The city will foot the bill to build a pedestrian walkway from the parking deck to a private building, but the decision generated animated debate before it was approved.

"I'm worried about the precedent," Councilman Barry Morris said of paying for a structure that will be owned by a private business. "What if other businesses want us to give money to connect to the deck?"

The council's debate began during the work session before the meeting and continued into the regular meeting.

The resolution to pay $66,319 to Gordon Street Corp., a subsidiary of Martin Supply Co. of Sheffield, which bought the Rogers building downtown, passed on a 5-1 vote, with Council President James Barnhart voting nay.

"This is the most outlandish resolution I've ever heard of — in Washington, Montgomery or anywhere," Barnhart said. "It is a special-interest resolution."
Barnhart said the money would be better used solving drainage problems in residential areas.

Councilman Dick Jordan, one of the sponsors of the resolution, said the money for the walkway is coming from an economic development fund established in 1995 with proceeds from a 1-cent sales tax. He said that money is already earmarked, while a separate fund exists for drainage projects.

Councilman Hermon Graham said building the walkway will encourage greater use of the public parking deck and free up downtown parking spaces. He also said spending the money is justified for a business that is bringing 50 employees to downtown and redeveloping the long-empty Rogers building.

"Precedent?" he asked. "Anyone that builds a four-story building and hires 100 people, we should do that," he said.

Martin Supply will use one floor of the three-story building for its corporate offices, and develop other areas for business. Doug Ruggles, one of the owners of Martin, said at least one restaurant had enquired about the building. Jos. A. Bank men's clothing opened in a portion of the ground floor last fall.

The walkway would extend from the parking deck, across an alley and into a common area of the Rogers building.

Pedestrians could then enter businesses or proceed to West Mobile Street and other nearby businesses.

"This is a role for government," Councilman Sam Pendleton said of the walkway. "We own the parking deck, and we are trying to increase business downtown."

The council also heard from half a dozen people opposed to the construction of a Walmart on Cloverdale Road near several subdivisions and schools. They reinforced concerns about lowered property values, increased traffic, pollution and crime, and loss of local businesses. They have been addressing the council since a Dec. 22 Planning Commission meeting where preliminary approval was granted for Walmart, which already operates a super center about four miles away.

Pendleton chastised the group for the tone of some its comments, saying they are trying to quash comments by those who support the project.

Robert Palmer can be reached at 256-740-5720 or robert.palmer@TimesDaily.com.