Latest news with #PanoplyArtsFestival
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Madison County Commission reviews feasibility study for new courthouse
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The Madison County Commission held a special called work session Wednesday to discuss a feasibility study into the construction of a new courthouse. The study, done by the Matheny Goldmon Architecture firm, revealed four options that the commission could mull over when considering the construction of a new courthouse. The report was broken into nine sections. Huntsville PD warns drivers of road closures before Panoply Arts Festival It factored in population growth projections for the area until 2075, surveyed the departments that use the courthouse to understand their needs and considered the history of the county courthouse on the square. 'There was a lot of good information, especially the way they went about collecting all of the information and the data and putting it together,' Madison County Commission chairman Mac McCutcheon said. 'We were looking at long term, which we know we aren't just trying to fix something for the next 10 years. We are looking 50, 60 years out, which is what we should be doing.' McCutcheon said growth in the area and the financial situation that the county is in make now a good time to start talking about the project. The current courthouse opened in 1967. 'The need is there for sure,' McCutcheon said. 'As we look at it, the time is right for us to start this discussion.''It's not really efficient to build courthouses, but it's time,' District 3 commissioner Craig Hill said. Of the four options presented to the commission in the study, three of those would keep the criminal justice system and county administrative offices together. However, each of those options would have the courthouse in a different location. One of the options is to rebuild the new courthouse where the current courthouse stands, which would cost the county roughly $173.6 million. It would take around five years and two months to complete. During construction, the courts would move to another building to avoid delays in criminal proceedings. The second option presented to the commission would separate the criminal justice system and county administrative offices into two buildings. This option would cost the county roughly $153.2 million and would take six years to complete. It would also reduce construction on the square in downtown Huntsville to 28 months. Another option being considered would move the criminal justice system and county administrative offices together to 370 Fountain Circle, and that option would cost roughly $141.7 million. Huntsville woman gets home repairs through National Community Development Week The fourth option would be to find another piece of property within a quarter mile of the current courthouse and build a new one. The cost of this was estimated at $150.8 million, but a representative from Matheny Goldmon said it seems unlikely to find the right requirements for this option. 'The county is in very good shape,' McCutcheon said. 'This is a project that is possible. It's not just something that we are thinking well if we have the money. The money's available for us to move forward with a big project like this.' McCutcheon said the commission is factoring in the impacts that construction on the square would have when they are considering the options. 'The downtown area has changed over the last several years and we have people living downtown in apartment complexes, we've got businesses here on the square, a lot of pedestrian traffic,' McCutcheon said. 'We are looking at all of those things, what will be a good fit for our residents and this area moving forward.' LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app McCutcheon did not commit to which option he supports at this point but believes that the commission needs to do what's best for the county. 'I'm still processing and looking at all the information we have and that's why this information we received today and this report is so vital to me and all of our commissioners,' McCutcheon said. 'We need to take an objective look at this. This is not just something that one person wants personally, this is about what's best for the county.' The next step in the process would be to hire an owner's representative, which McCutcheon said the county is ready to do. The commission would then begin processing and discussing the information and work on the financing. After getting the owner's representative hired, the Commission would begin the bidding process for the project. McCutcheon said the hope is to have a design and be ready to move forward with a plan of action by 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Parking, traffic details announced ahead of action-packed weekend in Huntsville
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Huntsville is providing the public with information that could be helpful as far as parking, traffic details ahead of a busy weekend in the Rocket City. This weekend the Panoply Arts Festival and multiple events at the Von Braun Center (VBC), are scheduled to take place. The City is providing a plan to help visitors navigate the downtown area with ease. 'There is plenty of available parking, and we want to ensure the public knows where these garages and lots are located – and how to get in and out of town with ease,' said John Ashburn, Parking Services Manager. Traffic and parking information: Use the Jefferson/Washington Street exit off I-565 to access downtown. Huntsville Police will manage traffic throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and give themselves plenty of time to park and walk. Check out the online map for parking options. Street Closures (Full or Partial): Williams Avenue westbound lane (between Church St. and Dr. Joseph Lowery Blvd.) Monroe Street northbound lane (between Williams Ave and Clinton Ave.) Church Street (from Huntsville Museum of Art to Garage M, 100 Church St.) Free Shuttle Service: To make parking easier, Huntsville Transit will offer free shuttles to and from event venues. Buses are scheduled to run every 15 minutes. Shuttle Hours: Friday, April 25: 2–10 p.m. (Route 1) Saturday, April 26: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday, April 27: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free Parking & Shuttle routes: Route 1: Free Parking + Orbit Shuttle Route 2: Free Parking + Orbit Shuttle You can see the downtown area parking map here to see the location of available parking decks/surface lots and their walking distance to Panoply and the VBC. Parking attendants will be on-site to help guide you to the closest available parking. On-street parallel parking will be free throughout the weekend. Cash or credit is accepted in City parking garages and lots. For more information click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Huntsville PD warns drivers of road closures before Panoply Arts Festival
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The Huntsville Police Department is warning residents about upcoming road closures downtown due to Panoply. Panoply Arts Festival is returning to Big Spring Park Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27. Throughout the weekend, several streets will close to ensure the safety of festivalgoers and staff. The adjustments will also allow for a safe set up and breakdown. Priceville Police warn of new scam: Fake toll violation notice On Wednesday, April 23, the westbound lanes of Williams Avenue will close from Church Street to Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard. From Friday through Sunday, Monroe Street will be restricted to southbound traffic only from Clinton Avenue to Williams Avenue. The department says all roads are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Monday, April 28. HPD urges drivers to use caution in the area and utilize detours and signage. Drivers should account for additional travel time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
