By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala.–The Leeds City Council voted to hire a consultant to evaluate and make a plan to expand the Leeds historic district during its meeting on Monday, Nov. 4.
Leeds Main Street Director Kristy Biddle requested that the council enlist Paragon Heritage to evaluate and expand the historic district.
Biddle said that she learned that there was an attempt to expand the district in 2001 but it did not come to fruition, though there were tax credit and grant funding available to the existing historic district and has been assisting the new property owners with obtaining those.
She explained that she reached out to the Alabama Historical Commission to see about expanding into the Parkway area to help the property owners there as well.
“It says expansion but it’s more of an overlay,” Biddle said. “A separate historic district because this one is transportation, the other one under advisement from the Alabama Historical Commission–they said we should do a commercial district overlay.”
She said that the Main Street program has reached out to a consultant to work with the commission to get Parkway to be included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Councilor Angie Lotta said that she was aware of some historical designations placing restrictions on buildings in regard to upgrades and renovations and asked Biddle if the register would do that, to which Biddle said that it would not.
The request was approved unanimously.
Prior to that, the council approved the transfer of the GFL franchise agreement to Waste Management. Eco South had previously been the city’s disposal service until Waste Management purchased the GFL.
Mayor David Miller said that services for residents will remain the same–those being cans, routes, schedules, and most of the trucks.
“This action was not initiated by the City of Leeds, but it was a corporate takeover with the purchase of GFI by [Waste Management],” said a press release later sent out from the City of Leeds. “There was no advance warning for the city to notify anyone in advance and the action was effective immediately.”
The press release said that garbage customers will need to reach out to Waste Management to set up their accounts, which can be done by calling 866-971-2260 or visiting the website at https://wm.com. Anyone who encounters issues and cannot reach Waste Management may file a complaint with this form at https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfLeeds1/HouseholdTrashServiceIssue.
Additionally, Miller recounted a ribbon cutting held that morning for the new children’s playground at Leeds Memorial Park. He said that it is now “100%” ADA compliant and is upgraded with additional features, including safety features.
“You’ll be proud of it if you get a chance to drop by and see it,” Miller said. “It’s really impressive.”
In other business the council:
- Approved a liquor license for Izumi on 1619 Ashville Road,
- Waived an occupational tax penalty for a local taxpayer,
- Adopted and ratified the city expenditures and payables for July and August, and
- Authorized a tax compromise agreement with a municipal taxpayer.
Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
