From the desk of Council Member Michelle Watkins, District 1

Huntsville City Council • District 1 September 2025

group of people at ribbon cutting ceremony

man and woman posing at outdoor skating rink standing next to building plaque

On a Roll at Stoner Park

Council Member Michelle Watkins, joined by Mayor Tommy Battle and other City and community leaders, cut the ribbon Friday on the outdoor skating rink at Stoner Park. The facility further expands the City's recreational offerings to residents and will attract skaters from across Huntsville. The rink measures 85 feet by 185 feet and sits under a 19,000-square-foot open-air pavilion on the site of the park’s former tennis courts.

More Info

man and woman posing with traffic and blue sky in background

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Celebrating Northern Bypass Opening

Council Member Watkins joined Congressman Dale Strong, Mayor Tommy Battle and Madison County Commission Chair Mac McCutcheon at a news conference trumpeting the opening of the first phase of the Northern Bypass. The new road extends State Route 255 to Memorial Parkway just south of Bob Wade Lane, creating a limited access highway to Redstone Arsenal and bustling areas such as the North Huntsville Industrial Park.

"Someday there will shops and restaurants, homes and apartments," Watkins said. "Maybe there will be parks or ballfields or schools or churches. In short, there will be opportunities. Opportunities for jobs, opportunities for growth, opportunities to raise families."

Completion of the first phase is expected in 2026.

Annexation Expands District 1

The City recently approved the annexation of 572 acres that is now part of District 1. The land is north of Bob Wade Lane and bisected by Mt. Lebanon Road. The Sam and Rosa Harris Family Farm LLC submitted the request for annexation. The Planning Commission approved more than 500 acres to be zoned for Residence 2 or Residence 2-B while 65 acres has been zoned Highway Business C-4. The zoning requests will next be considered by City Council for final approval.

More Details

Firefighter in blue shirt and cap sitting in fire station

HFR Station 8: 'Pride of the North Side'

Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) Station 8, 4012 Memorial Parkway NW, is one of the busiest stations in the city. Three trucks operate out of the station and covers much of north Huntsville, including Alabama A&M University. Check out the video to learn more about Station 8 from Capt. Blake Andrews, including why the station has adopted "Pride of the North Side" as its identity.

Watch the Video

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Transportation Study Along University Drive

Seeking improved efficiency in public transportation with the integration of businesses along University Drive was the subject of weeklong public sessions at City Hall and a pop-up event at Cavalry Hill Community Center. The University Drive Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Study is focusing on three areas along University Drive: Northwoods, University of Alabama in Huntsville and MidCity District.

five people posing for photo with map of Alabama and flags in background

100 Years and Counting

Council Member Watkins was honored to recognize St. Mark – The Remarkable Church – at the Aug. 14 City Council meeting. The Remarkable Church, pastored by Rev. Jeremiah Chester, has been serving the City of Huntsville for 100 years through community outreach and spiritual leadership. The Remarkable Church celebrated their centennial on August 15. Congratulations on a century of service in Huntsville.

Read the Resolution

man in white shirt playing guitar and singing into microphone

Grooving Through Music Month in September

If it’s September, it’s Music Month in Huntsville. And there will be no shortage of opportunities to enjoy live music at free events throughout the month. Hosted by the Huntsville Music Office, Music Month boosts Huntsville’s creative economy, enhances the City’s reputation as a music-friendly hub, and provides valuable resources for musicians.

Find Out More

aerial photo of major retail district framed by major roads on bottom and right

Major Street Plan Updated

Keeping traffic flowing smoothly throughout Huntsville is a big job for the City. The Planning Department recently presented an updated Major Street Plan that received unanimous approval. The plan highlighted recent road improvements and high-traffic corridors while also providing an outline of planned roads, such as the continuation of the Northern Bypass east of Memorial Parkway.

Save the Date: District 1 Drop-In Sept. 16

Make plans to join Council Member Watkins at the District 1 Drop-In on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Road. It's an excellent opportunity for casual conversations with Council Member Watkins to discuss issues in District 1 or throughout the city.

COMING UP

Sept. 11: City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Sept. 16: District 1 Drop-In, 5:30-7 p.m., Dr. Richard Showers, Sr., Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Rd.

Sept. 19: City Council Work Session, 2 p.m., Huntsville City Hall

Sept. 25: 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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