Huntsville/Madison Development News (Birmingham, Union: earthquake, cemetery, cheap)

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by ronmissildine

Is there any reason the railway from Downtown to South Huntsville, that parallels the Parkway, couldn't be developed into light rail?

Economics is probably the main reason. Huntsville is neither large enough or dense enough for a rail system to pay for itself. If there was a system, it would be to the Arsenal or Research Park, not downtown. Not many use the existing bus system, which lags well behind similar size towns. Much larger cities, like Cincinnati, Nashville, and Memphis don't have light rail, so I think it'll be several generations before it's seen here.

At one time there was a proposal for a maglev demonstration project from the airport area to either downtown or the Arsenal, but it never went anywhere.

[FCEddie]

If we are wishing for stuff, then I'd like to see ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) team in Huntsville, instead of the SPHL.

Heck, AHL and then NHL in 2028.

Also, I'd like to see Frank Pepe's New Haven pizza open up a place in Athens.

Also, for Athens State to get a sports program.

I'd also like more bike paths, and better roads for driving and bike riding.

I've got a lot on my wish list

[guinb]

Originally Posted by RocketDawg

Economics is probably the main reason. Huntsville is neither large enough or dense enough for a rail system to pay for itself. If there was a system, it would be to the Arsenal or Research Park, not downtown. Not many use the existing bus system, which lags well behind similar size towns. Much larger cities, like Cincinnati, Nashville, and Memphis don't have light rail, so I think it'll be several generations before it's seen here.

At one time there was a proposal for a maglev demonstration project from the airport area to either downtown or the Arsenal, but it never went anywhere.

As self-driving technology continues to improve and become more widespread the need for light rail will diminish. I think now would be a foolish time for any city, especially one the size of Huntsville, to make such a large investment. 20 years from now it is not hard to imagine self driving buses or personal transport that can be summoned with a few taps on a smartphone. Large, expensive trains with a limited service area will be obsolete.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by guinb

As self-driving technology continues to improve and become more widespread the need for light rail will diminish. I think now would be a foolish time for any city, especially one the size of Huntsville, to make such a large investment. 20 years from now it is not hard to imagine self driving buses or personal transport that can be summoned with a few taps on a smartphone. Large, expensive trains with a limited service area will be obsolete.

Yep a fleet of 4-5 electric busses that would focus on the high density areas would be more efficient and cheaper.

[AU HSV]

Pier 88 Boiling Seafood and Bar coming soon at Old Monrovia and University.
Also Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar

[David1502]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

Pier 88 Boiling Seafood and Bar coming soon at Old Monrovia and University.
Also Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar

Thanks for the news. From the Pier 88 Boiling Seafood website, the street address is 5850 University Dr. which is the Best Buy/Office Depot/Home Goods shopping center. Therefore, they must be planning on going into the building on the east side where Foot Action is located.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by David1502

Thanks for the news. From the Pier 88 Boiling Seafood website, the street address is 5850 University Dr. which is the Best Buy/Office Depot/Home Goods shopping center. Therefore, they must be planning on going into the building on the east side where Foot Action is located.

Mid City is having a drastic positive impact on the entire area. Believe there are two vacant storefront in that standalone, Too bad they cant demolish that Chevron and build on that corner.
Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is also a very popular eatery, (Drew Brees investor co-owner) location haven't heard yet

[dwhisent]

They're moving dirt on Lime Quarry Road, right across from the Golf Pro shop, behind the old Intergraph Building 30. Anyone know what is going on there?

Lots of dirt moving for Duluth Trading on Graphics Drive, and the Home2Suites is coming along nicely.

[Mayor of the Trailerhood]

Originally Posted by RocketDawg

It's for appearances sake. Many towns a quarter the size of Huntsville have better skyines. There's not a single high-rise building in Madison County, unless you want to count the dynamic test tower on the Arsenal. For that matter, there's only one skyscraper in the entire state, and it's in Mobile.

Regarding your other point, there's not a lot of vacant land left downtown.

It's not terribly relevant, since we seem to like sprawl here, but some years ago Tallahassee determined that to counteract suburban sprawl, they would build up instead of out. And it seems to have worked. Totally different town of course, with slower growth, but it can be done if the desire is there, and I don't really think it is by out city fathers.

I think the reason Huntsville hasn't grown taller is because the vast majority of companies and employment locations are on Redstone Arsenal or Research Park. You can actually see this during rush hours ... in the morning, the heaviest traffic is going away from downtown instead of toward, and the opposite in the afternoons.

Underground caves is reason we have been told no tall buildings being built.

[Mayor of the Trailerhood]

Originally Posted by FCEddie

If we are wishing for stuff, then I'd like to see ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) team in Huntsville, instead of the SPHL.

Heck, AHL and then NHL in 2028.

Also, I'd like to see Frank Pepe's New Haven pizza open up a place in Athens.

Also, for Athens State to get a sports program.

I'd also like more bike paths, and better roads for driving and bike riding.

I've got a lot on my wish list

And good pizza, Right Eddie?