Council hears Ben Sanford Boys and Girls Club, Castin’ ‘N Catchin’

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 17 February 2022 12:21

Representatives from the Ben Sanford Boys and Girls Club here in Scottsboro were present at the last City Council meeting, held on Monday, February 7, 2022, to discuss the use of the land where the old Scottsboro Wholesale used to stand. Through an ADECA grant, the City was able to clear and level the site some time back, and because of its proximity to the Boys and Girls Club, it would be an ideal location for a basketball court and a multi-purpose facility to host various activities such as STEM competitions. The clubs compete four times a year, with Scottsboro occasionally hosting these events, and a facility would also allow for large group activities, performing arts or physical education. There was also a mention of outdoor playground equipment. Currently, the Club has been raising money and has received several donations to help achieve this goal. Local businesses have also contributed. If you’d like to participate in helping the Club raise these funds, you can mail check or money order to Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama – Ben Sanford, 309 North Houston Street, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768.

City Attorney Stephen Kennamer stated the land the old wholesale building was built on was actually donated to the city of Scottsboro many years ago by the John Clinton Harris family. He also stated in this regard, it would be a simple matter of the city declaring the property as a surplus and supplying the Club with the deed. This resolution was moved to next week’s meeting.

A rezoning of 10 acres off of Highway 79 was also proposed for the purpose of installing a storage facility for covered boat and RV storage, although the entire facility would not be limited to just those. The owner also plans on putting in open storage. The property would be fenced in, and after confirmation from ALDOT, may require a turning lane. This was sent to the next February 28 Council meeting. The same owner also presented another parcel of land, currently zoned as agricultural and requested the land be re-zoned to allow for a 30×60 metal building for personal use as a C3. This land would also be fenced in with barbed wire at the top. Council moved this to the February 28 meeting as well.

Mr. Lamar Clark of CTS Excavations was present to request the property at 1290 Porter Road, some 9.88 acres, be re-zoned to C4, allowing him to install/expand his shop. Council moved this to the next meeting, where there will be a vote determining whether or not to proceed with a public hearing to address the rezoning.

Roy Light presented the American Rescue Plan funds, sometimes-called hazard pay for essential employees; it is termed hazard to address essential employees who are and have been barraged/exposed to COVID while performing their duties during the pandemic. As it stands right now, all public sector essential employees eligible for premium pay could be receiving up to $3000 each. This was moved to next week’s meeting.

Traffic installations for two locations were discussed as the bids have come in, along with the recommendations from the Bid Committee for the two lowest bids. The first will be installed at U.S. Highway 72/Scottsboro Commons for $230,802.13. The second will be installed at Shops of Scottsboro/Publix development for $311, 366.53. These two installations will be voted on at the next meeting.

A representative for the Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ Charity Tournament was present to request a $5,000 grant from the Tourism Grant Fund. This year, the tournament will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 Goose Pond Bait, Tackle and Grill, 417 Ed Hembree Drive, Scottsboro, Ala. There will also be an angler’s dinner the night before at 6 p.m. at the same location. The tournament is held every year, and all proceeds benefit the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. According to Castin’ ‘N Catchin’’s Facebook page, “Children’s of Alabama Cardiovascular Services division has often been referred to as a heart hospital within a hospital because it represents a five-decade tradition of superior clinical care and research dedicated solely to children. The medical service focuses on making the patient and the family at the center of care. This single platform of care includes surgeons, CVICU, cardiology and many others, including nurses, social workers, child life therapists, counselors, nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists and chaplains.” If you’d like to donate, visit castinncatchin.org, click on contribute and donations and choose your gift amount. You can also select a recurring or tribute gift. To register for the tournament, go to castinncatchin.org and click register.

 

by Martha Smith