Planning commission backs Greater Floyd campus master plan after broad community outreach

Lois Wortell, representing the Department of Economic Development, asked the Montgomery City Planning Commission to recommend approval of the Greater Floyd campus master plan, a long-range proposal focused on the former Floyd Elementary and Middle School site and adjacent parcels in Midtown Montgomery. “This master plan is for the old Floyd Elementary and Middle School area along Augusta Street,” Wortell said, noting extensive community engagement and support.

Robinson Architecture representatives Barry Robinson and Joshua Gordon outlined the plan’s pillars: strategic land reclamation, safety and connectivity, and integrated growth. Key recommendations include consolidating site ownership (agreements with Montgomery Public Schools and the board of education), demolition of blighted structures, new turf baseball and soccer fields with pavilion and restrooms, renovation of the Floyd Community Center into a modern sports and events hub, conversion of some basketball courts to pickleball, a memorial walking trail, and pedestrian safety measures including raised pavers and removable bollards on Augusta Avenue.

The plan weaves SEPTED (crime-prevention through environmental design) features throughout the site—improved lighting, clearer sight lines and defined boundaries—to address safety concerns residents raised during outreach. Wortell also pointed to recent city investment in the corridor, including a $5.3 million renovation of the Montgomery Therapeutic Recreation Center, as a foundation for further revitalization.

Robinson noted two implementation scenarios: one that includes acquisition of privately held parcels to add housing density and a commercial gateway, and a narrower version that relies on city- and nonprofit-owned land if private acquisition is not feasible. Both versions share the same core public-space and safety components.

Resident Carol Tucker of Normandale urged approval, saying the vacant school building contributes to safety concerns and depressed neighborhood morale and that redevelopment could restore productive use to the site.

Commissioners praised the community-driven outreach and, following discussion, moved to recommend approval. The motion carried unanimously. The commission’s favorable recommendation advances the master plan to the city council for a final decision.