By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
During the work session of the Millbrook City Council Tuesday, officials echoed the same information. Growth is here and more is coming. The events calendar for 17 Springs is growing, and some are planned years in advance.
Anita Weaver is the city’s Planning and Zoning Administrator and said business is booming, and her office is very busy with calls for information for businesses wanting to become a part of the community.
The Planning and Zoning Department assists and serves citizens and developers with the land development process to ensure quality development within the City of Millbrook and its police jurisdiction that includes long-range developmental planning, zoning, and subdivision approval.
Weaver compared present day activity in her office to just five years ago, saying the increase has been amazing. She said more activities are kicking off with 17 Springs, and site plans for future businesses throughout the city.
The city’s Project Manager Stuart Peters said he wanted to piggyback on what Weaver said about the amount of activity for the city.
“Several things are going on at 17 Springs and the Field House Phase two. We are on a timeline to get Stone Building complete, done, everything punched out. The north grass field, they are working on final items. The Softball Field, LED scoreboards are being installed. I think everyone has noticed the marquee changes.”
He spoke of The Marketplace at 17 Springs, concerning Baumhowers restaurant. He does not have a firm start date on construction. “The design is looking very good. It will be coming to the city very soon for review and permits.” He said there are many other announcements coming soon as well.
He also spoke of Big Mike’s Steakhouse on Main Street in the former WELCOME Food Pantry. Construction is moving quickly. “They have started framing. Once that is done, they will start on the interior of the building.” Peters said it is hoped the restaurant will be ready to serve the public perhaps at the end of October.
Economic Development Director Ann Harper also gave an update, saying “Things are really hopping with the Marketplace. Of the twelve lots, eleven of those we either have letters of intent or very serious proposals.”
She said she is working to attract interest to downtown as well. Years ago, the city made a commitment to put more emphasis on downtown. Over the years, the city has purchased multiple properties which have now been used as the new City Hall, the location where Baumhowers will be located, the current Art Mill property that was once a residence, and property where the Millbrook Senior Center is located among others.
The city is also currently working with a design team to improve Village Green Park for the future.
Special Events and Cultural Arts Director Danae Morgan said there is a load of activities already on the calendar, and discussions of the annual Christmas celebrations are in progress. She said the Millbrook Farmers Market is having a fantastic year as well.
The Art Mill held two summer camps which saw great attendance. Art shows have been plentiful and well-received.
“We sold $1,500 worth of art last week, which is huge for Millbrook. I think we are around the $15,000 mark for sales since we opened.”
In other information shared, Millbrook Police Chief Johnson told council the annual Cops and Kids event will be held at Village Green Park on Aug. 30.
Johnson said there are so many upcoming events in the city, and that was the only date available for the park. The annual free event, thanks to sponsors, features Millbrook Police and Fire officials, other area law enforcement officials, demonstrations, games, static displays and a day of fun for families. Food is free, as well as T-shirts while they last. Johnson said if anyone would like to help sponsor this huge event, to contact his office.
“We know it is going to be hot, but we will still have a good time,” Johnson said. “This is always a big thing, and we appreciate Fire Chief Brown and all of the departments who help us with this. We could not do it all by ourselves.”
Justin Jones is a councilman, but also an operations manager for 17 Springs. He had big news about an upcoming Youth National Championship for football for 6U through 14U at 17 Springs. He said that as of now, 82 teams from all over the country will be competing for four days at various fields July 31-Aug. 3.
Jones said this event could possibly be the biggest event at the facility to date.
“They are staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants.”
Officials said it is a good idea to get the word out to area restaurants and businesses, that might want to be prepared for larger than normal customer crowds while the championship games are being held during the four-day period.
The EAN has learned ECEDA and area Chambers of Commerce are working on information for the thousands of guests that will be arriving, to help them navigate area restaurants, businesses and activities while they are here.
To follow updated information about the Youth National Championship, see their Facebook page under the same name. A recent post lists the brackets of teams, where they are from, etc. Among the 82 teams are a few from Alabama.
