Looking ahead: Growth on horizon for Hartselle, surrounding area

By Staff Reports  

Leaders in the City of Hartselle are looking ahead and planning for future growth as plans for capital improvement projects get underway.  

Among those planned projects are a new library and fire station, according to Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison, who said properties for both projects are being sought now.  

“The city already has an architect for the library project and design can begin as soon as the location is decided,” Garrison said. “(We) are searching for property for the fire station build currently. I would think those two projects could see groundbreaking later in the year.” Garrison said a $14.5 million bond issue will fund these two projects.  

Work has already begun on a project that will see $1.6 million worth of upgrades made to Sparkman Park, including the replacement of athletic field lighting as well improvements to the walking track, tennis courts and restroom upgrades.  

An ATRIP II project will fund alternative turn lanes on U.S. 31 this year. The city is contributing $700,000 to this $2.2 million project. 

“The Highway 31 access management project should kickoff in February,” Garrison said, adding two additional projects, one on Lando Cain Road and another sidewalk project on the north and south sides of Sparkman Street are in their preliminary engineering phases.  

These renovations and upgrades will help draw people to the City of Southern Hospitality as it continues to grow, Garrison said.  

“I believe Hartselle will continue to benefit from the growth in Madison and Limestone County. Our school system continues to be a big draw for folks moving into a new area, as well as the quality of life, including cost of living, safety, availability of services and recreational facilities offered here in Hartselle,” he added. “Residential developments will continue; the new Crestline will also encourage more folks moving into the North Alabama area to look at Hartselle. Retail growth will continue as population increases and improvements to infrastructure continue as well. 

“Industrial growth should continue in Morgan Business Center as Cerrowire comes online,” Garrison continued. “If we are able to get approval to add another interstate ramp at Bethel Road, I believe this will encourage residential development in that area as well.”  

Priceville 

Retail recruiting, a new Event Center and sewer improvements highlight the 2023 plans for Priceville, Mayor Sam Heflin said. The new $7 million, 26,000-square-foot Event Center is scheduled to open next to City Hall in January, Heflin said. 

The city is planning a $1.7 million improvement to the sewer system this year, he said. The Decatur-area Metropolitan Planning Organization is planning improvements to Skidmore, Bethel and Cave Springs roads. 

Priceville recently received a $997,000 state grant, which requires an 80-20 split between the state and city, for sidewalks in the city. Heflin said a priority during the new year will be recruiting new retail businesses to the town. 

Falkville  

Capital improvement projects including a drainage and sewer work will be completed this year in the Town of Falkville.  

Mayor Ken Winkles said a project that will see the widening and resurfacing of a half mile portion of Culver Road through a Rebuild Alabama grant is ongoing now. The grant funds totaled $225k with a local match of $100k  

Winkles said the town also received a CDBG grant for the east side of town in the amount of $350k for a $450k project and an ARC grant that will complete phase II of the sewer and drainage work later this year.  

Businesses are also coming to town, according to Winkles. Nate’s Western Wear is moving its location to Falkville from Eva and Apple’s Florist will reopen on Railroad Street. Overall, Winkles said the future looks bright for the Town of Falkville.  

“We’ve got a lot of potential growth out at the interstate, there’s a whole lot of land available for sale right now,” Winkles added. “There are not enough residents in Falkville to support some things, but I think the last ALDOT study I read 45,000 cars a day travel through Falkville on I-65. Let’s let them come and shop with us and support our town.”  

Bayne Hughes contributed to this report.