgomery are all ways on the war front for the truth of Montgomery,lol. When I first joined Mobile was patryed as a 3rd world crime infested city that has changed now !! So Montgomery need support from you guys cause there are always forumers who post interest in moving in your city but are turned away by someone from say like Huntville.:shrug:

[Port_of_Bama]

^ Speaking of Chatty, this is one of Todd Strange's (Montgomery's new mayor as of Tuesday) pet projects. He had pushed for studying the possibility of building an aquarium along the riverfront even while he was the chairman of the Montgomery County Commission.


This is a preliminary rendering from WAKA 8.


http://www.knology.net/~unlmtd/marchpics/aquarium_montgomery_proposed_sketch.jpg




Many think an Aquarium in Alabama want work because of the competition from New Orleans,Atlanta,and Chatta. I believe it will., may be Montgomery can offer something the other 3 could`t such as price .I`m just tired of Alabama being last in developments such as this.

[| BRAVO |]

:previous: an aquarium? :shrug: Have we all ran out of fresh ideas?

Your new mayor and Langford need to join forces a build a big ole whopin' aquarium in Clanton. :haha:

[bystander1]

I like the giant bass.

Me too. Can you imagine that thing lit up at night coming down the interstate or crusing on the riverboat?! Pretty cool!

As others have said, something unique would be nice. The Bass Masters/Buck Masters 'theme' park I thought was always the best idea for Montgomery

Part of the site would be a Bass Pro Hall of Fame.


Do any of you remember when Bass Pro wanted to build a theme park along the riverfront back in the 90's but mayor Emory Folmar turned it down because he didn't want the city to give any incentives for it? Bass Pro then said it would turn its attention to Florida to build it.

[OldCloverdale]

Part of the site would be a Bass Pro Hall of Fame.

Would they move it or would BASS (http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/about/news/story?page=about_bass_20090105) start a rival HoF?

http://www.bassfishinghof.com/

[bystander1]

^ :shrug:


let's ask Todd...

[OldCloverdale]

http://cmsimg.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DS&Date=20090317&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=903170333&Ref=AR&Profile=1007&MaxW=550&MaxH=650&title=0

Todd Strange addresses friends and supporters at his mayoral victory party last Tuesday.

March 17, 2009


Police, budgets top Strange's to-do list (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090317/NEWS01/903170333/1007/rss02)

By Jill Nolin

It's been a week since Todd Strange won Montgomery's special mayoral election with 53 percent of the votes. On Monday, he'll be sworn in as mayor, filling the position left vacant when former Mayor Bobby Bright was elected to Congress.

Strange, who also will resign from his position on the Montgomery County Commission on Monday, took a few minutes to share his thoughts on the state of Montgomery and what residents can expect to see from him in the coming weeks and months.

Q During your campaign, you said you would make crime your top priority and that you would hire more officers, increase patrols and create more substations. Which of these will we see first and when can we expect to see them?

A Chief Art Baylor and I have talked about strategically looking at two or three of these substation locations around the city to see where we'd get the biggest bang for our buck. I asked him to call the people in Huntsville, who have done this for the last eight or 10 years, to get a better understanding of the situation.

There is stimulus money for police officers. That's a three-year stimulus money. I've asked him to go ahead and apply for all the stimulus money we can get, so that we can use that money to do some additional hiring. And then we'll figure out what we can do in three years on that. That's 20 more officers or something like that.

But these will not be precincts as much as substations within the precincts that we have there. Of course, we just have to evaluate that as we go. But I suspect we'll see in the fairly near term some of the substations. ... Maybe we'll start out with two or three, see how it works, and as soon as the stimulus money becomes available to us -- and I'm not exactly sure what the timing is, but it's probably some time in early summer -- we will begin that process, if we're successful in finding the grant (stimulus money). If not, we need figure out how to find a million bucks.

What if we don't get the stimulus money?

Then we'll have to do some prioritization, and see if we can't find some money to hire some additional officers. ... It's a priority for us. During the campaign we did a lot of polling and that, by far, is the thing on everybody's mind.

The reality is that crime is down. But it's a different kind of crime. We need to address the reality but also need to address the perception.

You have said that you anticipate that about $20 million in expenditures will have to be cut from the 2010 budget. How will you do this?

Just so you understand where the $20 (million) comes from. ... We used $14 million (reserves to balance the budget). We're probably going to be $2 million or $3 million short (in revenues). In order for us to generate some additional reserves, that's how I get to the $20 million.

