Development News for Fort Payne, Alabama

New Alcohol Licenses Approved for Indoor Golf Facility and Convenience Store

The council approved two alcohol license applications. The first was for Pace of Play Indoor Golf LLC, owned by Ronald Whittingham Jr., for a new on-premise beer and wine license at 100 8th Street. The second approval was for a change of ownership for South End Market, owned by Shahar Krupa LLC, for an off-premise beer and wine license at 1022 G Avenue South. Both applications received unanimous approval from the council.

Fort Payne Council Approves Four-Way Stop on Alabama Avenue to Combat Speeding

The council discussed and ultimately decided to implement a four-way stop at the intersection of 16th Street and Alabama Avenue North to address speeding issues. This decision was made after considering various solutions including speed tables, radar signs, and traffic humps, with the four-way stop being identified as the quickest and easiest process. Additionally, the need for more radar signs across the city was discussed, with a preference for solar-powered units. The discussion also touched upon the potential for increased traffic on Forest Avenue if Alabama Avenue is made safer.

City Accepts ALDOT's Offer for Rec Center Property for Wallace Avenue Project

ALDOT is proceeding with acquiring rights-of-way for a project on Wallace Avenue that involves constructing an arrestor bed near the curve off Highway 35. As part of this project, ALDOT is offering to purchase the rec center and adjacent properties (two houses north, two houses south). 8th Street will remain open for emergency vehicle access. ALDOT has made an offer to the city for the land and improvements, with the potential for eminent domain if an agreement isn't reached. The council discussed the offer, including a small additional sliver of land, and ultimately voted to accept ALDOT's offer, deeming it fair and strategically necessary.

Enforcement of Ordinance Barring Council Members from Paid Boards Under Discussion

The council discussed an existing ordinance (Section 225 A and B, dating back to 1988) that prohibits city council members and the mayor from serving on paid boards, unless specifically required by that board. While the ordinance exists, it has reportedly been violated repeatedly. The council debated whether to create a new ordinance or simply enforce the existing one more strictly. There was a general consensus that council members should not serve on paid boards, but concerns were raised about the legality and enforceability of such an ordinance, particularly in light of previous difficulties with term limits and statutorily created entities. Ultimately, the decision leaned towards adhering to and enforcing the current ordinance.