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(09/16/13 9:27pm)
The vote may be in, but construction will not begin until 2014.
The Auburn City Council voted to move forward with the Renew Opelika Road Corridor plan during the Council's last meeting Aug. 20. The first area of construction is in the final design stages.
"Renew Opelika Road was a plan that came out of our comprehensive plan," said Justin Steinmann, the city of Auburn's principal planner. "It was really recognizing a need for knowing that Opelika Road is a corridor that was in decline."
The first phase of construction is the stretch of Opelika Road between Gay and Ross Streets.
"The remaining sections will be built over time, a lot of it depends on how much money is available from year to year to make that construction happen," Steinmann said. "There's not a firm timeline, you know, we are doing the Corridor in five years. It's more we are going to see what our funds are year-to-year and work incrementally as we can."
Steinmann said the plan encompasses the entire length of Opelika Road from Gay Street to the Auburn city limits and includes areas such as the Village Mall, Aspen Heights and North Dean Road. He said the plan is fundamentally about revitalizing the area through improving the aesthetics of the road with street trees, sidewalks and medians.
"So as far as the street-scape, the part that the city will be doing, redevelopment is occurring right now," Steinmann said. "We are asking people to plant street trees and other things like that."
Steinmann said the city wants to redevelop and reinvest in existing properties to make new investments on the corridor.
"Another thing we have talked about is corridor identity," Steinmann said. "You know, like downtown has an identity. Downtown Merchants helps promote Downtown, but there's no similar organization that does that for Opelika Road."
Two citizens brought concerns of the project to the Council during the Aug. 20 meeting.
"There's no plans for U-turns," said Allen Patterson of Village Photography. "If somebody was traveling down Opelika Road and they needed to turn left into a business across the street from me, they might have to go further and loop through Byron's parking lot in order to come back to that business. There are a lot of things that could go wrong when that happens."
Patterson raised concerns over medians impeding delivery trucks' ability to park in turn lanes on Opelika Road to deliver product to area businesses. He said he feels people are about (what does that mean?) the traffic issues that a median may create in that area.
"But we don't want to impede ongoing businesses like [Village Photography] and others that have been there for years and years and years," said Mayor Bill Ham. "So, going forward we want to ensure the viability of our existing businesses. And make sure that we don't do anything to negatively impact them."
Forrest Cotten, director of planning, said citizens have concerns about medians and he feels the planning department is sensitive to businesses' concerns.
"Where the rubber meets the road is when we actually get into the design phase of the project," Cotten said. "I think certainly we see greater opportunities for medians in some locations without question."
Construction will begin in 2014.
"I think we are extraordinarily sensitive and we'll be reaching out to those businesses directly," Cotten said. "And so there won't be anything done out there that folks aren't aware of, and certainly that would negatively impact businesses along there. I think everybody's on the same page as far as that's concerned."
(09/06/13 3:10pm)
The second home football game of the season brings even more celebration than the first, especially to downtown Auburn as a group of hopeful fans wanting victory over the Arkansas State Red Wolves piles in through the Auburn's Entertainment District.
Downtown AUtumn Nights will jumpstart the weekend Friday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. and festivities will continue until 10 p.m. on Magnolia Avenue between Gay and College Streets. The celebration will include appearances from Aubie, the marching band and Auburn cheerleaders with a performance by the 1st Generation Band.
"The downtown entertainment district will also be in effect for the AUtumn Nights event," said Jennifer Fincher, vice president of communications and marketing for Auburn Chamber of Commerce. "The special measure allows individuals to purchase alcohol at a licensed establishment, leave that establishment with an open container and consume alcohol in shatterproof containers outside during special events approved by the city council. No coolers are permitted."
This is the second year for the Downtown AUtumn Nights and there are three events set to take place this fall on Oct. 25, before the Florida Atlantic University home game and again on Nov. 15, as Georgia comes to town.
"It began last year as a way to enhance and extend the game-day experience for both visitors and the local community," Fincher said.
At the Auburn City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20, the Council authorized closing Magnolia Avenue between College and Gay Street to vehicles for the event. Rain and delays have moved the event from its original location, so the Council approved the September AUtumn Nights to take place on Magnolia Avenue.
"As soon as we get the parking lot on Gay Street done, we will be shifting the stage and everything there so people can have fun and not impair traffic," City Manager Charles Duggan said. "From that location, they should be able to get around to all the business and everything fairly easily."
