By Tanna Friday
For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE — Nearly every seat in the Springville council chambers was filled Monday evening as residents attended a public hearing to voice their opinion about the closure of any railroad crossing in the city, specifically on Robinson Street.
Mayor William Isley, Jr. opened the meeting with an explanation of the council’s 12-month study for a potential growth opportunity for the city. He said that he and the council have been entertaining the idea since the city received an offer on some land purchased in the late 1990s.
“The city has gone through six to 12 months of analysis that included a whole lot more alternatives than just closing a railroad crossing,” said Isley.
“As mayor, my job wouldn’t be to just ignore the offer and bend to the pressures to those who are against growth and not, at least, search out the alternatives that would not impact as many people as a closure of a railroad crossing in a neighborhood,” said Isley, “Or a crossing, such as Robinson Street, that is in a neighborhood that is also a through way out of the city.”
Mayor Isley assured concerned citizens that they were there to give their point of view.
“I want you to generalize and broaden your scope of thinking to closing a railroad crossing in the City of Springville,” said Isley.
He also assured citizens that the closure was not the recommendation of the Mayor.
Before public comment began, he asked citizens to comment on the following:
“Is this something the citizens of the city would be in favor of to entice growth here? Not just the impacted area that all of you are here tonight. Would you be in favor of closing any railroad crossing in the city if it meant residential growth?”
Isley assured attendees again that this item of discussion was not on the council’s agenda, but, as Isley described, “for us to get a pulse of the city”.
Isley shared his vision for Springville, which is growth.
“Some people want Springville to be what Springville has always been. I’m one that says that it’s not going to happen. Growth is inevitable.”
He challenged attendees with this question, “Are we going to entice growth in this city for our children and our grandchildren to have a place to live that’s affordable?”
All who spoke did so against the possibility of closing the Robinson Street crossing, as well as any other closings in Springville. Some public comments were focused on the impact of closing the access on emergency response and traffic concerns.
“I would also like to see you work on current traffic problems before you create more by adding more houses to our community,” said resident Kari Clements.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and I have not seen any changes to the roads. I’m part of the growth 30 years ago, but none of the roads have been changed and now you’re wanting to close roads, which will create more traffic.”
Joe Cox, who also is opposed to the closure of Robinson Street or any railroad crossing, said that the crossing is like an artery to the neighborhood.
“That’s a tributary out-spring, in and out,” he said. “It’s an artery. Kind of like your heart, when it stops up. When it closes up, you have to put a stint in it. That is how I relate to this. I, like Kari, the four-way stop is my lifeline. Robinson Street is a main thorough fair to the city.”
After all public comments were made, Mayor Isley made clarifications to some confusion including the comment of the city not improving roads and the city lowering the speed limit, which the Mayor addressed is the responsibility of the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Isley also provided information to attendees on how to contact himself and the city council directly at SpringvilleAlabama.org/city-council.html.
Following the Public Hearing, the Council approved items during their regular meeting:
— Minutes from Oct. 16. Council meeting;
— Ordinance 2017-08 Adoption of 2015 Building Codes;
— Mayor Isley to enter into a contract with Bradley Jones -contractor to replace cabinets/door of city senior center from flood damage totaling $5,200; and
— Resignation of Police Chief Bill Lyle, retiring effective Dec. 31, 2017.