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2013/12/16 City news, features and updates December 16, 2013 Th i s W e e k i n H u n t s v i l l e Academy Sports and Outdoors, CVS pharmacy, Hampton Inn and Suites coming to Huntsville Three new developments are currently in the works in Huntsville, including a Hampton Inn and Suites, an Academy Sports and Outdoors and a CVS drugstore. According to Community and Economic Development Director Aron Kulhavy, each of the developments is at a different point in the establishment process, either under construction or at various stages in the permitting process. Construction has already commenced on Hampton Inn and Suites, owned by the Huntsville Hotel Group, LLC, and the City has been provided with an expected timetable for completion. “Hampton Inn and Suites will be located at 120 Ravenwood Village, between Wal-Mart and the Target Development,” Kulhavy said. “According to the owner, they have scheduled a maximum of 18 months for construction before the business will open, and the finished hotel will include approximately 80 rooms and create 25 to 30 jobs.” Construction is also expected on a new, 13,000 square foot CVS pharmacy. According to Kulhavy, the plat for redevelopment was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on December 5, and building plans have been submitted for review. “While we haven’t been made aware of any specific time frame, they could start construction as soon as possible,” he said. “The store as well as the parking area will be located at the corner of Avenue I and south Sam Houston Avenue, next to Family Faith Church. “We are very excited to see the work that will be completed– both the facility structure and parking will be on that corner, and some existing structures will be demolished in order to clean up the look of the area.” Kulhavy said construction on that portion of the intersection would not have been possible without the approval of a Municipal Settings designation earlier this year. “During the process of getting this property cleared for redevelopment, the City passed the Municipal Settings designation and abandoned some utility easement for lines that no longer existed,” he said. “Our staff has been working with the developer on this location since February, and we’re all very excited to see construction move forward.” Finally, Academy Sports and Outdoors has submitted construction plans for a 60,000 square foot facility to be located to the south of Target in the Ravenwood Village shopping center. “We are reviewing Academy’s subdivision plats and construction plans, and everything is moving in the right direction,” Kulhavy said. “Academy is looking to begin construction shortly after the first of the year and estimates being open by the third quarter of 2014.” Overall, Kulhavy said the City is very excited to assist each entity in coming to Huntsville. “We’re very excited about all of these new projects and anticipate further development in 2014,” he said. “As a City, we’re just glad to be a part of changes and growth that will improve the lives of our citizens.” Sam Houston Avenue Avenue I CVS 60,252 S.F. Le a s e S p a c e Lease Space 128,777 S.F. Smither Drive In the Works Kulhavy said the Academy development would be located between Target and Smither Drive, as pictured on the left. The development will include additional parking spaces, as shown in the top portion of the photo. The Wynne Home Arts Center held a successful Gingerbread House contest and exhibit on Friday, December 6. Dozens of local families came to see the Gingerbread wonderland exhibit and take part in a tasty, fun tradition of refreshments and making Christmas crafts and decorating Christmas ornaments. Happy Holidays from Mayor Mac Woodward, the City Council, City Manager Matt Benoit and City staff! Please note, City facilities will be closed on December 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas, and on January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. Even with freezing temperatures and snow (artificial snow, that is!), more than 2,500 people came to the Downtown area on Saturday, December 7 to take part in the Downtown Christmas Fair and Winter in the Park. Thanks to all residents who braved the cold to make these events a success! Solid Waste/Recycling holiday closures: Residential and commercial users affected Expert in Every Office Time employed with City of Huntsville: 29 years, first at the Huntsville Police Department for 15 years combined in Records and Property/Evidence. In 1999, I transferred to Finance for about 3.5 years, then in 2003 I transferred to Utility Billing as Sr. Customer Service Clerk for 4 yrs. In June 2007, I transferred to the Municipal Court as the Court Administrator. Education: Huntsville High School class of 1983; Level II Certified Municipal Court Clerk. Job description: The Court Administrator serves as Clerk of the Court to the Huntsville Municipal Court and provides administrative support to the Judge and Prosecutor. I supervise a staff of three full -time and one part-time Deputy Court Clerks and am responsible for the smooth and efficient operations of the court. Each person who Municipal Court Administrator Susan McGilberry (936) 291-5905 HOLIDAYS SERVICE CHANGES Tuesday, December 24, 2013 CLOSED Residential Garbage Collection will be picked up on Friday, 12/27/13; Recycling collection scheduled for 12/27/13 will be picked up on following Friday, 1/3/14. Extra recycling on side of blue cart will be picked up. Commercial Garbage Collection will run regular scheduled routes. Wednesday, December 25, 2013 CLOSED Residential Heavy Trash Collection will be cancelled. Commercial Garbage Collection scheduled for Wednesday, 12/25/13 will be picked up on Tuesday, 12/24/13. or Thursday, 12/26/13. contacts our office must be informed of the various options available to them as well as the consequences of convictions on the violations which they are charged with. Unique contribution to City of Huntsville: Having been here for a good many years and working in several areas, I have a good range of knowledge of City services in general that comes in pretty handy. I never forget who I work for; I serve the citizens and strive to provide them with the excellent service that they deserve. I’m very serious about upholding the public’s trust and confidence and this office’s performance of its duties. Honors: This year I was honored to be invited to be a part of the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center faculty and am now teaching Court Costs and Fees at training conferences for municipal court clerks. Hobbies: I love to be outdoors, and I enjoy working on the family property. I like to make quilts, but haven’t done so in a long time because it requires me to be still and indoors! Colleague perspective: Les Metzler, Walker County Communications Center: “Every time I have any work with Susan, she is always pleasant and knowledgeable. We’ve always had a great working relationship with the Municipal Court, we never have any issues or problems.