Space Command announcement up in the air
The commander of U.S. Space Command, Gen. Dickinson, is reportedly “massaging the message.” What that means is open to interpretation but Dickinson has long been considered to be somewhat reluctant to embrace the Rocket City. The decision, however, rests with the Secretary of the Air Force.
Country tribute at VBC
Word is the VBC will play host to another tribute concert to a country music legend. Expect an announcement soon with a big list of stars.
Speaking of concerts
If you weren’t one of the lucky Taylor Swift fans to snag tickets to her upcoming Eras Tours, start tuning into 104.3 WZYP. Steve Smith tells us the Top 40 station will have more tickets to give away as we get closer to her Nashville concert dates next spring.
Replacing Dale Strong
Now that Dale Strong is preparing to go to Washington, talk of who might replace him is heating up. Gov. Ivey will make an appointment to fill out the remaining two years on his term. Former Speaker Mac McCutcheon, Madison County Commissioners Phil Vandiver and Phil Riddick have thrown their hats into the ring.
Joining Dale Strong
Speaking of rumors on all things Strong, word is that a high profile local reporter will be joining his team soon to handle communications.
Nightlife in Huntsvegas
Downtown Huntsville should be getting some new nightlife in 2023. A liquor license is in the works to convert another building on Washington Street in to multiple nightlife concepts.
On thin ice
Our unpredictable local weather has wreaked havoc on the ice rink at the Orion causing several closings. However, we hear the Snow Globe Igloos have been the hit of the Christmas season and people are already asking to book for next year.
Higher rates, lower construction
North Alabama’s economy is considered to be resilient when compared to other parts of the country but we are not immune to higher interest rates. Local governments from Florence to Madison County to Scottsboro are all reporting declines in building permits and new construction inspections.
Razing buildings to raise buildings
2023 will also see plans solidify for the Butler Terrace project in the Stovehouse/Lowe Mill area. The older portions of public housing have come down and plans are to replace it with a mix of market rate and HUD-subsidized units featuring top of the line amenities. And, of course, there will be restaurant and small shop space.
Town Madison booming
The wins keep coming for Town Madison. The 563-acre development will soon also be home to an Edgar’s Bakery and a Homewood Suites. The addition of the latest hotel brings the total number of hotels in the development to five.
Scottsboro’s growing pains
Scottsboro’s population is growing and homes are needed, the mayor said, but some residents fear rezoning for more houses would lower their property values. Currently, there are only 55 houses on the market in the city and 33 in Jackson County. The city council is voting next month on allowing a landowner to sell his property for a 100-home subdivision; the houses would cost between $250,000 and $300,000.
