Planning group OKs plan to annex property

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The availability of prime land for commercial development inside the city of Hartselle received a boost last week when the Planning Commission unanimously accepted a petition for the annexation of 35 acres from seven property owners on Highway 36 East.
The request also seeks B-1 (commercial, local shopping) for the property.
Hartselle's City Council approved publishing the legal description of the land last night. That publication is expected to occur next week in the Enquirer. The annexation and zoning could be voted on as soon as the June 14 City Council meeting.
All of the land is located on the north side of Highway 36, from Francis Road to I-65 and most of it fronts on Highway 36. It is identified in the city's updated comprehensive plan as "priority one" for annexation and is recommended for zoning that will facilitate commercial development.
Bob and Dixie Francis are owners of 28 acres. Other property owners are Brenda Alvis, Sharon Sircy, Joyce Blankenship, Kevin Corum and Mary Douglas.
Six of the seven planning commission members present supported the petition. The council's representative, Bill Drake, abstained. Voicing opposition from the audience were Angela Ricks, who rents property from one of the petitioners, and Katerina Tucker O'Linger, an adjoining property owner.