AUtumn Nights is a collaboration among the Auburn Alumni Association, Auburn Athletics, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the City of Auburn and the Downtown Auburn Merchants.
"Most stores have plans to stay open later than usual. Anyone is welcome to attend and there is no admission fee," Fincher said.
(09/06/13 3:10pm)
Some students think the perfect fall football tailgate involves hamburgers, barbecue, booze, games and friends. People gather on Auburn's campus and all over town for pre-game festivities. But for some, tailgating has more to offer than food and fun before going into the stadium.
"Tailgating is a special time because you are with all the people you'll go to the game with, all your friends," said Corey Smith, graduate student in biomechanics. "You're having a good time conversing, but there is a real sense of community, too, with the people in the next tent over. You'll get to know them over the whole season."
Someone not familiar with football traditions might think tailgating involves sitting on a truck's tailgate, or as Google defines it as "to eat an informal meal served from the back of a parked vehicle," but that's not the case.
Most people tailgate in style with RVs, motorhomes, decorated cars or tents with satellite television connections.
The concept of tailgating is not complicated, but there's more to tailgating than a good time.
"You go to the site, you set up a tent, you hang out, cook, hang out some more and then go to the game and it's a great way to get into the Auburn spirit before the game," said Lynn Tamblyn, senior in industrial and systems engineering. "I like to spend time with Auburn people and fans before the game and it's a time where you cook, grill and hang out with friends."
Auburn fans, hopeful to celebrate football, flock to campus beginning Fridays at 4 p.m., when tailgaters are allowed to reserve certain areas on campus.
Tailgating on campus is so prevalent, the University established guidelines for tents used on University property.
"It's a big community thing, people are happy before the game and it's a fun atmosphere," Smith said. "It's all about community, I think. I always bring my grill because someone needs a grill master, and that's me."
Auburn University allows tailgating in the hayfields on Donahue Drive, the Intramural Fields, at Ag Heritage Park, on the Student Center Greenspace and the Weagle Woods behind the Forestry and Wildlife building.
"I love it. I grew up tailgating when I was little. It's a real nice ambiance before the game," Smith said. "You don't care about the game just yet. If you are uptight about the game, tailgating eases you up a little bit."
Tailgating goes beyond Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn's central campus.
There are parks dedicated to RV tailgating, like University Station RV Resort on Highway 14, where the park offers a shuttle service to the Stadium.
"The atmosphere here during home football exceeds your most elaborate expectation for tailgating," said Jill Holt of University Station. "Everyone here is here for Auburn football. Golf carts are decked out in their Auburn decor with horns, and big sound systems playing Auburn songs or ballgames as they breeze around the community and throughout the park, exchanging 'War Eagles' with fellow passing fans."
University Station covers 92 acres with approximately 550 sites available for RVs. Holt said there are approximately 450-650 RVs at the site, depending on the game.
"Tailgating has evolved to another level here at the station. There is an unspoken competition to "out-Auburn" the neighbors, or at least represent yourself very well in your display," Holt said. "Many sites have gone from camping to "glamping" here. Elaborate decks, coach houses, landscaped lawns and of course, all of the Auburn Tailgate decor you can find to promote team pride."
Friday nights, University Station features live bands performances with meals alongside a bonfire.
Holt said there is a tradition of events that include Halloween costume contests, parades, church services and auctions for Auburn scholarship funds.
"Our guests vary in age from newborn to 90 plus in years," Holt said. "We have tailgaters who are grandparents entertaining their families and grandchildren, to large tailgates with lots of college students, to quiet couples who just want a place to relax."
Holt said tailgating away from central campus is a money-saver because people do not have to drive their RVs back and forth to Auburn every weekend.
At places like University Station, people are able to leave their RVs at the site all season.
"The two main charms are the enormous amount of fun we have here with friends, new and old, and the hassle-free experience you get when you have a spot reserved and your site is set up when you get here," Holt said. "You just unlock the door and start your party."
