Mayor’s corner

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 10 August 2023 15:43

Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy recently sat down with The Clarion to discuss what’s happening in our city. McCamy started by covering the $600,000 grant recently requested and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. This grant was awarded for environmental assessments. McCamy stated that a community engagement design charette was held from July 31 through August 3. The purpose of this was for public input on downtown development vision for the future and redevelopment plan of Scottsboro Downtown and Willow Street Corridor.

A survey was also done with questions including: How important is the success/revitalization of Willow Street Corridor?; What qualities are important to you for the future development of Willow Street Corridor?; What are the top issues/threats/challenges facing Willow Street Corridor?; What retail would you like to see in Scottsboro’s downtown?; How many times per month do you typically visit businesses in Scottsboro’s Downtown?; What time of the day do you most typically do your shopping (not just in downtown)?; What day of the week do you most frequently shop (not just in downtown)?; Do you travel out of Scottsboro to shop, if so, where and what for what items or activities?; What are the key elements that Willow Street Corridor Redevelopment Plan should focus on?; What are some of the things that are important to you that make Scottsboro’s Downtown unique?; What kind of catalyst development/destination would you like to see in Downtown?; What are the best real world examples of downtowns that reflect the type of place you want Downtown Scottsboro to be?; What changes could be made to help attract more retail/small businesses downtown?; What changes could be made/what suggestions do you have to help attract more customers downtown? Following the survey completion, a plan will be presented to the City Council. McCamy stated that he is excited to see the community’s input on this project.

McCamy also spoke about paving throughout the city. McCamy said that the City of Scottsboro, in conjunction with a project being completed by the Water Sewer and Gas Board, will be paving Ashmore Lane and Scott Street and hope to have the paving completed soon.

When speaking about Highway 72 and County Park Road, McCamy stated, “I appreciate everyone’s patience, including the public and the businesses. It has affected us all, but especially the businesses in that area. The intersection at County Park Road and Highway 72 opened Monday.” McCamy says that once the intersection is open and the light is functioning it is expected that traffic will be moving again. “Signal bases have also been poured at the Whataburger intersection and those signals should be functional by the end of August.

McCamy says that the milling and patch work has already begun at the Highway 35 and Micah Way intersections. The new radius turning onto Micah Way at Chick fil A was also recently cut back. While the intersection changes and signal pole replacement may take a little longer, paving is expected to be complete in about three weeks.

McCamy also stated, “The extended frontage road from Micah to Byron Road, a significant link to road infrastructure in Scottsboro, is expected to open bids on August 24. I am really looking forward to and excited to seeing this project accomplished.”

The paving committee has met and is looking at other city streets to get finished before the end of paving seasons. Additional residential is expected to be completed, and we understand there are plenty of projects that need to be done. We hope to get as much done as possible this paving season, McCamy stated.

When asked about Highway 72 West, McCamy stated that this project is not a city project but is an ALDOT project and should run from Broad Street to Aspel. McCamy stated that Highway 72 East and Highway 40 are also expected to be completed by ALDOT soon.

McCamy stated that he is excited for the future and growth of Scottsboro, “Dunkin Donuts has started construction, Jersey Mikes has their sign up, this means something”, stated McCamy.
McCamy says that the City of Scottsboro continues to work with brokers and recruiters for other retail stores and full-service restaurants looking to come to this area.

by Heather Dohring