By Nathan Prewett
LEEDS – A series of resurfacing and other road projects to be done by the Alabama Department of Transportation was approved at a regular meeting of the Leeds City Hall on Monday, Oct. 16.
Before the projects were discussed, the meeting began with a public hearing on a rezoning request on 1400 7th Court in which no one spoke for or against. The owners requested that it be rezoned from I-2 or industrial district to T-4 or General Urban Transect Zone.
Public Works Director Brad Watson said that the property owners will use the building as an office building and artist studio. The building had been home to Rock Wool Manufacturing Co.
Leeds Mayor David Miller complimented the effort, saying that it will be good for the city in terms of business and environment.
“It’s industrial right now, so anytime you can turn a piece of property into general business, I consider that an upgrade,” he commented. “It had an old smokestack on it, it was a real bad polluter, and this is a chance to reclaim that property for something a little cleaner, especially since it’s downtown.”
Afterwards the hearing turned to a property on 7580 Cahaba Ave. that was under consideration to be determined a nuisance. Similar to the previous hearing no one spoke for or against it and it was passed by the council during the regular meeting.
Following this a number of road and traffic related resolutions were passed, beginning with amending traffic controls at Katherine St. and Lynn Ave. Miller said that there was a stop sign that had been in the wrong place and so the resolution was passed to remove it.
The council approved resolutions for ALDOT to resurface roads and install a traffic light in the city. The projects will be paid for by ALDOT. The following are included:
- S. 78 (Parkway Dr.) resurface
- SR-25 (Dunnavant Road, Part of Parkway Drive, Part of 9th St, Whitmire St, Ashville Rd to St Clair Co. line) resurface
- Traffic Signal at I-20 EB/US 78 (Parkway Dr.)
The council also approved traffic control measures at Exit 140 from I-20 where the construction of the Leeds Buc-ee’s location continues to progress. The city will pay $62,000 for the project but will be reimbursed through the Rebuild Alabama Act.
Towards the end of the meeting, nominations were held for mayor pro tempore. Newly elected council member DeVoris Ragland-Pierce nominated Kenneth Washington, who was approved unanimously.
During the public comments, a resident who did not state her name expressed concern about an aggressive dog on her street. Miller stated that the matter will be looked into.
In other business, the council:
- Authorized a lockbox banking service from BBVA,
- Approved an alcohol license to Krupalu LLC, trade name S and K Food Mart,
- Approved a tax fund request by a taxpayer in the city who had overpaid, and
- Renewed service by Alliance Insurance Group in relation to providing flexible spending accounts by city employees.
A copy of the agenda packet for this meeting can be seen on the Leeds City website.
The next meeting of the Leeds City Council will be held at City Hall on December 7 at 6 p.m. Leeds City Hall is located at 1412 9th St.