Northport planning its next 20 years

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Caleb Aguayo

The city of Northport held its third monthly meeting of 2023 in an effort to coordinate its planning with the public.

As part of what city leaders call the first ever “20-year plan” for growth and development, Northport Planning Consultant James Fondren said these plans will help the city in multiple ways.

“You can see the traffic on McFarland (Boulevard) and (Highways) 69 and 43 in the peak hours during the morning and the afternoons,” Fondren said. “That’s just going to continue to increase as growth continues, unless some changes are made to help disperse the traffic.”

The city held its first monthly planning meeting in January. Northport Planning Director Julie Ramm said February’s meeting focused on city development. This month’s agenda highlighted land use and transportation. These monthly meetings will continue through the summer.

Ramm said Northport hopes to unveil its new 20-year plan July 31. She said the plan will include everything discussed, but the plan will get another look and potential revisions every five years.

“We’ll touch on utilities, transportation, zoning, annexations,” Ramm said. “So it’s going to be a complete, comprehensive plan for the city, which we haven’t had before.”

And while this latest meeting highlighted residents’ feedback, concerns and ideas, Fondren and Ramm said they’re hoping even more residents participate in the online feedback and monthly meetings.

If you’re interested in offering your thoughts, you can do so right here.