NORTHPORT, AL — Northport Mayor John Hinton on Monday said he plans to veto the proposed sale of the Northport Community Center property and its adjacent park if the deal makes it out of the 180-day due diligence period for the city and Beeker Property Group.
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Prior to making his intentions known, Hinton mentioned the city’s different recreational offerings and parks, including Civitan Park, the Robert Hasson Community Center and the proposed projects such as the water park on McFarland Boulevard, an adventure sports park on Rose Boulevard and large-scale improvements to Kentuck Park.
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Hinton told Patch earlier this month that he was considering his options ahead of Monday night’s regular meeting, but said he had reservations regarding a veto of the council’s decision to enter into the due dilligence period with Beeker Property Group after discussing the matter with City Attorney Ron Davis.
“Considering all the information I have, I plan to veto the sale of the Community Center park located on Park Street,” Hinton said. “I feel it’s the right thing for me to do. Should the city or the Beeker Group withdraw during the 180-day expiration period, a veto will not be needed. The veto, for me, has been ‘when’ not ‘if’ it will occur.”
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The decision was met with cheers from those in attendance hoping to preserve the park, which also came after Hinton mentioned that the only reason the property was in question was due to its location.
“The Community Center Park on Park Street has served the citizens of Northport for decades,” Hinton said. “It is in question for one reason only — it’s location next to a four-lane busy street, the second most-travelled corridor in the city, which happens to be a prime location for business development.”
Pressure also continues on members of the council from those in the community looking to preserve the park and Community Center — including on Monday when resident Judy Holland spoke out and provided ideas for the property, such as a small splash pad or dog park.
“In the meeting, you said you wanted to work with us, and I sure hope you mean it,” Holland said. “Some of the suggestions have been a place for local food trucks from where the houses are being moved from. It would generate tax revenue and offer a variety of food options. Think about that during football season.”
As Patch previously reported, the City Council repealed a resolution requiring an unanimous council vote in order to be able to sell the community center property. Despite the ongoing discussions about the future of the property, this change in policy drew vocal pushback regarding how the city does business.
If the measure is indeed vetoed by Hinton, the Council would need at minimum four of the five council votes in favor to override the veto and move forward with its plans for the property.
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