🌱 Leaders React To Space Command HQ Decision + Construction Updates

Welcome back, Huntsville. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this newsletter inadvertently included a news item from Huntsville, Texas. We sincerely apologize for the error and are working to ensure this does not happen moving forward.

But first, today's weather:

More humid with some sun. High: 91 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. Alabama lawmakers are speaking out following the Biden administration's recent decision to keep the U.S. Space Command Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, rather than follow previous plans to move the agency to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the move is, "the wrong decision for national security." Congressman Robert Aderholt said he will try to find a way to circumvent the decision, which he believes is based on politics rather than the best interests of the U.S. Space Command. (WBRC)
2. Construction activity has been picking up in the Old Towne neighborhood along Pratt Avenue. Three projects are currently under development in the area, including a project to move a culvert, sewer system upgrades, and the construction of a new apartment and retail building. The culvert and sewer projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year, and the new development is expected to be done by September 2024. (WAFF)
3. Last week, the Huntsville City Council convened for its latest regular meeting, where a series of important decisions were made. Several council and board seats were filled, with NiCarla Friend, Brian Webb, Laura Forte, and Sinead C. Lounmala among those appointed to different positions. Incumbents Jonathan Rossow, Missy Hanks, Shelly McCulley, and Phillip Bentley Jr. also had their terms extended. The council also greenlit 29 business-related motions, among them an agreement between the city and SJ&L General Contractor for a road extension project and changes to the Budget Ordinance. Five potential motions, including the issuance of a TIF Revenue Warrant and naming a sports complex, were tabled for future meetings. (Huntsville Business Journal)

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Today in Huntsville:

Wednesday, August 2

• Golden Hour At Huntsville Botanical Garden (5:00 PM)
• Music On The Patio Featuring Tim Cannon At Grimaldi's (6:00 PM)
• Ain't Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations At Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, Von Braun Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Little Green Store and Gallery is hosting Amy Collins as this month's featured artist. There will be an artist's reception this Thursday, Aug. 3 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. where you can check out her oil paintings. (Arts Huntsville via Facebook)
• The North Huntsville Public Library has a weekly program for students in grades K-6 to become "reading superheroes." Attendees can practice reading with each other or adults. (Huntsville Madison County Public Library via Facebook)
• Applications are now open for teachers to apply for STEM grants through the Tennessee Valley Authority. Applications will be accepted until Sep. 15 for grants of up to $5,000 to support teachers in bringing STEM-related projects to their classrooms. (Huntsville Utilities via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you around.

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.