Published: March 29, 2008 07:54 pm            

HANCEVILLE: Growth continues

Katie Whitley has seen Hanceville change considerably since she moved to the town 45 years ago.

“There’s been many sub-divisions added,” Whitley said. “Wallace (State Community College) went from a technical college to a junior college. And as far as businesses, everything sort of went north because of the college. Everything downtown has dried up because of the college.”

As the mayor of Hanceville, Whitley has spent the last four years trying to be a part of the changes constantly taking place in her city. Over the last few years, attempts have been made to revitalize Hanceville’s downtown area.

“We did a revitalization project when we (administration) came in and had the streets and sidewalks redone,” Whitley said. “We still have the problem of parking.”

Whitley said city officials have constantly looked for new businesses and industries that might be interested in locating to Hanceville. To make the area more enticing to industries, the city recently completed the first phase of an environmental study for 65 acres at the Hanceville Industrial Park.

“We want to have this already done so if industry comes in ... it won’t be another two years out before they can build,” Whitley said.

Currently, the industrial park is home to the Louisiana Pacific Corporation.

Also over the last few years, Whitley said, the city has worked to bring its records system into the 21st Century.

“As far as getting records on the computer ... we’ve established what property was inside the city limits,” Whitley said. “It was never recorded before and the tax revenue wasn’t coming in.”

Whitley added that officials recently revised the city’s zoning ordinance and is currently developing a comprehensive plan for the municipality.

The City of Hanceville was founded on May 28, 1879. Located in North-Central Alabama less than 10 miles from Interstate 65, Hanceville is the second largest city in Cullman County, with a population of around 3,000.

The city offers numerous annual events such as the Mud Creek Festival, which spotlights area high school marching bands.

Hanceville School is a Class A accredited institution with elementary, middle and secondary schools.

“I think it’s great,” Whitley said of the school system. “I don’t hear any complaints about it.”

Like Hanceville itself, Wallace State has continued to grow over the years, which in turn has helped the city prosper. Whitley said the college, which has over 7,000 students, has brought in many people to eat and shop in the city.

In addition to educational opportunities, the city also boasts plenty of recreational opportunities. Hanceville has two parks that offer tennis courts, ball fields, a swimming pool, picnic pavilions, playground areas and walking trails.

Though the city has grown considerably, Whitley noted it has not developed without its share of problems. She said the biggest problem facing the city is its aging sewer system.

“The lines are about 43 years old,” Whitley said.

Due to the problems with the sewer system, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management recently hit the Hanceville Water and Sewer Board with a $25,000 consent order.

But even with the sewer problems, to Whitley the future of Hanceville looks bright.

“Financially we’re in good shape,” Whitley said.

        

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