New road planned in Pell City paving the way for commercial development

PELL CITY, Ala. (WBMA) — A new road planned in Pell City will connect Highway 231 to Veterans Parkway.

St. Clair County leaders said the project has been discussed for 10-15 years and is finally becoming a reality.The work has already begun as the path is being cleared out for the roadway.

With the road, there are plans to develop 200 acres for commercial use.

"It grows by itself. That's what's happening here. As the growth moves into Pell City and St. Clair County which is running 8.7 % a year, it continues to feed itself," said St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon. "Commercial development is different from industrial. We are foreseeing the possibility of down this highway, down 231 or in the Pell City area, developing more industrial property, because industrial property is where you have more long term careers, so one fits in with the other."

Although the road is expected to be complete by the end of the year, the vision for St. Clair County leaders is long-term.

"I don't think it'll build out for eight, ten years, but I think you'll see major things happening within five years on the front parcels," Batemon explained.

Batemon said within five years, the commercial development could create at least 2,000 jobs in Pell City.

"It's just a great place to live and we're trying to make it a great place to shop. We don't have to raise taxes as we're in a growth mode on our commercial development and that's what this'll do. It's positive growth for St. Clair County," said Batemon.

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While St. Clair County leaders said the future growth is important, there are some who live nearby who are opposed to the project.

"You got people right beside you now, where before you could come out here and there was nothing but you," said Jackie Robertson.

Robertson has lived here all his life, for 73 years, and has never been in favor of the project. However, it's a done deal. Robertson said he has no intentions of moving out of his lifelong home.

"You have to accept it or you get run over by the machine," said Robertson.

To just put the road in, Batemon said will cost upwards of millions of dollars. He explained a partnership with the state for the road project opened up the county's infrastructure portion.

"The county put a portion in, the city put a portion in, the state put some in and part of that money would be to improve that interchange for instance, which will be federal state money, 80-20 match. We invest 20% into it to bring 80% more money into this area to build the project," Batemon explained.

Batemon went on to say the road is just the beginning of what's to come over the next few years in Pell City.

"A road is an investment. We're thinking this will grow and be a great investment whatever we put into it," said Batemon.

The road connection will lead to the area near Jefferson State Community College and St. Vincent's-Pell City.