Downtown, recreation are new council’s priorities
PHIL CAMPBELL — Mayor-elect Greg Williams and the newly elected town council say their top priorities are tackling downtown buildings and providing more recreational opportunities for residents.
Williams, a lifelong resident with more than 40 years in construction, said his immediate focus is addressing the row of vacant buildings at the center of town. The town is finalizing the purchase of those buildings soon, and tenants will have 60 days to clear their belongings.
“Contractors are already lined up to provide bids on tearing down or saving the buildings,” Williams said. “Once we know the cost, we’ll pursue grant money and federal funding.”
Williams said he will meet with the county engineer to determine whether the town can preserve its right-ofway if demolition is necessary.
He added that revitalizing downtown is his “main priority,” but longer-term ideas include annexing Bates Crossing, developing a campground and camp store, adding a pool near the splash pad, and expanding the community center.
Councilwoman Lynn Landers, re-elected to Place 4, also identified downtown as the most urgent need.
“First and foremost, the buildings are a public hazard,” Landers said. “I would like to see them refurbished, and if one or two can’t be, maybe an outdoor space. Once the buildings are in the town’s name, grants will be more available.”
Landers said she also wants to see development of a recreation center to complement the splash pad.
“An indoor facility with a basketball court, gym and walking track would benefit both the young and elderly,” she said. “This would be a great place for weekend dances for the public.”
Both Williams and Landers said their longterm vision is to restore Phil Campbell’s smalltown vitality. “When I was a kid, every building was full and the sidewalks were packed on Saturdays,” Williams said. “I want something like that again.”
“By the end of my term my hope is to accomplish the dream of making Phil Campbell a better place for our children, eliminating the drugs, providing a safe place for our children to play, a place for our adults and seniors to enjoy themselves, and carefree Saturdays to shop the streets of Phil Campbell once again,” Landers said.
Other council members elected this term are Meegan Scott (Place 1), Rodney Kuykendall (Place 2), Billy Burks (Place 3) and Thomas Inman (Place 5).
All four-year terms begin Nov. 3.
