Need to pave way for improvements in county
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
In My Humble Opinion
Jodi McDade
I have always seen so much potential for growth in Coosa County. We are so fortunate to have rivers, creeks, mountains, lakes, and backroads.
We have what many people only dream of so I do understand we do not want our area to be overrun by outsiders. But, as an outsider myself, there can be a middle area in growth. Unfortunately, I recently heard that one major step forward has hit a dead end again.
For the last several years Alabama Forestry Commission, Stewartville Water Authority and the Alabama Legislature have worked together for the funding, research, engineering plans, and other efforts to bring water to Flagg Mountain. On the mountain, the goal was to be able to put in a bathhouse in the cabin area, add water sources in the cabins and to bring drinking water to the tower area.
But in MY mind, I also saw the possibility of water being available at the intersection of County roads 55 and 56 that could help bring in more business in the Weogufka area. The only thing available in that area is Caperton’s Store in downtown Weogufka, but there are no gas stations and no Dollar Generals! The people living on that side of the county deserve to have some type of services available without having to drive 20 miles for it.
My understanding is that the last couple of years have been spent trying to get easements across private property to run the water lines. It has been like pulling teeth, but the end had been in sight. But then, the last property owner that was needed refused to join the effort. I do not know who this is, where their property is, or what (if anything) the property is currently used for.
Don’t get me wrong – I support the rights of property owners to do whatever they want to do with their property. We have no zoning regulations or restrictions in Coosa County, and I am definitely against imminent domain (where the government can take property for the good of the area).
But this is happening all over Coosa County. We have businesses wanting to locate here and bring in jobs and tax revenue in addition to services we need. Just look at U.S. Highway 280 from the Talladega County line to the Tallapoosa County line. The Coosa County portion is virtually empty except for a few things through the Kellyton area. Both of the other counties have gas stations, businesses and homes lining the road.
The same goes for land along highways 22, 9 and 231/21. At least on 231/21 there is Rockford between Elmore County and Talladega County. Rockford again has two restaurants, a bank and a gas station in addition to our County Courthouse. But, both Rockford and Goodwater are full of vacant buildings and look like ghost towns.
People are fast to complain about Coosa County having no money to repair roads and improve our schools. The ONLY thing that will ever help those two things is revenue from businesses and residences. We all do most of our shopping and medical appointments in other counties. The taxes on all of that goes to those other counties, so we are supporting THEIR roads and schools.
There are ideas about state legislation that would help with the road situation, but the Forestry Association, lumber companies, etc. all have lobbyists in Montgomery who will fight tooth and nail to prevent it.
Yes, most of the land in Coosa County has been in families for generations. Yes, most of the people want it to stay in their families for generations to come. But how many of the children and grandchildren have moved away with no intention of coming back to Coosa County? Why not sell the land to someone who will develop it for businesses or homes, put a sign up at the entrance that gives credit to the family for helping move Coosa County into the future, and call it a day. Use the money to travel, do home improvements, or leave to your children and grandchildren for them to enjoy their lives away from Coosa County. OR help make Coosa County a place the children and grandchildren WANT to stay!
Our industrial park in Kellyton is now almost entirely occupied by new businesses coming in, but other businesses are still looking for locations. Some need access to the rail line, some need a certain amount of acres, and obviously they need water, power and sewer. Coosa County also has to share the revenue from the industrial park with Tallapoosa County and Alexander City – they foot the majority of the bills for the park. Hopefully that will change when Alabama Graphite and their support businesses are up and running.
So, what we need are property owners (many who live elsewhere), residents and county commissioners who can help pave the way for some improvements in our county. No one is talking Walmarts or large shopping centers. Just some good locally owned (if possible) businesses that can employ our young people, bring in people who will appreciate the wonders we have here and bring in some much-needed tax revenue.
I’ll close with asking for something else we desperately need in Coosa County. This coming Tuesday, PLEASE vote yes to fund our Coosa County Ambulance Service. Without this funding, the service will not be able to exist. How much is YOUR life or the life of a loved one worth to you? Even if you have ten vehicles it would only be $150 a YEAR, basically $.04 PER DAY.