By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
During a public hearing Tuesday night, the Millbrook City Council heard from several people regarding a proposed development on property owned by the Merritt family. The property covers boundaries including Graff Road and Main Street and is a 3.88-acre parcel.
The proposal would include 12 individual residential structures, referred to as duplexes, to be built in that area.
However, the official business before the Council Tuesday was regarding possible rezoning that would allow for the development of multi-family housing with duplexes. A first reading was held for the zoning request, but no official action was taken.
Greg Gillian, with Speaks and Associates, was first to address the council. He represents the Merritt family on their request for rezoning.
“The property is located north of Graff Street and just east of Main Street and south of Coosada Creek,” Gillian said. He had a preliminary sketch of the plans for the property, and acknowledged concerns over a water line that would have to be moved. There are also concerns about additional traffic.
“Our objective is to take Graff Street and relocate it to Shady Drive. We do not want to cause any additional problems with dual entrances located there. This is a request coming from the state. That is something that will be covered when we go through the approval process.”
Walker Phillips lives on Graff Road and spoke to the council.
“I’ve had a chance to talk to the Merritts. That has helped me to feel a little more assured about my property and the water line that goes through.”
However, she said she still has some concerns she wanted to share.
“One of the concerns I have is the density,” she said. “We have already had two pedestrian fatalities in that area. You have Linda Ann, and the density from Willowbrook, and Springfield, Pecan.”
Phillips said Graff Road is supposed to be a one-way road, with a 15 mile-per-hour speed limit. “But it is a thoroughfare. We need some traffic control. Adding some more density into this area (is problematic.) And Shady Drive, people go down Shady Drive all the way down to the end then they need to turn around.”
She said there is a “No Outlet” sign for Shady Drive, but it is covered by grass and obscured. This forces vehicles to turn around in driveways or the side of the road, which has caused issues.
She said the duplexes would add much more congestion to an area that already has problems.
“We have a center turn lane (on Main Street). But in hours of the morning, it is a thoroughfare. That center lane is a thorough fare because everyone uses that center lane to zip on down to wherever they are going. It is a real traffic problem.”
City Council President Michael Gay then asked Police Chief P.K. Johnson if he could look into a traffic detail in that area to help with improper use of the turn lane. He assured Phillips he would.
Council member Jimmy Harris assured Phillips they are aware of concerns and are working through many of the issues she addressed before a final decision is made.
“We realize that Main Street has become an outlet to the interstate besides Hwy. 14. There is a lot of traffic.”
Shannon Foshee is a resident of Shady Drive, on the opposite side of Graff Road across Main Street.
“My main concern is the traffic is already bad enough. Then you are going to bring in something else, more vehicle. When I am trying to turn into my (Shady Drive) I turn on my signal way back past Victory Baptist. I will have people come up behind me, and then they shoot around me in the turning lane. And other cars are coming so it is so dangerous. It is the safety of being able to get in and out of my neighborhood and others as well.”
Council President Gay explained that Mayor Al Kelley is very interested in talking to residents of this area and will be open to meetings next week. He is currently attending an Economic Development Conference.
Gay then read the first reading of the zoning request ordinance. “This is only the first reading. It takes two readings at a council meeting. So, the next meeting is the second Tuesday of August which is about three weeks away.”
That meeting will be at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 in the municipal courtroom. It will be open to the public.