Ad valorem tax receipts are up because of new properties being put on, but with no increase in millage. There are some monies in a corrections fund that I need to understand, but there's about $5 million there that we could probably figure out how to use in law enforcement that would free up other monies.

We will have to make some hard choices on prioritization on what we fund now. You know you're going to fund essential services. You know you're going to fund your educational obligations and your debt service. Then everything else that's on the table you're probably going to have to look at -- and you might have to take 10 percent out, you may have to reduce travel budgets, you may have to defer equipment purchases.

I'm meeting with (the finance director) to get a better understanding of what the 2 percent budget cut will get us and what the candidates might be for a $20 million (cut). And I'll ask him to get the department heads and begin to focus on the 2010 budget.

I might ask some of our accounting firms to lend us some of their good minds to help us look at that. And maybe even go to what we call a zero-based budget and budget functionality, and from that, build it up.

Traditionally, government looks at, "Well, we spent $227 million this year. Let's only spend $220 million. Or let's cut it 2 percent or let's add 2 percent." The reality is you may not need $220 million as a budget. So you go in and start at baseline one. We'll probably spend the summer doing that.

How do you go about hiring more officers while cutting the budget?

The stimulus money is obviously our first game plan. If that comes in, we'll use that to the extent that we can. If not, we're going to figure out where we can find some of that money. Maybe it's not $20 million. Maybe it's $19 million. Maybe it's $18 million.

How many people have asked you for a job in the past two months?

A ton, but the reality is there are only six appointments that the mayor actually gets. One of those is Michael Briddell. You've got the police chief, the fire chief, lawyer, finance (director) and sanitation (director). And those are filled. I'm assuming they do a decent job, but I don't really know. We'll have to work through that.

(Note: The mayor also gets another two appointments for directors of maintenance and of parks and recreation. The other executive mayoral assistant, Jeff Downes, is a merit system employee who was employed through a competitive process.)

It appeared that you were able to keep race from becoming a factor in the special election. How was this possible, and what do you intend to do to make sure that tone carries over into your administration?

Well, each of the six candidates had a lot to do with it. It was never an issue. We had three black candidates, and we had three white candidates running. Personally, we worked all sides of the equations. Reaching out to everyone. To get 53 percent, I don't think of it as a mandate, but it does say to me that majority of the citizens feel like I can reach across. I've done that all my life.

Some members of the public seem to think your administration will be part two of the Emory Folmar administration. What do you think they mean by this? and what is your response to this concern?

I don't know what they mean by that. I know during the campaign people talked about that. There were some fliers that suggested that.

I don't resent that. Emory Folmar had a lot of strengths, and he did a very good job on the fiscal conservative side of the equation. That's the discipline you have to have today. I think we will add -- to the extent we can financially -- to the services to the community ... the cultural, the faith-based situations. From that perspective, I just think it's an incorrect assessment, and I would ask that they wait six months and make an assessment at that point in time.

What will be your first changes after you take office?

Reorganization of the city functions and departments and reporting relationships. Try to delegate to specific (people) the administration of the city and not have everything just centered in the mayor's office. (Note: Strange said this would be done his first few weeks in office).

What does you being mayor mean for the relationship between Montgomery County and the city of Montgomery?

I think it's very positive. I was telling somebody, I know where the bones are buried. We've begun a very healthy, cooperative relationship. But not only with the city and county, but with the Board of Education and the local delegation (state representatives and senators).

We will also establish within the mayor's office a City Council liaison, if you will, so we can make sure the City Council members are fully informed and they have input on everything we do -- particularly as it relates to their district.

Also, between the city of Montgomery and the town of Pike Road?

(Pike Road Mayor) Gordon Stone and I have met. We agree that it's healthy for both of us to be successful. We are the job engine. Pike Road is not a ton different than a Prattville, although it is in the county. We will probably try to get around a table and see if we can agree on some boundaries, if you will, and get out of court.

What happens next for west Montgomery under your administration?

We're going to focus some resources, particularly stimulus resources, to be able to do some neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. Try to work with faith-based activities that are already there and see if we can't find them some federal assistance and see if we can expand that, rather than doing a house over there and a house over there. Try to identify a block and try clean up that block and do whatever we need to do. Take Rev. Ed Nettles' Enough is a Enough campaign and spread it out further.

We will create a faith-based coordinating council. There are a lot of activities done by African-American and white churches, and they're doing good things, but there's a lot of overlap and duplication of actions. If you have a coordinating council -- not a control council, but a coordinating council -- you get a good conversation going between the various activities.

