By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



Gardendale city workers and members of the Greater Garendale Chamber of Commerce got a glimpse this week of things to come for the city.

Mayor Kenny Clemons delivered his 11th state of the city address Thursday at the chamber’s luncheon at the Gardendale Civic Center.

During his presentation, Clemons said he and the council had goals they were working toward in terms of the city’s progress.

“I’m a goal oriented person,” he said. “As long as you have something to work toward, that’s where you want to be.”

At least one of those goals includes the forthcoming Publix supermarket, to be located on Odum Road where Goody’s and Dollar Tree are located. Clemons said those two stores would move down to the south end of the shopping center, near Hobby Lobby.

The mayor also mentioned that he had met with engineers this week about a possible hospital site, in addition to what he referred to as “three of the top companies in the south” looking at Gardendale for a possible project.

“I’m excited about where we’re going,” he said.

Other improvements will include an ambitious sidewalk project that will connect sidewalks on Main Street, Odum Road and Fieldstown Road. “It’ll be something we’ll really get a lot out of,” Clemons said.

The mayor also touched on other needed improvements in the city, including an expansion of the city’s overcrowded Martha Moore public library. The city has applied for a $1 million grant to expand the facility.

“We’ve got to have this for our citizens,” Clemons said. “We have the plans, the place to put it and now we just need the money.”

Recent improvements to the city’s educational facilities were also pointed out, including the building of a $50 million high school, in addition to a $2 million field house project under way at the high school’s football field. Clemons said it was the cooperation of the city, the county and the Jefferson County Board of Education that enabled the projects to happen.

He also noted the efforts of the city council, the city’s 130 paid employees and more than 100 volunteers that serve on the city’s various boards and committees.

“I appreciate what they’ve done and we are where we are today because of it,” he said. “Our goal is not ourselves, but our goal is the city of Gardendale.”