Selma's Riverfront Boardwalk takes another step forward; Selma City Council approves HUD grant to test 100 homes for lead

A project to create a Riverfront Boardwalk along the Alabama River took another step forward Sept. 9.

The Selma City Council approved a contract with Krebbs Engineering for $127,500 to provide preliminary design of a walkway that will run along an elevated bank running parallel to Water Avenue.  

The project, which was first proposed by former mayor George Evans, will bring economic and social benefits to the city, with plans that include charter boat options at the river docks, similar to Montgomery’s Riverwalk, according to Planning Director Danielle Wooten.  

The city council also agreed to accept a grant $256,500 approved a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to inspect up to 100 homes for lead and safety hazards and do abatement plans on 70 homes.

The council agreed to be part of settlements on three sets of opioid class action suits. Pharmaceutical companies have made settlements in law suits to help state and local governments pay for the treatment of citizens addicted to opioids.

The city council took the first steps to approve businesses license for two package stores over the objection of Councilperson Christie Thomas, who said the city has enough of such establishments. She asked for a moratorium on approving any more package stores, a move that she said several other cities have taken. Her position did not prevail.

The city council gave its approval for a contractor to extend an existing wireless tower on the roof of a building at 212 Washington St.