City unveils plans for historic corridor | News

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- Big plans are in the works for the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights Trail corridor, some parts of which have seen better days.

The city received an EPA grant to help plan the future of a mile-long stretch of the trial from the intersection of Oak Street and Fairview Avenue to Holt Street over to the Day Street and Mobile Street intersection.

City planners hope to restore some of its grandeur - by adding trees, wider sidewalks and better lighting.

The plan would also encourage new business facades and housing development along the stretch, and maybe fill some of the vacant lots that are peppered along the corridor.

Long-time residents hope the transformation happens quickly.

"I hope they get it through in our lifetimes, it was a beautiful place," said Nathaniel Hamilton, who grew up in the neighborhood.

The city council still has to approve the plan, and planners have to find the funding to implement it.

"It didn't get like this overnight, and we don't have an overnight solution, but we have a vision that gives us something to go by," said Robert Smith, Planning Director for the City of Montgomery.

The plan was developed by the city with the help of 2D Studio and the EPA.  Montgomery was one of five state capitals to receive the Greening America's Capital grant.

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