The Andalusia City Council hit milestones in two ongoing projects in approuving the city’s 10-year strategic plan and laying the groundwork for the construction of Heritage Park.

Daniel Wells of CDG Engineering provided the most recent drawings of the park which will comprise an amphitheater that seats 360 people as well as a large pond that will include an overpass, a smaller walking path, as well as an extended path that is specifically designed for biking and running. Other amenities, like the carousel that was previously planned or a similar attraction, are expected in the next phase of the development.

In the words of City Administrator John Thompson, all permits and other permits are in place and all other requirements are met, with the exception of one that relates to a small area of wetland. This permit will be issued in the next few days, is not preventing cities from moving forward areas of construction that is outside of the wetland.

The council authorized the purchase of $100,000 from the proceeds of bonds to cover the initial cost of supplies and also to start the construction.

The park is to be built at the junction of S. Cotton as well as Tisdale streets. Together together with CDG Engineering, the city collaborated with Concordia Architects, a firm based in New Orleans, for the park’s design.

The decision to commence construction was the result of many decades of preparation. Concordia held public events and conducted surveys to gather feedback from the public prior to the creation of its plan for the park.

In a separate decision the council also approved an updated version of the comprehensive 10-year plan for the city. This plan, that lays out the roadmap of development, zoning and more was previously approved through the commission’s plan committee before going to council for approval of the final version.

As with the park plan The city also worked with Concordia to develop the plan. A series of public meetings, as well as online surveys were conducted to collect feedback from the public and input prior to the planning process’s creation.

Some of the issues that are addressed by the strategy are greater housing options and more walking-friendly neighborhoods; better transportation infrastructure that allows for public transportation, walking or bicycling, and golf carts and improving the appearance of communities; maintaining high-quality streets, as well as other amenities; improving the quality of life, which includes the creation of under-utilized or undeveloped areas; and create and maintain infrastructure, facilities and land use patterns that encourage active lifestyles and healthy choices as well as preserving the character of the area and its natural resources.

Other topics discussed during the council meeting on Tuesday included:

  • Approving an application for an application for a Transportation Alternative Program award. If the grant is granted the money will be used to improve lighting, drainage and sidewalks on Third Avenue, from Three Notch Street to Andalusia High School. The project will connect with a different city project and one that has been that was approved by the school system for a continuous sidewalk access within and around the campus of the high school. The price for Third Avenue Third Avenue project is estimated at $1.6. The grant will pay for about 800,000 of the cost, and the rest will be paid to the City. The project is at a minimum of two years away from reaching the point of completion.
  • The city council has voted to update the technology in the city’s cemeteries to incorporate digital maps. Once the project is complete the cemetery will be able to allow visitors access to digital devices to find graves quickly. The initial costs for equipment and installation is $42,000, with the monthly cost of $4,200.
  • declaring property that is part of that city’s surplus industrial park, and transfer of the property to the City’s Capital Improvement Cooperative District.
  • Approving a bid by Three Notch Staffing for fulfilling the city’s need for temporary workers. Three Notch Staffing has provided these services in the past and the city’s officials say they’ve delivered outstanding service.
  • Approval of four nuisance properties due to the problem of weeds and grass.

Next council session will be held on the 6th of June, on Tuesday which will begin with a workshop starting at 5:45 p.m. followed by the meeting to begin with a 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The article Council approves the construction of Heritage Park, final version of city’s comprehensive plans was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.