Huntsville/Madison Development News (Homewood, Redstone Arsenal: exodus, apartments, condos)

[FriscoEGS]

Originally Posted by David1502

I think folks are misunderstanding the process by which AL 255 has been built north of University Dr. First, the service roads are built, however a there is a large grass median remaining, so that years later, when funds become available, the controlled access, main lanes are constructed. This is what happened on the stretch between University and AL 53 (also known locally as Ardmore Highway). In 1996, the service roads were opened and in 2013, the overpasses and main lanes were opened. The service roads between AL53 and Bob Wade Lane were opened. So, long before any controlled access lanes (with overpasses) are built on the section between Bob Wade Lane and US 231/431 (Also known as Memorial Parkway) near Meridianville, the controlled access lanes with overpasses will have to be built on the three mile section between AL 53 and Bob Wade Lane.

So, it's not about building it wrong the first time - the State plans on having service roads with driveways and side streets. These allow existing property owners to more easily access their property and commercial properties can be built adding to the tax base. The Parkway also has this configuration because when it was originally built in the 1950's, it was intended to be a bypass to the small City of Huntsville - they didn't see the growth and congestion. In 1950, Huntsville's population was only 16,000, so no one saw the need at that time for a controlled access highway.

Build off of David, I wouldn't be surprised if the mainline for 255 would next extend westward from the parkway, seeing as that part is notably more developed than area just past where 255 currently ends at, especially with Meridianville so close to that intersection.

[dwhisent]

Originally Posted by David1502

So, it's not about building it wrong the first time - the State plans on having service roads with driveways and side streets. These allow existing property owners to more easily access their property and commercial propeties can be built adding to the tax base. The Parkway also has this configuration because when it was originally built in the 1950's, it was intended to be a bypass to the small City of Huntsville - they didn't see the growth and congestion. In 1950, Huntsville's population was only 16,000, so no one saw the need at that time for a controlled access highway.

I agree, the correct first step is building the service roads first. That is what they do on the Parkway when they are building overpasses. They build the service roads, and as soon as they are completed and opened, traffic gets moved onto the service roads and the overpasses and center lanes are built.
The question is, when (if ever) the center lanes will be built on 255. The service roads from 53 to Pulaski Pike on 255 have been sitting there for what, decades? Are there any plans or projections for the limited access center lanes and the overpass on 231/431?

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

I think we understand the process and know that what is considered "northern bypass" in reality is a northern half ass that will never see any controlled access mainline construction past Jordan Lane (53). oh the talking point is that it will be some day, but get real. Any timetable for controlled access portion? It ain't happening.
The state is building it as minimalistic as possible totally ignoring the growth and future growth so the costs to build it in the future will be so high they won't do it.
Is there any design work underway now for the mainline? If not why not? Now is the time to build proper interchanges at Memorial Parkway/ Pulaski Pike while he frontage roads are under construction. Don't have to wait to build them now. Now all the property around the future intersection south of Bob Wade/Parkway intersection is or will be developed. Surprising the city hasn't pushed for better design. The state probably told the COH to back off or see even further delays, Besides there are more important un-needed projects south of the Tennessee River that need their attention.
Remember the Moore's Mill/Shields road overpasses? Another delay con job by the state.
Your last paragraph just confirmed the state's poor design and planning for road infrastructure, never planning for the future, and still build like its still the 1960's.

Anything east of the Parkway (follow the TVA power lines ) to Winchester Rd/ US-72 will be a nightmare due to the explosive growth of homes in that corridor.
This is where in a dreamworld, US 72 would be upgraded (basically already is built to Interstate standards) to Interstate 724 from I-24 Kimball Tn.
I-565 would be extended east and begin/end with I-724 around the Dug Hill road area.
I-265 would be designated for the northern halfass (Research Park Blvd) starting/ending where it would eventually intersect US 72 (future I-565).

[AU HSV]

Believe it was previously announced but a 4 floor 107 room Candlewood Suites will soon be under construction at 219 Exchange Place. This is right off of Old Madison Pike just down the street from Bridge Street and the Research Park/Old Madison Pike interchange.
These smaller 90-120 room suite hotels are all the rage it seems and popping up everywhere. It's probably best as it offers a lot of options in lots of areas versus larger properties in a few locations.
The hotel next door to this site I believe used to be branded as a Candlewood but now is called Sonesta Simply Suites.

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...y/71851363007/

Will Hy-Vee have a store in Alabama?

“Though Edeker in the 2021 video named Huntsville, Alabama, as one of the targeted locations for a store. Hy-Vee has not made any official announcements regarding one, Potthoff said.”

No Hy-Vee officially at this time. They will probably see how their new Tennessee stores will do in Springhill and Murfreesboro.
Huntsville is obviously on their radar so it could still happen in the coming years.

Hy-Vee’s Senior Communications Manager, Nola Aigner Davis, said “Nothing was or has been announced publicly about Hy-Vee opening stores in Huntsville at this time.”

[RocketDawg]

Assuming Trump is re-elected this fall, will the Space Command move to Huntsville be back on the table? I sort of believe it will be, and will be ordered by him to be so. That's where he wanted it anyway, and where the evaluation said it should be (whether the analysis was biased or not).

[AU HSV]

Looks like Silver Airways is ending service to lots of destinations including HSV (April 14). But looking at their booking calendar flights resume on May 23rd. So maybe a restructuring of some sort. Their on-time performance was worst of any airline, I think.

https://www.silverairways.com/travel.../travel-alerts

[RocketDawg]

Originally Posted by AU HSV

Looks like Silver Airways is ending service to lots of destinations including HSV (April 14). But looking at their booking calendar flights resume on May 23rd. So maybe a restructuring of some sort. Their on-time performance was worst of any airline, I think.

https://www.silverairways.com/travel.../travel-alerts

Don't they just fly small turboprops anyway?

[AU HSV]

Originally Posted by RocketDawg

Don't they just fly small turboprops anyway?

Correct, ATR -600’s think weather restrictions might impact them much more than jets.
Overall though their schedule performance is unacceptable and it’s across their entire route system.

[JackF]

Multi-family, low income housing coming to Venona Avenue, off of Mastin Lake Road, in NW Huntsville.

https://www.waff.com/2024/04/12/hunt...dable-housing/

The site is 7.30 acres which was purchased by Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. for $435,000.

Neighborhood Concepts will leverage the City’s commitment of $2,300,376 in HOME Investment Partnerships ARP funding to apply for $12.8 million in State ARP funding through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority.

The development, to be known as New Stone Commons Apartments, will provide affordable housing for homeless, formerly homeless and those fleeing domestic violence.