By Sherri Blevins
FORT PAYNE – Downtown Fort Payne has a beautiful Historic District that recently extended its border. During the October 3, 2023, Fort Payne City Council meeting, the Council voted three to two to set the new boundaries. The new Historic District includes the area bounded west by the eastern side of Grand Avenue and on the east by the western side of Godfrey Avenue from Third Street South to Ninth Street North. This move allows all businesses within the district to sell alcohol, even if they are located within 200 feet of a church, school, or daycare.
Council President Walter Watson voted no on expanding the district, stating he would support the decision of the Council, but he was personally against it. He stated that he wanted to hold fast to the agreement made when the City first voted to approve alcohol sales in Fort Payne. That agreement banned alcohol sales within 200 feet of a school, church, or daycare. Watson said, “We held to that, and it’s worked well, as far as us being able to govern things. Alcohol is not the problem; it’s when things go too far. I don’t want Fort Payne to get to the point where it’s unrecognizable.”
Councilmember John Smith also opposed the ordinance approving the expansion. Smith said he didn’t see anything “historic” about selling alcohol, and the district should be labeled as an “Entertainment District” for alcohol sales. Councilmembers Lynn Brewer, Phillip Smith, and Johnny Eberhart voted in favor of the move. Discussion about expanding the district has been ongoing for the past several months.
During the Mayor’s report, Mayor Baine welcomed all the Leadership DeKalb participants to the meeting. Baine said he had received numerous calls asking about the status of Food City. Baine said he had talked with someone in management, and they plan to begin work in the next two weeks.
Baine said that sidewalk expansion is still in the works. The City has received a TAP grant and is waiting for ALDOT’s approval before starting work. The City plans to apply for additional grants once it receives the first approval. The sidewalk project will start at First Street North and continue until funds run out. The exact route has not been determined yet. The Mayor also reported on the progress at the sports complex. He said turf installation on the baseball and softball fields is complete, and the soccer fields should be finished soon. Concrete work won’t begin until spring. A new security door has been added to the Rec Center, and HVAC work at the Fort Payne Police Department is ongoing. Finally, Baine invited everyone to visit the “Open Late Until 8:00” event each Thursday until December 31. Participating merchants will have “mystery discounts” for shoppers, and he encourages everyone to shop locally.
Before entering an executive session, the Council approved $8,800.00 for Main Street to purchase stars for the sidewalk and a speed table on Elizabeth Drive to slow down traffic.
The next Fort Payne City Council meeting will be on October 17, 2023.