Chance to give input on retail development in Huntsville (Madison: 2014, construction)

[MisterEd51]

People have complained about the direction of retail development in Huntsville in these forums. Now there is a chance for them to give their input in a public forum.

"Mayor Tommy Battle announced Wednesday that city planners will host two "citizen academies" next week on economic development. Anyone interested in the future of retail and commercial growth in Huntsville is encouraged to attend."

Like to shop? Two meetings next week could help shape the future of retail in Huntsville | AL.com

[1Simpleman]

I'd love for the development that was suppose to be at the bottom of Chapman mountain to happen. We were suppose to get a Target store and a really cool shopping area there. We could use more stuff out that way on 72 in my opinion.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by 1Simpleman

I'd love for the development that was suppose to be at the bottom of Chapman mountain to happen. We were suppose to get a Target store and a really cool shopping area there. We could use more stuff out that way on 72 in my opinion.

Until aldont builds the 20 year delayed overpasses at Moores Mill and Shields road it most likely wont happen. Instead we get a half ass truck lane going up Chapman mountain which will be poorly lighted poor signing, poor design (just the bare minimum is all you will get) and we are supposed to be happy about it. Thanks to the city for getting at least this after the highway dept delayed all of Huntsville's road projects. Held hostage by the inept highway department.

[Tourian]

Originally Posted by 1Simpleman

I'd love for the development that was suppose to be at the bottom of Chapman mountain to happen. We were suppose to get a Target store and a really cool shopping area there. We could use more stuff out that way on 72 in my opinion.

The focus of the first meeting is to fill existing empty shopping centers, not build new ones - at least. The 2nd seems focused on not letting it happen again. But HSV doesn't control the region, so that seems tough when you've got Madison right there trying to duplicate or out shine everything they put up.

[MisterEd51]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

Until aldont builds the 20 year delayed overpasses at Moores Mill and Shields road it most likely wont happen. Instead we get a half ass truck lane going up Chapman mountain which will be poorly lighted poor signing, poor design (just the bare minimum is all you will get) and we are supposed to be happy about it. Thanks to the city for getting at least this after the highway dept delayed all of Huntsville's road projects. Held hostage by the inept highway department.

You can't put all the blame on ADOT. If you have been following the news then you will know that Alabama is facing a $200 million shortfall for next fiscal year and is struggling to solve it. Remember the next next fiscal year starts on October 1.

Also don't expect any new handouts from the federal government. The Federal Highway Trust Fund just ran out of money. It was shored up by action in Congress but they will probably run short again next year. That should put a damper on any new spending.

If you look at the priorities in road construction in Alabama over the last 30 years you will see that plans and projections don't mean anything until the construction actually starts. Even then you hold your breath until the construction is finished.

[Coogan]

Originally Posted by MisterEd51

You can't put all the blame on ADOT. If you have been following the news then you will know that Alabama is facing a $200 million shortfall for next fiscal year and is struggling to solve it. Remember the next next fiscal year starts on October 1.

Also don't expect any new handouts from the federal government. The Federal Highway Trust Fund just ran out of money. It was shored up by action in Congress but they will probably run short again next year. That should put a damper on any new spending.

When has the lack of money kept the federal government from spending it?

Coog

[madisonresidence]

Originally Posted by Coogan

When has the lack of money kept the federal government from spending it?

Coog

Alabama is one of the states that have the lowest overall tax, with the property tax the second lowest in the USA.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by madisonresidence

Alabama is one of the states that have the lowest overall tax, with the property tax the second lowest in the USA.

And????

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by MisterEd51

You can't put all the blame on ADOT. If you have been following the news then you will know that Alabama is facing a $200 million shortfall for next fiscal year and is struggling to solve it. Remember the next next fiscal year starts on October 1.

Also don't expect any new handouts from the federal government. The Federal Highway Trust Fund just ran out of money. It was shored up by action in Congress but they will probably run short again next year. That should put a damper on any new spending.

If you look at the priorities in road construction in Alabama over the last 30 years you will see that plans and projections don't mean anything until the construction actually starts. Even then you hold your breath until the construction is finished.

we do when they purposely and specifically delay projects that have been approved and fully funded.

[MisterEd51]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

we do when they purposely and specifically delay projects that have been approved and fully funded.

You mean that politicians always deliver on what they promise? In the case of the highway projects they made promises based on projected revenues from the state and federal government. Since the projected revenues for the next several years will probably fall short they have scaled back on what can be realistically accomplished. Sure the federal government can print money when it needs to but states can't. States have to balance their budgets every year. Also unlike the federal government they have to pay back any money they borrow in a timely manner or risk default.

Just look back at the promised highway projects over the last 30 years. A lot of projects fell by the wayside when politically priorities changed. Like I said previously you can't count on anything from the government until it is finished.

I have a feeling that highway projects are not fully funded from the start. Money is allocated in stages. Also money is moved around between projects based in political priorities.