Hydeia Hayes

The Bessemer City Pedestrian Plan Update aims to enhance walkability by adapting the 2010 plan to current needs. Its central vision is to transform Bessemer City into a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrian recreation and transportation, preserving its small-town character. The plan is structured around five core priorities: Mobility, Safety, Health, Economy, and Environment. It provides detailed recommendations for facility improvements, such as sidewalks, multi-use paths, and pedestrian crossings, complemented by strategic policies and programs focused on coordination, maintenance, encouragement, and education, all intended to foster a vibrant, safe, and economically beneficial pedestrian network.

The strategic plan for the City of Bessemer City focuses on promoting a desirable place to live and work, ensuring a safe and secure community, investing in high-quality infrastructure, providing opportunities for citizen engagement, and fostering organizational sustainability. Key goals include updating city codes, improving walkability, creating an arts and cultural plan, conducting a public safety study, developing a long-range infrastructure plan, clarifying land development codes, educating advisory boards, creating community programs, and attracting high-quality professionals. The plan emphasizes continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective implementation and responsiveness to community needs.

The document serves as a guide for updating the Land Use Plan, Codes, and Zoning Map, aiming to shape Bessemer City's future development into a thriving, charming, and vibrant community. It emphasizes preserving the city's small-town quality, avoiding suburban sprawl, and capitalizing on its traditional town pattern. The plan focuses on enhancing community connections to nature, promoting walkable neighborhoods, and attracting millennials and aging boomers by offering amenities within walking distance. It also addresses the need for diverse housing options and identifies areas for business and industrial development.

Department heads presented reports, including updates on public works, police investigations, planning department changes, and economic development initiatives. Discussions covered upcoming changes to recycling services and planning services, a budget update, and potential annexation plans. The council also discussed appointments to various boards and committees, including the ABC Board, Downtown Development Board, and Planning & Zoning Board. The meeting included consideration of a Brunch Bill allowing earlier alcohol service on Sundays and a general discussion of the recent tragedy at the Surf and Turf Lodge.

The work session addressed the rescinding of a demolition ordinance for a property at 104 E. Washington Avenue due to the property owner addressing all code violations. Approval was given for a temporary street closure for a 5K race. Department reports included updates on an employee health fair and a manufacturing week tour. The City Manager's report included discussion on signage for the new City Hall annex and an upcoming ordinance for a Highway 161 sidewalk project, requiring a 20% match of $160,000. Updates were also given on HVAC and carpeting work at City Hall.