Most of the candidates, including you, discussed the possibility of lowering sales taxes so that consumers did not have an incentive to make purchases outside the city. If they should be lowered, how much should they be lowered, and do you believe it should be after the economic downturn or during it?

The game plan is not raising taxes but to stimulate the economy in such a fashion that we would have more revenues than what the budget is. You've got to have budget discipline

We've (the County Commission) asked the city if they would be willing to match (a sales tax rate reduction) from 10 percent to 9 percent. For whatever reason, they didn't want to do that.

If you can stimulate the economy and we get, say, a $12 million number between the city and the county, then maybe you take the first step and go to 9.5 or 9.75 percent. You have to start somewhere.

What changes do you believe people will see between your administration and the Bright administration?

It's a management style. It's just a different management style. ... I think that we'll have a better relationship with our local delegation, with the county. We will look for joint funding opportunities. Everybody asked about metro government during the campaign, and I've always said that if you had a blank sheet of paper, you could get there.

But you cannot get there today, but there are some functionalities that you can bring together, and we'll probably look for those opportunities as we move forward.

[bystander1]

Does anyone know about lofts being built on Commerce St. by Phillip Pouncey Builders? I've seen their sign for months but thought it was for work on the children's museum.

Perhaps hiijakd knows something about it...

[Capital Heights]

There are lofts being constructed in the building that holds the tunnel to the alleyway. In addition, there are lofts being constructed in the building next to the tunnel that will have Sa Za on the bottom floor. Whole lotta lofts being built there.

[bystander1]

Thanks for the info Capital Heights. That would be pretty cool to live in the heart of it all.

[hiijakd]

yeah,
greg allen is building lofts on the upper floors of that building. the first floor is going to be saza's the second floor is going to be an event space i believe, and the upper floors are residential.
the dreamland is under way big time and is trying to get open by the first game of the Biscuits season. the upper floors of that building are also going to be lofts. my guess is 25-30 new units online by next spring.

i'm selling my building for $850,000 if anyone is interested. that gets you 4 lofts, and the commercial space.

hiijakd out

[OldCloverdale]

Lofts = people
people = $$$
$$$ = more development

[OldCloverdale]

Is the Brew Pub for sale?

[bystander1]

^ I doubt it.

Why you say dat?

[hiijakd]

Last I heard the Brew Pub building was for sale unofficially, but a price of $2.5 million makes that unlikely. Found our Wentzells isnt going to be on the alley, its going to be in the bottom of the Renaissance parking deck.

[thoraudio]

Last I heard the Brew Pub building was for sale unofficially, but a price of $2.5 million makes that unlikely. Found our Wentzells isnt going to be on the alley, its going to be in the bottom of the Renaissance parking deck.

That'll make for a nice intersection if the other hotel comes, and somebody ever does something with the beautiful but run down piano bar/Choices Chinese building.

[bystander1]

Last I heard the Brew Pub building was for sale unofficially, but a price of $2.5 million makes that unlikely. Found our Wentzells isnt going to be on the alley, its going to be in the bottom of the Renaissance parking deck.


Thanks for the info, hiijakd. That will make a pretty nice row of restaurants along that section of Commerce Street; The House, The Exchange, and Wentzells.


That'll make for a nice intersection if the other hotel comes, and somebody ever does something with the beautiful but run down piano bar/Choices Chinese building.

True. I wish the owner of that building would have lived up to his word and renovated it into living space as he said wayyyy back in '04. Heck, he should have sold it to someone who would do it...back when things were 'good'.

[OldCloverdale]

March 20, 2009

La. school board chooses Dilworth (http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090320/NEWS01/903200332&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL)

By Adrienne Nettles
anettles@gannett.com

After a six-hour meeting, the 12-member school board in East Baton Rouge, La., voted late Thursday to hire Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent John Dilworth.

On its first two ballots, the board split equally between Dilworth and Bonita Coleman-Potter, the other finalist for the job.

Dilworth finally won the job by a 7-5 vote.

Coleman-Potter is a deputy superintendent of instruction for Jackson Public Schools in Mississippi.

The board's decision came a day after four East Baton Rouge school board members visited Montgomery to meet with Dilworth's colleagues and community leaders to help the board reach a decision.

"I am honored to have been named the new superintendent at East Baton Rouge," Dilworth said in a statement. "This has been one of the toughest decisions of my professional career."

