From the desk of Council Member Michelle Watkins, District 1

Huntsville City Council • District 1 July 2025

woman speaking to crowd at podium with projection screen in background

crowd listens to speaker in community room

District 1 Town Hall Draws Large Crowd

Extra chairs had to be brought into accommodate the strong crowd for the District 1 Town Hall on June 17 at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center. Council Member Michelle Watkins hosted a discussion that focused on roads, a hot topic in north Huntsville with major projects ongoing such as the Mastin Lake Drive overpass and the Northern Bypass extending MLK Jr. Highway to Memorial Parkway. City leades discussed those items as well as road resurfacing and the proposed sewer rate increase.

man in black shirt hands clipboard to child at community event

child smiles while covered in white bubbles

Residents Turn Out for D1 Community Fair

A big attendance highlighted the first D1 Community Fair on June 21 at Johnson Legacy Center. With fun activities for children and opportunities for adults to make healthcare connections, the event truly demonstrated the power of community. There was also music, line dancing lessons and, best of all, free food. Thank you to everyone who attended as well as those that worked to make the event such a success. And a special appreciation to the event sponsors: Alabama Kidney Foundation, Maze, Oak St. Health, Happi Health and The Legacy Center.

Save the date: July 17 for D1 Drop-in

Be sure to mark July 22 on your calendar for the District 1 Drop-In from 5:30-7 p.m. at Lakewood Community Center, 3601 Kenwood Drive NW. Council Member Watkins will be available for informal conversations to gather insight from constituents.

Two women smiling for photo in tv studio with Inside Huntsville on screen in background

Inside Huntsville Interview

Council Member Watkins recently joined the set at Inside Huntsville to chat with host Brenda Martin. The conversation covered activities in District 1 as well as the city’s growth and Watkins’ history of public service.

Watch the Interview

Big Plans for Big Spring Park East

As demolition of the former City Hall building nears completion, the Planning Commission approved final plans for the expansion of Big Spring Park that will capture the site where City Hall once stood. The project reimagines the site at 308 Fountain Circle as a dynamic public greenspace, adding approximately 2.4 acres to the park. Planned features include a multi-terraced plaza, a central pavilion for hosting events, a children’s playground and enhanced ADA access.

See the Presentation

brick exterior of food city grocery store

Food City Nearing Completion

Anticipation is building for the new Food City in District 1 at 10200 North Memorial Parkway. A ribbon cutting is set for July 8 to open the fourth of six planned Food City locations in Huntsville. The store will be at the interchange of the under-construction Northern Bypass and Memorial Parkway.

roadway with double yellow center stripes

Road Resurfacing in D1

The City Council recently approved funding for Phases 2 & 3 of the City’s road improvement plan for the 2025 fiscal year. The improvements include resurfacing and concrete work for neighborhood roads. Several streets in D1 are part of the projects. Some of those include:

Chase Road from Meridian Street to the North Alabama Railroad Museum
Shady Lane Drive from Sparkman Drive to Grizzard Road
Kelly Cemetery Road from MLK Highway to Pulaski Pike

More Info

green train framed in trees with yellow building in background

Historic Huntsville Depot Master Plan

Be sure to offer your insight as the City seeks public comment in developing a master plan for the Historic Huntsville Depot and surrounding grounds, which includes the popular Roundhouse. An online survey is live and two public input meetings have been scheduled. The first is Tuesday, July 15, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a second meeting on Wednesday, July 16, at 10 a.m. Both public meetings will be at the Roundhouse, 398 Monroe St.

Learn More

woman in floral shirt speaks into microphone with poster display in background

District 1 Hosts Parks and Recreation Month Event

Council Member Watkins and District 1 were proud hosts for the Parks and Recreation Month kickoff news conference attended by Mayor Tommy Battle and Parks & Recreation Director James Gossett. Held at Johnson Legacy Center, the event underscored this year's theme, "Build Together, Play Together," and the importance of parks and recreational amenities in Huntsville. With an exciting lineup of family-friendly events throughout the month of July, check out the activities and make plans to participate.

COMING UP

July 4: Independence Day, Municipal Offices Closed

July 10: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

July 18: City Council Work Session, 1 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

July 22: District 1 Drop-in, 5:30-7 p.m., Lakewood Community Center, 3601 Kenwood Drive NW

July 24: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

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305 Fountain Circle
Huntsville, AL | 35801 US

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