Answers to Questions at the Fall Potluck
At the Fall Potluck on September 23, a list of questions was presented to Councilman David Little. Below is a summary of the questions and the responses (in italics) from the City of Huntsville:
Tollgate Greenway
One question asked for information about the completion of the Tollgate Greenway.
The Tollgate Greenway Trail is projected to be completed in approximately six months (February target date). When completed, the greenway will be an eight-foot-wide paved trail. It will not be divided, but signage will indicate two-way traffic.
Slope Development
Several questions dealt with concerns over slope development.
The City of Huntsville’s subdivision and zoning regulations set strict limits on development in steep slope areas. Engineering staff carefully review grading, drainage, and blasting proposals to ensure runoff is managed and erosion hazards are minimized. Under current standards, the west slope is considered “undevelopable” due to the risks of uncontrolled runoff and erosion.
Future Geotechnical Advances - While construction technology may evolve, projects in slope areas will still be subject to the City’s review processes and regulations. Any proposal must demonstrate that it does not create flooding, slope instability, or safety hazards for the surrounding neighborhood. New techniques cannot bypass City oversight.
Future Administrations and Policy Shifts - Residents are correct that priorities can shift over time. However, the Planning Department enforces policies through codes and ordinances. Any change to these would require a public process; including Planning Commission and City Council review, with opportunities for citizen input.
Potential Incremental Sale of Subdivided Parcels - Staff evaluate not only individual projects but also cumulative impacts on drainage, traffic, and neighborhood character. The City works closely with civic associations such as Blossomwood Valley and Monte Sano to remain aware of residents’ concerns as projects arise.
Long-Term Protections - Deed restrictions can provide limited private protections, typically placed by landowners and enforced by property owners’ associations. For broader and more permanent protection, tools such as conservation easements or City acquisition are more effective. The Land Trust of North Alabama, for example, has partnered with the City in the past to preserve critical areas of Monte Sano.
Transit Service
A couple of questions asked about transit service between the Transit Center and Monte Sano, and between the Transit Center and the Huntsville International Airport.
At this time, there are no plans to expand transit service to Monte Sano. It would be helpful to know which specific location in Monte Sano residents feel would best serve a potential route. During the most recent strategic planning community engagement sessions, no requests for Monte Sano service were received.
Transit has considered a route to the airport, but recent community engagement showed little interest. Instead, a greater need was identified for service to businesses near the airport to support workers. A draft of proposed Route 100 (attached) addresses this need. The new transit center does not have capacity for long-term parking; it was designed to serve staff and daily passengers only.