New Mill Creek development project the subject of open meetings

Plans to redevelop property along Governors Drive are moving forward, and Huntsville officials would like to hear from the public about the new project.

The City of Huntsville and the Huntsville Housing Authority are hosting three upcoming meetings to discuss the project — known among the public as the Mill Creek development. Here’s more info:

Mill Creek development meetings

Three upcoming meetings are planned to discuss the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, a project led by the Housing Authority and Huntsville’s Urban Development Office.

Dates, times and locations for the meeting are as follows:

• Resident drop-in open house: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6PM – HHA Resident Services Building, 212 Seminole Drive SW
• Johnson Tower resident meeting: Thursday, Oct. 19, 4PM – Johnson Tower resident space, 216 Seminole Drive SW
• Neighborhood and resident meeting: Thursday, Oct. 19, 6PM – Boys & Girls Club, 125 Earl St.

At these meetings, stakeholders will have an opportunity to see in-progress ideas for the redevelopment of Butler Terrace and Johnson Towers — now referred to as the Mill Creek project. There will also be opportunities to provide input on development plans and hear short presentations.

Representatives from the City’s Planning and Community Development departments will be at each meeting, as will representatives from Urban Strategies Inc., a St. Louis-based nonprofit with a history of working with governments and housing authorities to redevelop public housing.

More on the Mill Creek development project

The Mill Creek transformation plan proposes 750 residential units – a mix of market rate, Housing Authority, workforce and senior housing. It also includes pedestrian-oriented shopping focused on the Governors Drive and Clinton Avenue corridors.

The Housing Authority and City are preparing to submit a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant later this year that could provide up to $50 million in federal funding for the project. Those funds would be used for neighborhood infrastructure, housing, employment opportunities, health and education and private investment.

“We’re excited to replace aging structures with modern, energy-efficient units that meet the needs of a broad spectrum of residents. This project will significantly improve residents’ outcomes as well as provide more quality-of-life amenities through private investment.”

Antonio McGinnis, Huntsville Housing Authority CEO

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