200 + Gather to hear Update on Northern Beltline in Palmerdale

By Cathy Leslie

 Brian Davis, Third Division Engineer for Alabama’s Department of Transportation spoke to a crowd of over 250 area residents who gathered at Palmerdale Homestead Community Center.  The topic; the Northern Beltline.Those attending the meeting were encouraged to ask questions by writing them on provided index cards in which Davis responded to in the meeting. 

History

Davis reviewed the history of the Beltline. He said ALDOT began working on the project and purchasing right of way acquisitions in April 2005. In August 2005 the Federal Highway Administration ordered a stoppage but 10—12 tracks had already been purchased. They were allowed to continue at the end of September

The rest of the story can be found in the February 16 issue.

Mayor of Center Point Responds to Comments made by Clay City Officials

By Cathy Leslie

Recently, a public meeting was held by Clay city officials to explain to residents why they should continue moving forward in forming their own school system and pulling out of the Jefferson County School system.  The meeting was reported on in the Clay and Pinson News. In the meeting Mayor Charles Hart and Councilor Benny Grissom as well as some Clay residents made what’s deemed by many, as negative comments, with specific references to Huffman, Eastlake and Center Point. One such recorded comment was made by Clay Mayor Charles Hart who said, “We don't want to be another Huffman, Eastlake or Center Point.” The tape of the public meeting was picked up by ABC/3340’s Ebony Hall who appeared at a Clay City Council meeting to question Hart about some of the things that were said on the tape. Center Point Mayor Tom Henderson responded to questions from the Pinson News editor February 13, regarding the statements that were made by Clay officials. After listening to the recording of the public meeting Mayor  Henderson submitted the following in response to the questions by the News.

Mayor Henderson responds:

     Since Center Point became a City in 2002 we have made tremendous strides in rebuilding Center point’s image and reputation to a high level. Because of the work that has been done to move the City of Center Point and the schools forward and to build pride in our city it is very disturbing that statements have been made in a City of Clay public meeting that, on the surface demean the City of Center Point, its citizens and the schools.

Pick up a copy of the February 16 Pinson News to read the entire letter along with the letter of apology from Mayor Hart.

Policy Change warranted for Viewing Public Documents At City Hall

By News Staff

Pinson’s Mayor Hoyt Sanders has agreed that a revision of the public record viewing policy needs to be amended. The News recently requested to view a public document on file at Pinson City Hall and was informed by the assistant city clerk that the original document could not be viewed but after filling out a request form and getting permission from Mayor Sanders we could get a copy of the document at a cost of .25 per page.  The News was not requesting a “copy” only to view the original and questioned the policy. Sanders could not be reached for permission and since the city clerk is not totally trained on what’s open to the public, the document could not be reviewed. 

The February 16 Pinson News can be found at Texaco, Food Giant,

H & J Pharmacy & Unique Consignment in Pinson.