email : Webview : Mill Creek Construction, Depot Input Sessions, Back to School

From the desk of Council Member Bill Kling, District 4

Huntsville City Council • District 4 August 2025

rendering of exterior of mill creek universal building

Mill Creek Construction Set for Early 2026

In a presentation to the Planning Commission on July 22, Manager of Urban and Long-Range Planning Dennis Madsen said construction on the first building is expected to begin in early 2026 in the Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative. Mill Creek, located just west of Memorial Parkway along Governors Drive, is a partnership with Huntsville Housing Authority that will invest $350 million into a mixed-income community with workforce housing, medical and childcare services and retail options. The City last year received a $50 million grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the Mill Creek project.

three story federal courthouse with light-colored bricks

City Acquires Former Federal Courthouse

The City of Huntsville finalized acquisition of the former federal courthouse at 101 Holmes Ave. NE with a City Council vote at the July 24 meeting. The former courthouse was received in exchange for the City donating 4.76 acres for the new federal courthouse at 660 Gallatin St. SW in a transaction that involves no money. The City has not determined a use for the former courthouse, which opened in 1936 and has legal historical protections.

Find Out More

large crowd under lights at rustic indoor venue

Group of people interacting in historic depot

woman in blue shirt pointing to poster on easel

Residents Share Input on Huntsville Depot

The City recently held two public input sessions to receive feedback and ideas on the future of the historic Huntsville Depot and the 7-acre site upon which it sits, which includes the Roundhouse event center. The City recently obtained control of the site and is exploring ideas on how best to utilize the area on the north side of downtown. One thing that is certain: the Depot building will remain. The best utilization of the three-story, 10,000-square-foot building remains to be determined but there is no consideration to removing it from the site. More interaction with the public about the Depot is planned for the fall so stay tuned.

Read the Blog

man on left in blue shirt presents certificate to man in blue and brown outfit

The Joy of Music Therapy

Council Member Kling enjoyed attending the Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) music therapy program, featuring “A Circle of Friends” drumming activity led by Christian Kofi Mawuko. Council Member Kling presented a certificate to Christian. It was a great activity for HHA residents and the Huntsville community.

Zero in the Zone for School Safety

With Huntsville City Schools beginning classes this week, be aware of speed limits in school zones. When it comes to student safety, there are no shortcuts and Huntsville Police will be enforcing speed limits in school zones as part of its Zero in the Zone, a month-long, back-to-school safety initiative aimed at eliminating school zone crashes and risky driving behaviors.

Thank You for Cameron Road Cleanup

Shout-out to the volunteers who took the initiative to collect litter and trim the high grass and weeds on Cameron Road last month. Community spirit like this is part of what makes Huntsville a special place. And don’t miss another opportunity to lend a hand at Green Team’s Merrimack Village Community Cleanup Day on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 9-11 a.m.

Save the Date

man in suit and woman in beige dress pose for photo holding certificate

Special Recognition for Community Leader

At the July 10 meeting, Council Member Kling presented Jennifer Lapidus, high bidder at the 52nd Annual Crescen-Dough Auction, with a certificate recognizing her as an honorary member of the Huntsville City Council. Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Visit to Huntsville Botanical Garden

Council Member Kling recently toured the Huntsville Botanical Garden to learn more about the Garden’s plans and see how City funding aids the Garden’s mission. Pictured (L to R): Annette Alexander, Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Max McKeown, Horticulture Manager; AnnaLynn Buckner, Plant Production Supervisor; Council Member Kling; Kaki Morrow, Director of Corporate & Government Relations and Karolina Sawicka, Horticulture Educator

D4 Office Hours

Council Member Kling will hold his monthly drop-in office hours on Monday, Aug 18, from 6-7 p.m. at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library downtown branch. Drop in for a conversation about D4 and share your insights about how to make Huntsville its best.

Police officers in uniform stand in front of audience at graduation

Huntsville Police Celebrate Graduation

Congratulations to the eight new officers joining the Huntsville Police Department following their graduation from the 72nd Police Academy Session. The graduation was held July 3 at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering and celebrated the conclusion of 20 weeks of intensive training. Thank you to these gentlemen for their commitment to serve and protect the citizens of Huntsville.

firefighters standing in uniform at graduation

Huntsville Fire & Rescue Mark Graduation

Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) recently held graduation for Cadet Class 59 that have now joined HFR as firefighters. The 15 graduates successfully completed physical and classroom tests before beginning their six-month training with emphasis on firefighting techniques as well as instruction to be emergency medical technicians.

Clearing the Animal Shelters

August is National Clear the Shelters Month and throughout the month, Huntsville Animal Services (HAS) will be hosting special adoption events, offering waived adoption fees and promoting volunteer opportunities to help every animal find a loving home. HAS Director John Fischer explains in the video above how the initiative helps provide opportunities to volunteer, foster and adopt pets in need. Now in its 10th year, the nationwide Clear the Shelters has helped more than 1 million pets find their forever home.

More Details

COMING UP

Aug. 9: Merrimack Village Community Cleanup, 9-11 a.m., 3317 Clopton St. SW

Aug. 14: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Aug. 18: D4 Office Hours, Monday, 6-7 p.m., Huntsville-Madison County Library Downtown Branch, 915 Monroe St.

Aug. 28: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

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