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Council to consider action on Mill Creek neighborhood improvements

Published on July 14, 2022

City Council will consider a resolution Thursday night for a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City and Huntsville Housing Authority (HHA) to demolish 31 unoccupied buildings at Butler Terrace Addition.

If approved, the MOA would allow HHA to work with the City’s Public Works Department to complete demolition and remove all vertical structures within Butler Terrace Addition on Seminole Drive.

“The Huntsville Housing Authority appreciates the City’s assistance in helping set the stage for new development that includes housing for various income levels,” said HHA Executive Director and CEO Antonio L. McGinnis. “We value our partnership with the City’s Community Development Office and look forward to creating solutions that enhance quality of life in our community.”

Community Development Manager Scott Erwin said units at Butler Terrace Addition have been vacant for some time. Personnel have removed all personal property and disconnected utilities from each structure in preparation for demolition.

Known as Mill Creek, the area is located southwest of downtown Huntsville and has long struggled with poverty, crime and vacancies.

“This demolition would be another step forward in our plan with HHA to transform the area surrounding Butler Terrace and Butler Terrace Addition,” Erwin said.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded Huntsville a $1.3 million grant to create a transformational plan for Mill Creek. This plan will become the guiding document for the revitalization of the housing units, while also directing the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and positive outcomes for families.

The Mill Creek transformation plan includes:

  • A mix of market-rate, HHA, workforce and senior housing
  • Pedestrian-oriented shopping focused on the Governors Drive and Clinton Avenue corridors
  • Updates to infrastructure, including utilities and the street grid
  • Additions of green space, neighborhood park and the restoration of creek as a neighborhood amenity
  • Increasing density as an extension of downtown
  • More employment, training and educational opportunities

Citizens can view the plan here.

The City and HHA are working with Urban Design Associates (UDA) to provide design guidelines to ensure a quality project. UDA’s assistance will help define standards for the project and future development partners.

For updates on the Mill Creek plan, click here.

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