Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
4:33 pm Thursday, June 28, 2001

It can happen here

By Staff
June 24, 2001
A developer in the city of Ridgeland announced last week he will build a $100 million project in that city, blending a complete project with homes, shopping, commercial space and many other amenities.
It could also happen here.
As they move into detailed consideration of a proposal to make residential development more attractive inside the city limits, members of the Meridian Planning Commission should adopt a "can do" attitude. Surely, they can find a reasonable way to eliminate barriers to development in our city.
The good news coming from a commission work session the other day is that members seem to be taking the Grow Meridian proposal more seriously. It would offer reasonable incentives to developers to build new houses inside the city. Developers and the city would effectively become partners in an endeavor that could help Meridian add population and expand the tax base.
The bad news is that only three of the nine members of the planning commission bothered to attend the work session, where the basic issues were explained again. How they will vote should the issue come to a vote is anybody's guess.
The bottom line is that citizens who do not wish to participate in a commission on which they hold membership should just opt out. New, more concerned and involved people should take their place.
We encourage Mayor John Robert Smith and members of the city council to take a close look at the city's planning commission membership as it currently exists. They might consider reducing the size of the commission, check attendance records of past meetings, and get a clear picture of what the commission is doing, or leaving undone. The mayor should also consider nominating a developer for membership. If they want to retain the commission at nine members, the mayor should immediately nominate or make other selections for the two members whose terms have expired.
We continue to believe the commission has a good opportunity to begin a process leading to what many community leaders say they want more housing in the city.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *