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Residents urge changes to Spillway Park design; council approves inspection and engineering contracts
Summary
Public commenters told the council that planned Spillway Park structures do not fit downtown Prattville's historic character. Council approved inspection and engineering contracts for the project but staff said the design had been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Several local residents told the Prattville City Council they are concerned the planned design for Spillway Park does not fit the historic character of downtown Prattville, and they asked the city to reconsider elements of the pavilion and signage.
Anne Boutwell, a Prattville resident of 42 years who identified herself as active in local history preservation, said she supported an entertainment venue on the spillway site but called the publicly released architectural renderings "shocking" and said they appeared to show "no consideration for its location in the historic district." Boutwell urged council leaders to "reconsider the plans for Spillway Park" and recommended modifications, including lower-profile signage and rooflines more in keeping with surrounding buildings.
Resident Skip Lobemiller also urged the council to "make some modifications" so the new park better honors the site's industrial history. Lobemiller described the old mill site as "the most significant, most historical industrial site in the state of Alabama" and urged designs that reflect that heritage.
Council action, taken later in the meeting, authorized two professional agreements for the Spillway Park improvements. Resolution 6 authorized Chambliss King LLC for construction, engineering and architectural inspection services not to exceed $82,197; Resolution 7 authorized Civil Southeast LLC for construction engineering and inspection services not to exceed $30,500. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote.
Kelly (city staff) told the council the Historic Preservation Commission had reviewed and approved the design and that the construction contract had been awarded at a prior meeting to Webb Construction, which planned to begin work Monday. Councilor Jackson asked whether it was "too late" to take public concerns into account; council members responded that the project had been approved and was ready to proceed, while Kelly noted the HPC approval and the prior bid award.
The exchange combined public comment expressing concern for historic compatibility with staff and council confirmation that required reviews and procurement steps had been completed.
