Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 5 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Mayor: City making progress
Johnson says local projects well under way
Published Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mayor Earl Johnson said that by this time next year, the current city administration will be “closing in” on the major goals it set for the city.
Johnson made his “state of the city” comments at a meeting last night that marked the completion of this administration’s first year in office.
“I believe that the first year of this quadrennium (2008-2009) has been highly successful, and I look forward to the next with great excitement and anticipation,” the mayor said. “By this time next year, we will be closing in on the completion of the River Falls Street project and advancements on every other major goal we have set for our city.”
Johnson said this administration quickly set as its top priority the rehabilitation of River Falls Street, and with funding in place, is almost ready to let bids on the project. Other goals included establishing a cultural arts center in the old Church Street School and improving recreational facilities.
Johnson said securing grant funding for River Falls Street was a key in getting the projects moving. Once $1.5 million had been secured, the city began working with Merchant Capital to secure the necessary matching funds for this project, as well as funding for other projects. The result was a $6 million bond issue that will be repaid over a 25-year period.
As work began on this project, the city took advantage of an opportunity to purchase the 35 acres of the old Alatex Mill property.
“Coupled with the plans for River Falls Street, the acquisition of the Alatex site represents a major commitment of the city of Andalusia to revitalize a crumbling section of our city,” Johnson said. “Currently, we are working with an engineering firm to develop a highest, best-use conceptual plan for the Alatex site. We visualize a small, mixed-use, “boutique” industrial park that would be friendly to the neighborhood.”
He said he also hopes to “memorialize the generations of working men and women who toiled there” with some sort of tribute on the site.
But the council’s most important goal was to promote harmony and productivity among elected officials, department heads and employees, he said.
“We agreed that we must work together not only to move Andalusia forward, but also to ensure success and to set an example,” Johnson said. “We each know that we may disagree on any given topic. But we have resolved that we will not let any difference stop us from doing what is best for Andalusia.
“As we sit around the table discussing our plans, problems and dreams, I see the value in diversity and perspective. Each member of this council has a very important role in governing the city of Andalusia. I think each of you for your insight and applaud your willingness to serve.
“As we look forward, I would like to remind you that we must not rest,” Johnson said. “No matter how much pride we take in the accomplishments of the past year, we must never let up our relentless pursuit of greatness. We must never lose sight of the awesome responsibility that rests in our hands. As you know, a city will die without leadership, direction and guidance. It is our responsibility to provide the leadership that will be the spark that ignites the fire of greatness.”
Council members also shared thoughts about the first year of office.
The council also:
• Approved a flood damage prevention ordinance.
• Agreed to give $500 to the Andalusia High School Peer Helpers Club to help fund a game show-style program on drug and alcohol awareness.
• Appointed Sue Bass Wilson to the Downtown Development Authority.
• Announced openings on the Andalusia Public Library Board and the South Alabama Regional Airport Authority.
Comments
Posted by jujaphillips (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 6:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There should be a Dairy Queen inside the botique in memory of Mr. Faulkner and where all the visitors could taste the good stuff!! Another good contact for what to include would be Ottis Reynolds. Try and get some input from the retirees that are still living as what to include in the memorial. Jimmy has a room full at the DQ. I appreciate Earl Johnson and his leadership. Makes me proud to come for a visit and see the improvements. Maybe Dunson Street could be a next project. Thanks.
Posted by AndalusiaWatcher (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Morning Andalusia! In reading this news article I recall when young Earl Johnson was in Andalusia High School and a young eager new attorney in the old Historic Prestwood, Prestwood, & Prestwood law firm and building. You can bet he will put forth an 'extra' effort and zeal with this project of Riverfalls Street and the Alatex which touched nearly every life for decades in Andalusia and its "roots". It will be an area that all will be PROUD of when and during it's completion that memorializes not only the workers and employees, but their families and the entire existence of Andalusia itself more than any one thing ever to exist here.
It is my hope and desire that the Mayor and the people or committee thats helps will not forget the 'history' of Riverfalls Street and the area as well as 'tribute' to the Alatex. Just wanted to "Commend" the Progress Mayor!
Posted by nmewarlok (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
<rant - strictly an opinion>
Don't we have better things to spend tax money -- or rather go in DEBT for -- other than a memorial? Business, yes. Fix roads, yes. All for revitalizing River Falls St in a constructive way, however a memorial seems like a great waste of money that could be better reinvested somewhere else. Sounds about like all those lights on the bypass that light up a whole lot of nothing for about a mile, or the lights on Three Notch that , while they look pretty, do not serve any other purpose and cost a small fortune to install, with an additional monthly retainer (electricity to light up nowhere). I can literally read a book without interruption with the light starting at Autozone and taking the long route to the square! Where was this revitalizing idea for RIver Falls St when all that waste was, and actually still is, going on. I dont know, perhaps i am way off base, im always open to someone elses point of view!
</rant>
Posted by rlb1940 (anonymous) on November 4, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A good valid question, but I'm sure the "Memorial" will be at the later end of the much needed revitalization project, the 'icing on the cake'. The proposed and much wanted Memorial will probaly have private input with private funds like the (Brick Pavers) and many others things available for family members such as been done at LBW park and Andalusia's Beautiful Public Square and many other places.
Also, donated pictures and other artifacts from the past will be provided like at the Historical Museum 'down in the bottom'. I propose that due to your concern and others concerns that the Mayor authorize a Riverfalls/Alatex committee much like the Downtown Committee was when the Square was redone several years ago of participants that have a 'hands on' knowlege' of the history of the area being revitalized and the Alatex itself...........
Posted by bubba (anonymous) on November 8, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where does the 'Wilbur C.Williams' memorial training facility factor in? Almost a half-million dollars spent on something as ridiculous as this at a time like this. But, this is something a council and mayor will have to worry about a few years down the road when the bond has to be paid.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)