Huntsville Housing Invites Public Input on Mill Creek Development
After receiving approval from the city council for the Mill Creek development plan, housing leaders in Huntsville, Alabama, conducted three public meetings to gather input from the community.
Residents like Caylah Kortering, who lives in Butler Terrace, expressed their eagerness for change in their neighborhood. She emphasized the need for improvements, stating, “You can only put so much duct tape on a building that was built in the 50s. It just boils down to the kids in the community having a safer place and a better educational opportunity.”
Mill Creek is seen as the catalyst for these desired changes. The development is slated to introduce 750 rental units within the area enclosed by I-565, Memorial Parkway, Bob Wallace Avenue, and Triana Boulevard.
Scott Erwin, the Community Development Manager, highlighted the project’s inclusivity by catering to individuals at various income levels. He acknowledged the rising rent prices and stressed the importance of offering housing options for everyone.
Housing leaders have been careful to ensure that the project won’t negatively impact current public housing tenants. Erwin and Antonio McGinnis, the Executive Director of the Huntsville Housing Authority, emphasized that residents currently living in Johnson Tower or Butler Terrace won’t be displaced. They aim to provide residents with accommodations within the neighborhood, allowing for demolitions and rebuilding without off-site relocations.
McGinnis assured, “As long as they are good tenants, they will have the opportunity to return to this neighborhood if they choose to do so.”
Looking ahead, the leaders are focused on securing $50 million in grant funding for the project, with the goal of completing construction within the next decade.
Johnathan Kash, a resident of Butler Terrace, welcomed the idea of a longer timeline as long as the final result lives up to expectations. He emphasized the importance of creating a beautiful and safe neighborhood for families.
Leaders remain committed to their phased approach, aiming to transition residents gradually to new buildings to minimize disruptions, with the belief that residents should only need to move once.
