Hanceville Council explores downtown revitalization
Published 5:30 am Saturday, May 28, 2016
- The C Street Cafe on Commercial Street is one of a handful of new businesses that have opened recently in downtown Hanceville.
HANCEVILLE — With a string of new businesses opening and a burgeoning farmers market, city leaders are looking ahead for new ways to revive its historic downtown.
The Hanceville City Council is working with the North-central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) to develop a downtown plan to improve blighted properties. On Thursday, the city council agreed to apply for a $30,000 Community Development Block Grant to fund the development of a revitalization plan.
If awarded the grant, Hanceville will have to provide a $3,000 which will be matched by NARCOG, said Joey Hester, director of NARCOG’s regional planning and development commission.
“We’ve done a similar plan for the town of Falkville for its downtown,” Hester said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for Hanceville. You can leverage that plan when you apply for other grants because ADECA (Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs) likes to see that you already have one in place.”
A public hearing on the plan will be held in June.
Downtown Hanceville has undergone a flurry of activity in recent months.
A farmers market has been established for vendors to bring produce they grow to sell every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Mayor Kenneth Nail and his sister Brenda Carter have just opened the C Street Cafe on Commercial Street which is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch.
At 10 a.m. June 2, the eatery will host a ribbon cutting ceremony, and new downtown businesses will hold open houses and tours as well that day.
A beauty salon has also opened nearby with a loft apartment overhead. Property owner Nolan Bradford said he’s had inquiries recently from others about renting loft apartments downtown.
“The interest is definitely there,” he said. “The salon has been so busy she’s looking to expand next door.”
In other business, the Hanceville City Council:
* Approved bills payable.
* Approved $25,000 invoice from the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation (AMIC) for deductible related to lawsuit settlement.
* Approved $200 for ad in upcoming Hanceville Quarterback Club program and sign on football field fence.
* Discussed paving of Forest Drive. After spending $7,900 for an emergency repair to Hopewell Drive, the city only has $15,053 left in its paving budget. The only responsive bidder submitted a quote of $18,900.
* Approved soliciting bids on a portion of the former Romine’s Building downtown with the right to reject any and all bids. The last day to submit a bid on the property will be 4:30 p.m. June 9 and the bids will be opened later at the 7 p.m. meeting.
* Reviewed bank accounts balance sheet.
* Approved minutes from May 12 and May 19 council meeting.
The Hanceville City Council will hold a work session 6:30 p.m. June 9, followed by its meeting at 7 p.m. The downtown committee will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. June 13.
* Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.