Here is summary of our meeting with the Huntsville City School Board (HCS). Present from BVCA were Pres. Connie Voight, VP Bob Jones, and Michelle Levin Present from HCS were Superintendent Christie Finley, D2 School Board member Beth Wilder, Board legal representative Chris Pape.
Questions
The questions were compiled based on comments and conversations with Blossomwood residents.
Why the secrecy?
Q: Why the secrecy? Why not inform the neighborhood of these plans? A: HCS did not want to catch anyone off guard. However, certain statutory requirements, and other rules, precluded the Board from disclosing their consideration of this purchase before the decision was made to move forward with the purchase.
HCS is governed by the state, and not the city. They are under no obligation to follow city zoning codes. They are currently zoned R1-B and Blossomwood is zoned R1-A. There is not a lot of difference between the two. The purchase was to be revealed at tonight’s Board meeting. HCS understands that trust level is low and they want us to know that they will work to restore that trust.
Why choose this property?
Q: Why choose this property? A: HCS has been looking for the past 18 months for a suitable new location. The current location, the Annie Merts Center, is too big for their current needs. Upkeep has become non-cost effective and the board would rather spend that money on school upgrades and students. They stated that after an exhaustive search, they could find no suitable properties that fell within their budget. They did not, to our knowledge, consult with the city Urban Planner and Development head, Shane Davis.
When do they plan to occupy?
Q: When do they plan to occupy the new location? A: Renovations and upgrades will be ongoing and they plan to occupy in 18-24 months.
How many employees?
Q: How many employees will be at this new location? A: There are approximately 50 employees now at Annie Merts. They plan, over time, to increase this to 70. There are currently 98 parking spots on McClung and HCS has plans to add more.
What about traffic ?
Q: What about traffic throughout the neighborhood, primarily on McClung? What about a traffic study? A: HCS has not conducted a traffic study. Doing so is not in their plans. To help alleviate increased traffic between 7:15-8:15 a.m., they are amenable to instituting staggered arrival times/work hours for employees. This solution has been success on Garth Rd., with Randolph School agreeing to delay starting school until 8:30 a.m.
Planned Changes?
Q: How do they plan on altering the property? A: HCS has retained an architect who will work with them on the renovations to the interior, and exterior of the church. They also plan to remodel the gym; it will no longer be a gym. They have plans to share this information in the coming weeks.
HCS will obtain necessary environmental impact studies, as well as drainage and slope development studies will be undertaken during the due diligence period which started on January 20, 2021. These renovations will include increasing the amount of onsite parking. They anticipate there being no on-street parking. Fencing/barrier will be constructed between the building and private residences.
What about property management?
Q: What about property management? Will landscape and architecture “fit in” with the current vibe of the neighborhood? A: HCS is dedicated in making sure the renovations fit into the neighborhood. HCS would like to work with the Blossomwood Garden Club on new landscaping for the building. They currently feel that the landscaping needs a big overhaul.
We asked about nice fencing, such as wrought iron, being installed to define the property. This is something they will consider. They are dedicated to maintaining the building, and new landscaping. They want the building and landscape to enhance the appearance of the neighborhood. We also discussed the remnants of the old Watts Farm that still exist on the property. They did not know about that, but they know of our desire to keep it intact.
What about maintenance, trash, smoking, etc?
Q: What about overall maintenance, trash, smoking, etc? A: Superintendent Finley is adamant about a clean property. No cigarette butts, no loose trash, and generally keeping things neat and tidy. They will have dumpsters at the rear of the building that will be emptied during business hours.
How can we be more involved?
Q: How can we be more involved? A: Great question! Beginning on February 23 @ 6:00 p.m., your BVCA and School Board will host “Zoom Listening Sessions.” School leadership will present updates at the outset of the meeting. Following, they will take questions from you. To end the session, they will address your questions.
These sessions will take place every three to four weeks. These Zoom sessions are open to all Blossomwood residents, with priority being given to BVCA Members, due to limited attendance. If you would like a membership form, please email us at the address below. We welcome all volunteers, as well! Let us know if you want to be involved.
Contact BVCA
This is a lot of info to absorb. If you have further questions that are not covered here, we invite you to email us at BVCAssociation@gmail.com. Keeping up with questions here is difficult. We will continue to address all questions. Please include your phone number with your email, as we enjoy meeting you, even if it is only over the phone! Stay safe and healthy, neighbors!