Huntsville leaders weigh plans to reopen blocked alleyways

Planning Commission member Steve Songer presented a map to the Huntsville Town Council work session on Feb. 20 identifying multiple alleyways that are blocked by fences, buildings, trees and wetlands and urged the town to act to restore access. “Many residents … are being denied the right of having access to the back of their property because their alley was illegally blocked off by someone else,” Songer wrote in an attachment circulated to the commission and council.

Council and Planning Commission members discussed several paths forward. Town Council Member (TCM) Sandy Hunter urged a stepwise approach: “make a list of blocks and blocked alleyways,” identify affected property owners, remove trees blocking the alleys, and require property owners to remove permanent structures that encroach. PC Alternate John Henderson recommended a blanket, town‑wide survey so all property owners are treated consistently, while PC Member Steve Songer and PC Member Liz Poulter favored starting with the problem areas first and addressing complications case‑by‑case.

Legal and logistical concerns emerged during the debate. TCM Artie Powell and TCM Bruce Ahlstrom warned the council to expect possible lawsuits from owners who resist removing fences or outbuildings; Ahlstrom recommended hiring professionals for tree removal. Mayor Richard Sorensen said he is sympathetic to restoring access but worried about cost, noting the town recently spent several hundred thousand dollars addressing a major water leak, and asked staff to research survey costs before the council commits to action. The mayor moved to adjourn the work session and asked that a formal plan be placed on the next Town Council agenda.