HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Hanceville City Council held public hearings Thursday night regarding two zoning ordinances.
The first ordinance, 623, addressed the R1 zoning of the Michael Chandler property on Alabama Highway 91. With no one bringing forth concerns or opposition, the ordinance was passed.
The second ordinance, 624, addressed the rezoning of the Willingham Financial, LLC property at Boyd Street and Hopewell Road. The ordinance would rezone the property to R4 to allow for the development for garden homes.
Boyd Street resident Crystal Hines asked the council to take a few concerns under consideration. Hines’ main concern was the increase in traffic and the need for Boyd Street to be widened to accommodate two lanes. She stated that as cars meet on Boyd, one must pull off the road as the other passes. The council agreed to measure the road and look into fixing the issue.
Hines asked about proper protocol for residents when trucks and equipment parked on Boyd Street block traffic. Mayor Kenneth Nail instructed Hines that residents can call the police if any vehicle is blocking a road. The council also agreed to discuss parking alternatives during the construction of the development.
Finally, Hines addressed the recent controlled fires in Hanceville, saying, “I have asthma and suffer from migraines. Wood smoke can trigger the migraines.”
She also expressed concern for the well-being of older residents including her own mother as the smoke lingers for days. The fire department asks those with health concerns or issues to call.
Hines was satisfied with the council’s commitment to address her concerns and the ordinance was passed.
The council also made several board appointments. Mary Jo Laken was reappointed to the Industrial Development Board for six years. John Stam was appointed to the Planning Commission and Lacey McGriff was reappointed to the Library Board.
Russ Roberts, regional vice president at Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood (GMC), spoke to the council about disaster preparedness and the firm’s expertise in disaster management including debris monitoring and removal. The council agreed to put together a proposal to seek bids for debris monitoring in the coming weeks.
The next council meeting is scheduled for April 11 at 6 p.m., with a work session beginning at 5:30.
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