TNT Supports Neighborhood Petition
TNT is currently supporting a petition being circulated in the Druid City area. The petition hopes to curtail unfavorable development near the new federal courthouse. Read our president's letter.
Neighborhood Matching Grants
TNT is actively engaged in creating a neighborhood matching grants program. This program would help neighborhoods finance improvements by matching in funds what the community could contribute in labor, materials, and money. Similar programs are popular throughout the South but this is the first program of its kind attempted in Alabama.
TNT is currently working with the Mayor to develop a committee to further develop this idea. For examples of these programs in other cities follow these links: Orlando, Florida Arlington, Texas Charlotte, North Carolina.
Transportation Plan
The Tuscaloosa Area 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan is a billion dollar plan for the next 25 years. Goals for roadway projects, mass transit, pedestrian paths, and bicycle paths are included as well as information on projected funding. read the plan
TNT member Gabriella Merriman had corresponded with Bill Herz, chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for West Alabama Regional Planning Commission about the plan. He has indicated that here are only two sidewalk projects mentioned (Northport & Tuscaloosa, Tables 3&5) and none for bicyclists. Herz also notes that nearly one-third of Tuscaloosa area citizens do not drive cars because of age (young or old), finances, health, safety, and environmental concerns.
Read Gabriella Merriman's bus report: The Bus Report
Recycling Changes
The City of Tuscaloosa has stopped taking plastic bags as part of their curbside recycling. Plastic bags can still be recycled outside of most major grocery stores.
Early Notification and Public Participation
TNT continues to push for increased accountability and transparency in future developments thorough out the city. Having made progress towards earlier and more expansive notification, TNT continues to pursue the goal of increased public participation through a mandatory meeting between the developers and local neighborhoods. Currently, TNT is investigating expanding participation models from other Alabama municipalities including Hunstville.
