HUNTSVILLE – The first public meetings the City of Huntsville held regarding the rehabilitation of what was once the public housing area of Butler Terrace, Butler Terrace Addition and Johnson Towers on the western ridge of downtown were applauded as successful by city officials.
The city obviously hopes Round 2 can produce similar results with a Wednesday gathering at the Boys & Girls Club in regards to what is the Mill Creek project. The meeting, hosted by city officials including those from the Huntsville Housing Authority, are for all interested residents and is the final scheduled meeting for input from citizens.
“This transformational project will have far-reaching benefits for all corners of the city,’’ said Scott Erwin, community development manager for the city. “We had some informative and engaging stakeholder meetings last month, and we hope people will take advantage of the opportunity to learn more.’’
The neighborhood and resident meeting will be 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the club at 125 Earl St. Attendees can view renderings, provide input and hear short presentations.
This will be the final scheduled public meeting prior to the submission of a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant that could provide up to $50 million in federal funding for the project. The grant deadline is in February.
Wednesday’s meeting was preceded by a series of meetings with specific stakeholder groups – from current residents and neighboring businesses to Huntsville Hospital.
After the most recent public sessions, officials came away confident plans are moving in the right direction.
“The meetings were productive, and we received some valuable feedback from the public,” Erwin said then. “This is a transformational project that presents myriad positive opportunities for residents as well as private investors.”
According to the city, the Mill Creek transformation plan proposes up to 750 residential units with a mix of market rate, Housing Authority, workforce and senior housing. It also includes pedestrian-oriented shopping focused on the Governors Drive and Clinton Avenue corridors.
The plan also calls for updates to infrastructure, including utilities and a new street plan. Additions of green space, neighborhood parks and the restoration of the creek as a neighborhood amenity are also prescribed.
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