HUNTSVILLE, AL—
Families in North Huntsville say they are worried that correctional facilities and halfway houses could go up in their neck of the woods. They are telling city officials they flat out don't like it.James Hyde lives by the Toyota plant in North Huntsville. He moved here for scenic views and to help his 99-year-old mother.
"She's been in a wheelchair, and the house we lived in, the doors... she couldn't even get her wheelchair in the bathroom," he said.
But his peaceful view could change, because the City Council is looking at a zoning ordinance. If the ordinance passes, companies could come in and build halfway houses or correctional facilities in industrial areas of Huntsville.
Charlotte Gaynair said the ordinance affects nearby families, and hates the idea of something being built near her home.
"People who are living in remote areas, it's for a reason, be it for safety or a family environment," she said.
Huntsville City Councilman Will Culver said he doesn't like it either. A lot of his district in southwest Huntsville is zoned for this ordinance. He explains that the city is working in response to a federal mandate.
"It doesn't mean that it will happen, what we're saying that if they were to come to Huntsville then it has to be in those areas that we have designated by that ordinance," said Culver.
Councilman Culver said that this may look bad, but the city is actually working to protect citizens.
"This group that's coming in has a proven track record where they have sued cities successfully. So we want to save the taxpayers money by not having to deal with these very costly lawsuits while simultaneously trying to control strategically where they are placed," he said.
Keep in mind, the city has industrial areas all over Huntsville that the council is considering. The proposed ordinance would require, depending on the size of the facilities, to be 500 to 1,000 feet away from a school.
Councilman Culver said the city plans to reach a decision no later than December 23rd.