(09/04/13 3:13am)
The City Council met Tuesday, Sept. 3 to discuss Havana Dreamin' requesting an alcohol license, and Exhale's request to operate as a cigar and hookah lounge. "They died because a lack of action," said David Dorton, city director of public affairs. "The Havana Dreamin' one is two issues, even though they are both dealing with smoking. Havana Dreamin's issue was that they wanted to add alcohol to a smoking lounge."Havana Dreamin', 2328 S. College St. suite 12, sought approval for an alcoholic beverage license, but the license was denied after being granted approval to operate as a retail tobacco shop in January.Zamil Ali of Exhale, the cigar and hookah lounge, requested approval to operate as a tobacco specialty shop, or operate as a cigar or hookah lounge. Exhale is located at 221 N. College St. in the College Edge Overlay District. At the Aug. 6 meeting, both Havana Dreamin' and Exhale's requests were tabled in order for the Council to research the businesses' compliance of the City's smoking ordinances."The problem the Council saw with that was we've told bars that they can't smoke anymore," Dorton said. "So if you allow a smoking lounge to add alcohol to the smoking lounge, then that might be inconsistent with rules bars have to abide by."Three citizens approached the Council to discuss the potential harms of smoking, while Havana Dreamin' owner, Rick Payne argued for the approval of the alcohol license. "I think the hookah bar goes back to the issue of what do they want the smoking ordinance to allow, and the idea that we are going back and being consistent in how we apply all of these rules," Dorton said. "And really do they want to allow any type of smoking establishment, I think is part of the discussion."
In other business:
Katie Robinson from the planning department was named employee of the month.
The Mayor awarded five service pins and plaques. Stephanie Spraggins with the finance department and Audrea May with the public works department were awarded pins for their five year service to the City. David Carr with the public safety department and Marty Beckwith with the public works department were honored for their 10 years of service.
City Manager Charles Duggan announced vacancies in the Auburn City Public Library board, cemeteries advisory board and two vacancies in the industrial development board.
The Council approved alcoholic beverage licenses to Halftime Sports Bar and Grill on 154 and 156 N. College St.
The Council approved with unanimous consent the establishment of a stop sign in the Shelton Cove Subdivision.
Approved closing City streets for the Historic Pine Hill Lantern Tour and the Downtown Trick or Treat in October.
Approved Zazu's, 149 E. Magnolia Ave., request for an outdoor cafe permit.
Approved fixed costs for cutting overgrown lots at 804 Cahaba Drive and South College Street parcels.
Approved non-educational tax abatements for Pyongsan America Inc and toolCare U.S. International.
Approved conditional use of an accessory road for Oly's Automotive Detailing located at 465 Opelika Road. The item originally appeared in the August 20 City Council meeting where it was tabled to ensure the correction of zoning violations.
Approved Boykin Center tenants leases
Approved the purchase of 60 Motorola two-way radios at a cost of $59,145.
Approved purchase of two 60-inch Exmark mowers, three weed eaters, two edgers and one backpack mower at a total cost of $21,968.25
Approved drainage and utility easements at lot 2-C of the Samford Glenn Subdivision and two easements for the Northeast Parallel Outfall Sewer Project.
Approved nomination of Anna Hovey on the Mental Retardation Board.
(08/27/13 3:05am)
A yellow curb raised questions and concerns during the Auburn City Council meeting on August 20.
The residential parking issue ended in a tie and almost every councilman voiced his opinion.
"An ordinance was passed at the last meeting establishing a no parking zone on a piece of property on Bibb Avenue," said City Manager Charles Duggan. "This evening some of the neighbors asked for the council to reconsider that vote."
Before the August 6 meeting, a lady on Bibb Street requested to have the curb in front of her house painted yellow to indicate a no parking zone, said City Engineer Jeffery Ramsey.
And the Council voted to have the curb painted.
"This is not unusual. We have gotten several requests all over town of people blocking their driveway and blocking their mailboxes," Ramsey said. "We allow them to make a petition to City Council for no parking as long as it's in front of their property."
William Lester of 918 Bibb Ave., questioned the Council's decision to paint the curb in front of his neighbor's property on 920 Bibb Ave.
"My concern is that no notification was given to the neighbors. We were not allowed to give any opposing opinions or views," Lester said.
"We woke up the next morning and there's a yellow curb in our neighborhood."
Lester said his neighbor had a car parked in front of her property for at least 15 years. He said when she moved the car, he felt she did not want anyone else parking there. The issue goes beyond residential parking for Councilman Arthur Dowdell.
"I think this was done with malice and selfishness," said Councilman Arthur Dowdell. "I think if we start allowing single citizens to come and ask we are going to have a lot of yellow lines in our communities."
