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Commission announces Cottage Hill survey grant and Selma-to-Montgomery trail design selection; public urged for neighborhood outreach
Summary
Staff reported a Certified Local Government grant for a Cottage Hill survey, a successful FLAP application selection for Selma-to-Montgomery Trail design work (requested $3.6M), and public concern that neighborhoods need earlier outreach on National Register nominations.
Historic Preservation Commission staff told the board that the city was awarded preservation grant funding and is pursuing several related projects, and public commenters asked for clearer neighborhood outreach.
Staff coordinator Sean Rose said the commission was awarded a Certified Local Government grant through the National Park Service and the Alabama Historic Commission to fund a Cottage Hill survey update; the project will require an executed award agreement and an RFP to hire consultant support. "This is effectively the start of the grant period now, and we have up to 4 years to spend the money," staff said.
A separate staff speaker told the commission the city submitted a Federal Lands Access Program application requesting $3,600,000 for 100% design of the Selma-to-Montgomery Trail segment from St. Jude’s to the Capitol. "We requested $3,600,000 for a 100% design of the Selma To Montgomery Trail," the speaker said, and staff added the project was chosen as one of five candidate projects; whether the full amount will be awarded remains pending congressional appropriation.
During public comment, visitor Dorothy Walker asked for an update on a National Park Service underrepresented communities grant for a Carver Park / Mobile Heights National Register survey; staff said the $75,000 award is in Grant Solutions, the first webinar had occurred and neighborhood outreach and an RFP are next steps. Walker urged clearer early communication, saying, "We do these projects in a vacuum, and we don't, alert the neighborhoods." Staff responded that outreach had been delayed until funding was confirmed and noted that National Register nominations require resident support votes.
The meeting also included announcements that Peacock Tract was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and that Landmarks received a small National Trust for Historic Preservation grant to support the Binmore Hotel restoration and Centennial Hill community engagement.
Next steps: staff will execute grant agreements, issue RFPs for consultant work, begin neighborhood outreach for Carver Park/Mobile Heights and Cottage Hill projects, and await final FLAP appropriation details for the Selma-to-Montgomery trail design.
