By Kyle Parmley
CLAY — The city of Clay is once again exploring the idea of acquiring its own ZIP code.
In a city council meeting last week, Mayor Charles Webster outlined the preliminary discussions he has had to potentially set the process into motion.
“They tried to do this years ago, but the Postal Service said until we set our boundaries, they wouldn’t even look at it,” Webster said. “We’re getting close to the point to where we have our boundaries for where we are going to be.”
The crucial reason to enacting such a plan includes bringing in the revenue that the city loses out on every year, including money from businesses within the city and online purchases made by the city’s residents.
Webster said the city has sought advice from U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer on the decision, and plans to send a letter to the postmaster of the state, in hopes that it recognizes Clay’s need for its own ZIP code. He also hopes that the city’s ZIP code would eliminate the confusion of some residents that live within the city limits, despite having a Pinson or Birmingham address.
Clay is also looking to expand the walking trails at Cosby Lake, to become more accessible to people living in the Georgebrook and Steeplechase subdivisions. One obstacle is the state property in which the Department of Youth Services sits on, which has been unused since being damaged by a tornado three years ago.
“It would be so much nicer for all the residents,” Webster said. “They could walk two or three miles and never walk on the same trail. That would be a big plus for the city.”
Clay-Palmerdale Road is in the process of being paved, and Webster said once that’s completed, Deerfoot Parkway should be the next paving to take place. Old Springville Road was re-paved last year.
The next city council meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Clay City Hall.