The area in question is in a closed neighborhood. According to Lester, few cars pass through the area that are not residents.
"There's a steep hill there. The crest of the hill, she can't see over that," Lester said. "Her driveway is below the hill and regardless if there's a vehicle in that spot or not, she cannot see over the hill."
"Gentlemen, I feel a little responsible that we passed this and didn't ask to hear the other side of the story from the other neighbors," said Councilman Ron Anders. "I think we should have done that and I would like to see us resend this vote."
Anders' opinion did not come true, but he encouraged Lester to converse with his neighbor to resolve the issue in a respectful manner.
"We obviously are caught in the middle of a neighborhood spat and that's not a good place for us to be I don't think," said Councilman Bob Norman. "I'd hate to see a precedent set here that anytime anybody wants to control parking in front of their house that it's a political issue."
Norman said if he were in the resident's shoes, he would expect the City to paint the curb if he could not see to safely get out of his driveway.
"I hate to make this a political referee issue," Norman said. "We got a precedent, we've done it other places by citizen request."
The Council voted four yes and four no, which led to a tie. The decision to paint the curb yellow still stands and the paint will not be removed from the curb.
(08/27/13 2:55am)
Just a 20-minute drive from Auburn's campus is a town with a rich history and a busy
downtown.
"There is so much more to offer in the area than just what is on campus or what might be on their typical beaten path," said Robyn Bridges, vice president and public relations director for the Auburn and Opelika Tourism
Bureau. "Especially when you talk about going over to Opelika and what seeing what the downtown area of Opelika has to offer."
Every street corner of downtown Opelika has something to offer college students.
But some people do not venture beyond the safety of University property.
From music to art, entertainment and food, the city's downtown area has something for everyone.
"I always like to say we have an atmosphere that is unexplainable," said Pam Powers-Smith, director of Opelika Main Street, Inc.
"It's just fun to be in our downtown. The atmosphere is great and it just makes you want to be here."
Downtown offers a range of dining options from coffee bars, New Orleans fare to Southern cuisine alongside a string of antique and clothing stores.
"Besides all of our fun eateries and shops, students can enjoy some down time at beautiful
Courthouse Square or they can stroll along beautiful Railroad Avenue," Powers-Smith said. "If someone has some extra time, they could pop in to the Museum of East Alabama, take a look at the Historic (Lewiston-Auburn)
Depot or simply mark their calendars to attend one of our fabulous events."
The downtown area features historic exhibits and museums, including the Museum of East Alabama located on South Ninth Street.
The museum celebrates the rich history of East Alabama and focuses on five Alabama counties including Lee, Macon, Russell, Chambers and Tallapoosa.
The museum offers free admission and is closed Sunday and Monday.
"I also think the historic significance of Opelika is fun to learn about and you still see it," Powers-Smith said. "We try not to tear down any buildings or destroy what our ancestors built for us. It's always good for everyone to experience somewhere new." Opelika appeared on maps around 1733, according to the Museum of East Alabama.
In the mid-1800s, the town became a railroad crossroads to cities in Alabama and Georgia.
Today, trains still run through the city, but passenger trains were discontinued in 1970.
"I don't know that I can think of any hidden places, but I always like to encourage newcomers to try to experience all of our restaurants and shops," Powers-Smith said. "Don't always just go to the same ones. Walk around the corner or visit a block you haven't before.
I think it's fun to try a restaurant that none of my friends have and be the first one."
Downtown Opelika also appeals to the music scene as well. Bands from Nashville and Atlanta play at venues in the area, said Bridges.
"These are just places that students might not necessarily know about and they have so much to offer in terms of nightlife and food and cultural events," Bridges said.
(08/26/13 11:48pm)
Auburn is much more than a SEC college football campus. There is a city surrounding the University's grounds that students often don't explore. Since the semester is still young and the classes are still manageable, take a break and explore the area outside of the library's walls.
Arts and Entertainment:
If you take a ride down North College Street, you'll find a string of bars to satisfy your nightlife adventures.
Downtown Auburn's bar scene includes Skybar Cafe with an open roof atmosphere, The Bank Vault, Piccolo, 17-16, Quixotes, En Fuego, Bourbon Street, The Hound and the Balcony Bar.
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University, located at 901 S. College St., offers free admission and is open Monday through Saturday. The museum is offering free online student memberships.