"The next few days will be spent working out the details of my transition to East Baton Rouge. I am grateful for the support and the love Montgomery has shown me and my family. I know the district is on its way to becoming a model for the state and something that everyone can be proud of."

The board has asked for Dilworth's first day managing the 46,000-student East Baton Rouge school district to be July 1, which is enough time for Dilworth to give the Montgomery County Board of Education his 90-day notice to leave as required under his contract.

On Wednesday, East Baton Rouge board members spent the day in Montgomery. Dilworth's colleagues, elected officials and business leaders painted him as a man of integrity whose personality is capable of inspiring children to excel in school and unite communities.

Those same officials will be disappointed to see him leave.

Since he arrived in Montgomery in March 2007, Dilworth has managed to do what previous Montgomery superintendents, including his predecessor Carlinda Purcell, couldn't -- bring the school board, business community and local and state elected officials together to work toward improving Montgomery's public schools.

But while a popular and respected leader, not all Dilworth's decisions have been met with praise from parents and community leaders.

He received criticism from parents and some elected officials for his decision to close three schools, and some questioned his decision to not renew the contracts of 650 non-tenured teachers to save money in next year's budget while applying for a job to leave the district.

But those moments of discord do not reflect the positive work Dilworth has done to change Montgomery Public Schools in his short two years, other community leaders say.

He came to Montgomery challenged by a school system dealing with little diversity and white flight; aging and rundown facilities; and no tradition of harmony between the school board and superintendent, said Cam Martindale, senior vice president community development with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

In East Baton Rouge, Dilworth will find some of the same challenges.

East Baton Rouge school board members made it known during their stay in Montgomery that they were looking for a reformer who could repair the board's strained relationships with Baton Rouge's business community and state superintendent.

"I'm finding out our school system is much like yours," Jerry Arbour, president of the East Baton Rouge school board told Montgomery leaders.

Beverly Ross, chairwoman of Montgomery's school board, told East Baton Rouge school board members that they will be getting a gentle giant in Dilworth who is quite capable of bringing change to their school district.

"Dilworth did a beautiful job bringing people together (in Montgomery)," she told the board Wednesday.

He has been Montgomery's most attentive and accessible superintendent in years, City Councilman Jim Spear told visiting Baton Rouge board members on Wednesday.

"We had a previous superintendent who wouldn't return a state senator's or representative's phone calls. I might not always agree with what he did, but I've got input," he said.

Montgomery school board member Eleanor Dawkins added, "Whatever problem you have or situation you run into, it's not a problem to get in and talk to him. Whatever he's doing, he stops and takes the time to address your concerns."

Dilworth throughout his career has been known for being able to turn around schools, making him a good fit for Montgomery, and now Louisiana.

"We were looking for someone who could bring order," said Tommy Miller, a former Montgomery school board member who helped hire Dilworth.

"He had a track record as a reformist principal," Miller told the East Baton Rouge school board members. "The one thing that impressed me was that all his decisions are predicated on what's best for the students."

Dilworth's latest decision, however, to leave Montgomery for Baton Rouge is about family.

He has said he wants to move back to Louisiana, where he spent most of his academic career, because of his family ties to the state and because his wife has been ill.

His current contract in Montgomery expires June 30, 2010.

Montgomery's school board sought to entice Dilworth to remain in Montgomery with a proposal to extend his contract another three years. They also were willing to compensate Dilworth $6,200 for an overdue performance raise.

To sweeten the board's offer, the business community backed by the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and Montgomery Education Foundation were willing to give Dilworth $150,000 as part of the school board's new contract if he stayed in Montgomery through July 2013.

"I love Montgomery and these two years have been a wonderful experience," Dilworth said in his statement late Thursday night. "The success of the district has been due to work by the board, talented members of the staff, our schools, parents, students and critical partnerships in the community. The important work will continue."

[OCA REP]

Found our Wentzells isnt going to be on the alley, its going to be in the bottom of the Renaissance parking deck.

I was looking forward to this being another component of the Alley, but I do like the idea of it taking the empty retail space under the Renaissance parking deck. This does turn attention towards the Commerce/Bibb intersection and I am hopefull it will eventually trigger further development towards Court Square. In my mind, I did envision Wintzell's having a more rugged exterior (e.g., Alleyway feel) instead of a cleaner, modern exterior that the parking deck area will convey.

Does anyone know if the two hotels are still planned for the parking lot corner of Commerce and Bibb? Was not sure if these had fallen behind or been cancelled due to economic conditions.

[hiijakd]

as far as i know, they're still a go.