🌱 New Apartment Construction + Huntsville Airport Upgrades

Good morning, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 92 Low: 70.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. Huntsville will soon have additional apartment units available to accommodate the city's growing population. City Planning Division employee Dennis Madsen said that there are around 9,000 apartments currently being constructed in Huntsville, and last week, the city planning commission approved the development of additional apartment complexes. Madsen said that the city is working to encourage developers to build single-family homes in the area, but he pointed to high interest rates and low affordability as obstacles to new construction. (WAFF)
2. The terminal at Huntsville International Airport will be receiving a $13.3 million renovation to improve accessibility. The coming renovations will bring the terminal into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The terminal currently has only one elevator and one set of escalators, and the improvements will bring that total to two elevators and two sets of escalators. When construction begins, travelers can expect to see the addition of ramps to connect the TSA exit area to the concourse, but there should not be an impact on travelers making their way through TSA to their gates. (WHNT)
3. Huntsville Police Deputy Chief Michael Johnson has been recognized for his efforts as a volunteer with the Huntsville-based organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley. Johnson received the Janice and Bill Hanna Good Steward Award, which recognizes stewardship in local board leaders. Johnson volunteers as a Big Brother and is also a member of the organization's board of directors. He has led efforts to grow the Bigs in Blue program, which brings together police officers in their free time to mentor local children. (WHNT)

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Today in Huntsville:

Friday, July 7

• Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo At VBC South Hall (3:00 PM)
• Happy Hour: Robby Eichman At Voodoo Lounge (5:00 PM)
• First Friday With The Zooks At Rocket Republic Downtown (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you're ready to start a garden or have questions about growing fruits and vegetables, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is holding an informational session with the Master Gardeners of North Alabama. This event will be held on Jul. 8 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Click here to learn more. (Huntsville Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• Theatre Huntsville recently announced its 26th season. Upcoming shows include Little Shop of Horrors, Alabama Story, Don't Dress for Dinner, and more. (Theatre Huntsville via Facebook)
• Huntsville Fire and Rescue Station 8 crew shared pictures from their recent visit to St. Mark Child Development Center. The children got to see a fire truck and learn fire safety tips. (Huntsville Fire and Rescue via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— 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.