Opelika council approves land exchange with East Alabama Healthcare Authority to speed new fire station; roundabout plans discussed

The Opelika City Council on May 19 unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing a real property exchange and lease agreement with the East Alabama Healthcare Authority to allow construction of a replacement fire station.

An agency official representing the fire department told the council the existing station dates to about 1961 and “doesn't meet the safety requirements,” and said the land swap would let the city build a new facility directly across the street and remain in the current station while work proceeds, saving rehousing costs and expediting the bid process.

Council members moved to suspend the rules on first reading and then voted to approve Ordinance No. 1, authorizing the land exchange and lease. The clerk recorded roll-call affirmations from members in attendance and the motion carried.

Separately, the council discussed Resolution No. 8, tied to an engineering project to connect Cunningham Drive to HighAct Drive and construct a roundabout. Mr. Trice, an agency official working with engineering, said the resolution placed condemnation on the table as a contingency to keep the project moving while negotiations with a small property owner continued; he later reported the owner and her attorney signed documents to preserve access and allow the project to proceed. “We basically needed to put condemnation on the table so that we could start that process,” he said.

Mr. Parker of the engineering department described the larger connectivity plan: extending Thomasson Drive to Gateway Drive, tying Cunningham to HighAct and building an inner loop to relieve congestion on Gateway Drive and Pepper Parkway. He said a developer donated right-of-way for part of the corridor and that engineers will work with contractors to maintain the homeowner’s driveway and utilities during construction.

Council members asked clarifying questions during the work session and in the regular meeting; staff said the project would be bid shortly and is one phase of a multi-year transportation improvement program. No additional ordinance language or amendments were reported at the meeting.

The council also recognized scholarship recipients and student performers earlier in the evening and closed the meeting following public comment and a character award presentation.