Mayor Brandon Van Hook and Commissioner Connie Hudson provided updates on current and upcoming growth across the city of Semmes and broader Mobile County at the State of the City & County Breakfast on Wednesday morning, October 14th at Pathway Church.
Regarding economic development in Mobile County, Hudson provided information on the Pay-As-You-Go Program for road improvement and transportation on the ballot for the upcoming election on November 3rd. The program allocates funding for specific road, bridge and drainage projects as outlined in the amendment. Hudson assured that the amendment would not bring any additional taxes or debts to citizens.
The county is also tackling the current “mental health crisis” by using federal grant money to expand accessible mental health services. This includes programs like Mental Health Court, adding new beds to BayPointe Hospital, the Behavioral Health Services at Franklin Primary, Lifelines Counseling Services, and more.
According to Hudson, Mobile County has also taken part in the Home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Program, which allows the county to provide up to $50k in federal funding to qualified residents. Hudson says that the largest barrier to home ownership seems to be the ability to make the down payment so the program aids in helping cover the initial cost of purchasing a home.
Large projects in parks and recreation include the aquatic center at the sportsplex and advancements at Escatawpa Hollow Park & Campground, including the new Riverside Café & Grill operated by Stevie’s Kitchen. Other projects include an additional field at Tanner Williams park, new sites and restoration at the Civil Rights & Cultural Heritage District, construction at the West Mobile County Park on the playground, splash pad and dog park, recent opening of the Cypress Creek Golf Course, beach improvements at the Chickasabogue Park, boat launch construction at Cedar Point and Byrnewood Drive, as well as the marina, boat ramp and green space at Bayou La Batre City Docks.
For Semmes in particular, Mayor Brandon Van Hook noted his excitement for the upcoming creation of a gathering space and event area near city hall. He describes a plan with sidewalks, restrooms, lights, power supply for vendors, and an amphitheater.
Van Hook also shared new renderings of the upcoming ‘Cock of the Walk’ on Schillinger, a Southern-style fried catfish restaurant. He says this is a step in the right direction to bring more economic stimulation to Semmes in his effort to make the city a destination for shopping, eating and events. “We want a small town with big town conveniences,” said Van Hook. The property will also serve as a hub for the Semmes police department. He predicts an opening next year.
Van Hook also highlighted the work being carried out by various committees in Semmes. The Mobile Women’s Club has been working on projects to improve the aesthetics of Semmes, like new signage and landscaping. For Semmes parks and recreation, this Christmas season will feature a new tree displaying light shows every night. The community development committee also started a Junior City Council, where students operate a full council without adult interference. Additionally, public safety is working on obtaining better vehicles, replacing fire gear and updating body and dash cameras.
Mayor Van Hook also spoke on an effort to separate the Semmes schools from the Mobile County school system. “We want it because local control is better and with more local control, you have more local funding,” he explained. He noted that this would inevitably lead to a new tax for Semmes residents, but no decisions would be made unless the community was in agreement. This uptaking is still in its early stages.
At the close of the event, Mayor Brandon Van Hook awarded Commissioner Connie Hudson with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event was catered by Southern Hospitality and sponsored by both SERVPRO and Mixon Foundation & Crawl Space Repair.