Well, after the usual council drama, the bond for downtown and other city projects was approved.
The Smart code zoning laws that many developers in the city were waiting for was also approved.
Thoraudio, maybe your developer friend can come up with something really big to build in order to take advantage of Smart code zoning. You did say he was looking to do a big project.
Council approves bond projects
By Sebastian Kitchen
Montgomery Advertiser
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IN OTHER BUSINESS
The council approved smart code to allow more options for developers and landowners. Mayor Bobby Bright said the code allows for pedestrian-friendly mixed use that resembles traditional neighborhoods from decades ago. The city will have both the current zoning that people and developers are accustomed to along with the smart code.
The council did not vote on proposed ordinances to crack down on overcrowding in nightclubs and other retail establishments. Although the vote on the ordinance has been delayed for weeks, council members expect to vote on the ordinance at their Feb. 7 meeting.
Council members are also likely to continue to debate whether to revoke a business license after two or three capacity violations in a year.
The council voted to demolish more than 20 additional dilapidated structures in the city. The council's upholding the demolitions brings the number approved to be razed in the last two months to almost 100.
Montgomery City Council members approved about $40 million in bonds Tuesday to fund Gateway Park, the buyout of Riverside Heights and downtown development projects, including two parking decks.
"These are all three major projects we have been talking about and working on for years, and we're finally making it happen," Mayor Bobby Bright said.
Although the vote was overwhelmingly in favor of approving the bonds, several council members said they were concerned that Bright didn't consult with them before he presented the package.
"Why is it you did not sit down with the council and have substantial discussion?" Councilwoman Janet May asked.
May was the only council member who voted against all three of the bond issues. Councilman Willie Cook voted against one. May said she believed Bright went to the bond market without consulting the council about their priorities.
Councilman Jim Spear said the majority of the money is going to finance projects the council previously approved.
Gateway Park is a community park under construction along Interstate 65 in west Montgomery. The park will include a nine-hole golf course, a lodge, a walking trail, sports fields, tennis courts and other attractions. The city has spent about $7 million on the project to date, and the bonds will bring the total price tag to $13.5 million.
Bright said the $6.5 million is not enough to finish the park.
"We had a commitment to Montgomery to finish what we started," Councilman James Nuckles said of the park.
May and Councilman Glen Pruitt said they were uncertain where the $6.5 million originated. Pruitt, May and Cook all discussed potential projects including Cramton Bowl, the need for more fire stations and the City Auditorium.
Bright admitted the city needs three fire stations.
Bright said there are a lot of needs and potential projects, but it's his job to control the spending and total bond amount. He said he didn't want to see the bond amount grow to as much as $70 million.
The downtown projects are funded by a Tax Incremental Financing District the council approved previously. Any growth in taxes in the district will be reinvested to pay for the infrastructure improvements. The priorities include the two parking garages, streetscaping and a New Orleans-style alleyway along Commerce Street.
Bright said they are already working on the projects. He said this would allow the city to close as soon as possible on the purchase of Riverside Heights, a housing project now owned by the Montgomery Housing Authority. A portion of the antiquated housing on the property will be traded to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base to use for housing.
Bright said there was some dissension over the bonds. He said some council members were upset projects in their district were not included.
"There is not enough money for every need," he said.
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