On Thursday, August 22, the band Adventure the Great will play at 5 p.m.
"At JCSM, we believe art changes lives," said Charlotte Hendrix, print and digital media producer for JCSM. "Our mission is to share the transformative power of art with the university and community."
During the week, the museum holds 30-minute tours at 1 p.m. Currently, students can view Auburn alumna Jean Woodham's sculpture and a permanent collection of lithographic prints.
After Woodham, the museum will feature David Henderson's exhibition A Brief History of Aviation, opening Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.
"The museum has several exciting events with students in mind for the fall," Hendrix said. "One way to discover your museum is to attend the Welcome Week/Membership Week programs we have planned."
Parks and Recreation:
Auburn offers parks for students and their furry friends short distances from the campus. Kiesel Park is Auburn's largest park with a garden, pond and a walking trail. The park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane. Kiesel Park features an off-leash dog area with playground and obstacle course.
Town Creek Park, 1150 S. Gay St., is free to the public and offers a walking trail.
Chewacla State Park, which is just a short car ride from campus, offers hiking trails, swimming areas, picnic areas with grills and campgrounds all tucked into its 696 acres. During the week students are eligible for a $2 entrance fee.
"They have all kinds of good hiking and biking trails, especially mountain biking. There's been a whole lot of activity out there with a group of folks who were able to get a grant from the state to build trails out there," said Robyn Bridges, vice president and public relations director for the Auburn and Opelika Tourism Bureau. "They have done a lot. There's over 25 miles of mountain biking trails."
So whether you are interested in cultural events and nightlife or exploring Auburn's paths less traveled, there's more to the area than Ralph Brown Draughon Library and the Haley Center.
"You are missing a lot of really good opportunities if you stay near campus and don't venture out," Bridges said.
(08/21/13 9:59pm)
A yellow curb raised questions and concerns during the Auburn City Council meeting on August 20. The residential parking issue ended in a tie and almost every councilman voiced his opinion.
"An ordinance was passed at the last meeting establishing a no parking zone on a piece of property on Bibb Avenue," said City Manager Charles Duggan. "This evening some of the neighbors asked for the council to reconsider that vote."
Before the August 6 meeting, a lady on Bibb Street requested to have the curb in front of her house painted yellow to indicate a no parking zone, said City Engineer Jeffery Ramsey. And the Council voted to have the curb painted.
"This is not unusual. We have gotten several requests all over town of people blocking their driveway and blocking their mailboxes," Ramsey said. "We allow them to make a petition to City Council for no parking as long as it's in front of their property."
William Lester of 918 Bibb Ave., questioned the Council's decision to paint the curb in front of his neighbor's property on 920 Bibb Ave.
"My concern is that no notification was given to the neighbors. We were not allowed to give any opposing opinions or views," Lester said. "We woke up the next morning and there's a yellow curb in our neighborhood."
Lester said his neighbor had a car parked in front of her property for at least 15 years. He said when she moved the car, he felt she did not want anyone else parking there. The issue goes beyond residential parking for Councilman Arthur Dowdell.
"I think this was done with malice and selfishness," said Councilman Arthur Dowdell. "I think if we start allowing single citizens to come and ask we are going to have a lot of yellow lines in our communities."
The area in question is in a closed neighborhood. According to Lester, few cars pass through the area that are not residents.
"There's a steep hill there. The crest of the hill, she can't see over that," Lester said. "Her driveway is below the hill and regardless if there's a vehicle in that spot or not, she cannot see over the hill."
"Gentlemen, I feel a little responsible that we passed this and didn't ask to hear the other side of the story from the other neighbors," said Councilman Ron Anders. "I think we should have done that and I would like to see us rescind this vote."
Anders' opinion did not come true, but he encouraged Lester to converse with his neighbor to resolve the issue in a respectful manner.
"We obviously are caught in the middle of a neighborhood spat and that's not a good place for us to be I don't think," said Councilman Bob Norman. "I'd hate to see a precedent set here that anytime anybody wants to control parking in front of their house that it's a political issue."
Norman said if he were in the resident's shoes, he would expect the City to paint the curb if he could not see to safely get out of his driveway.
"I hate to make this a political referee issue," Norman said. "We got a precedent, we've done it other places by citizen request."
The Council voted four yes and four no, which led to a tie. The decision to paint the curb yellow still stands and the paint will not be removed from the curb.