By Lee Weyhrich
Five new properties were annexed into the city in the Saddle Ridge and Willow Ridge neighborhoods at the Pinson City Council meeting Thursday.
Three properties were also rezoned, one with some controversy. The owners of the property at the intersection of Blountsville Pinson Road and Jasper Road have asked the city to pre-zone the property as commercial in the event the owners decide to be annexed into Pinson at a later date.
Nearby residents, such as Paula Chandler, fear that a commercial zoning could lead to less-than-desirable businesses, such as junk yards, setting up shop on the land. The land is currently zoned county agricultural.
The council voted to pre-zone the property as Pinson agriculture but to waive the normal one year rezoning waiting period in the event a specific business’ plan is presented. This doesn’t necessarily mean the city will re-rezone the property at that time, Mayor Hoyt Sanders said.
The council voted to amend a previous purchase agreement for land at Oak Street West. The property has become blighted and the seller offered to amend the agreement from $10,000 to $9,400 to cover the city’s expenses in removing debris. The property, once cleared, will become the new entrance to the Pinson park.
The council also renewed the AT&T franchise contract, allowing AT&T to continue providing communications service in the city. The contract gives AT&T access to public right-of-ways. In return, the city receives 5 percent of AT&T’s gross revenue in city limits.
In other news, the council recently donated money to the Pinson Valley Chiefs drum line to help pay for new drums. Kim Vaughn, a representative of the drum line, presented the council with an official letter of thanks and mounted photos of the new equipment. She also announced details on an upcoming band event at the high school. On Saturday, 14 bands, including UAB and the University of Mobile, will compete at the high school. She expects 2,000 to 2,500 people to attend.