Fairhope Council Plans Sidewalks to New Elementary School

The City Council has voted to apply for a grant funded by the Federal  Safe Routes to Schools program to build a 5 ft. sidewalk in the vicinity of the new elementary school on S. Section St.

School principal Mr. Beasley and Smart Coast's Charlene Lee helped select the roads involved: Jan,  Fairwood, Bayou and Patilyn Drives--based on heavy use by pedestrian students.

The ALDOT grant is for $145,000; but the city must put that sum "up front" -- to be reimbursed later.  Councilman Stankoski cautioned that the grant application should be done correctly, citing recent problems with a Volanta skateboard park grant.

The city's Financial Advisory Committee recommended the Council approve the proposal.

Professional grant writer Stacy McKean (Premier Grants Consulting LLC.) has offered to donate her services at no charge to the city,  as has BES Engineering for the project.

Another Safe Routes project, on S. Greeno  Rd. down to the high school, is moving forward and should be put out for public bids shortly, according to a spokesman for the city.