Story by Phyllis Jones, Sr. Staff Writer and photos by Carla Black, Speakin’ Out News photographer
Last November, John Meredith became the new Huntsville City Councilman for District 5. He replaced incumbent Will Culver in a run-off election. Culver had served in this capacity since 2008.
Councilman Meredith has been working diligently with the business community and trying to address the homeless issue. It was the business community that got him interested in the homeless issue. Some of the business owners have complained about the homeless entering their establishments and pan-handling their clients. Councilman Meredith understands that this isn’t good for their business. “Business owners have their perspective of the problem. Thankfully, I haven’t lost sight of the individuals who are homeless. We still have to treat the homeless with dignity.” Councilman Meredith shared that he has had conversations with leaders in Birmingham and Shelby County, on how they are handling the homeless issues.
According to Councilman Meredith, Huntsville Police Department also has a caring heart for the homeless. He shared that when they arrive on the scene, they try to meet the need of the homeless person, instead of automatically making an arrest.
When asked about what he plans to do to help implement what former Councilman Culver has started, in regard to Mid-City, Councilman Meredith had this to say, “To be honest, sit back and not get in the way.” With construction already underway and retailers are on the way, his job will be to just make sure things goes according to plan.
Mid-City is a major project for our city. There will be job opportunities available, including construction based jobs, but everyone is not getting an equal piece of the pie. Councilman Meredith admitted, “Unfortunately, black contractors are not benefitting like they should.” He also shared that he would like to have a minority business directory so that more black and Hispanic businesses can benefit from these types of job.
It is no secret that District 5 is one of the largest districts in the city. Councilman Meredith acknowledges that his district is large geographically, a blessing and a curse. “The blessing is that we have so many ecliptic neighborhoods and areas that have their own unique personalities. The curse is it’s hard to maintain. It’s hard to get police and fire coverage into Limestone County that is part of District 5.” He pledges to get those needed services closer to where the people live.
Councilman Meredith also believes that more schools need to be built. He has a hard time grasping the fact that students, who could walk to a Limestone County School, have to get up at 5:00am to catch a bus to Columbia High School, Williams Middle School or Providence Elementary School. “That’s asking an awful lot of those students and their parents,” Councilman Meredith expressed.
Councilman Meredith has other concerns on his laundry list that includes addressing infrastructure, abandoned buildings (those where drug deals are taking place), road repairs, green spaces (especially for newly developed subdivisions), expanded hours of operation and routes for public transportation and broad band internet (to allow students to complete school assignments at home). Business property owners, whose buildings are no longer in use, will be given a reasonable time limit to address what they plan to do with their property. Owners must make sure that driving access is limited or blocked. Councilman Meredith explained, “I just want everyone to be a good neighbor to the other businesses around them.”
Since being sworn in, Councilman Meredith says that the biggest challenge that he has faced is identifying various departments and what tasks are done there and who the contact person should be when he gets a call from his constituent, pertaining a particular issue. The most satisfying is constituent interaction. He says that most are pleased that someone returned their call and care to address their needs.
Councilman Meredith is excited to serve the people of District 5 and the City of Huntsville as a whole. He welcomes calls pertaining to complaints or compliments. He can be reached at 256.427.5011.