Yesterday afternoon the Jackson County Commission held a work session. The hot topic: Dynetics, Test Bed proposed purchase. Several Larkinsville citizens and Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers expressed concern at yesterdays County Commission Work Session about the proposed Dynetic's test bed property purchase, story after the brief commission outline.
Items discussed: 1) County Park will need some cleaning up after the wind storm. The City of Scottsboro has agreed to help in the cleanup efforts, overtime will have to be paid by the county for Scottsboro's equipment operators. The commission will decide on this issue in Mondays regular meeting. 2) Discussion concerning speed limit change on County Rd. 331, speed limit to be 35, another item for Monday's agenda. 3) Garbage trucks are breaking down. Solid Waste personnel made a presentation that engine repairs will cost $15-27K on truck. 4) Contract discussion for housing municipal inmates when applicable. New contract will be voted on at Monday's meeting. 5) Joint Bid Discussion concerning regional debris cleanup due to storms. 6) Proclamation for the 100th Anniversary of Flatrock, Alabama will be voted on and presented at Mondays session. 7) Discussion concerning 3 Council of Aging Buses to be declared surplus and sold on govdeals.com. 8) Mapping and Appraisal Office conference discussion, AAAO Summer Conference. 9) Accounting Clerk vacancy discussion.
Larkinsville Citizens, the Jackson County Commission and the EMA Acting Director discuss the Flood Zone and how the proposed Dynetics test bed might impact the underground aquifer in the area. The area has many sink holes and a former Industrial Park project was cancelled due to the unstable geological structure of the Larkinsville area known as Karst Terrain. Karst topography explained:
Larkinsville Citizens express concern about proposed test bed at the Stones Cove advertised property.
Within the last couple of months Dynetics Corporation of Huntsville, Al. has expressed considerable interest in the "Stones Cove Property" in Larkinsville, Alabama http://www.outdoorinvestment.com/land-for-sale/Stone-Cove.html . Stories indicate the property will be utilized as a test bed. Previous story on this blog about the issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2012/06/jackson-county-eda-meeting-good-bad-and.html
The EDA does not have an attorney on its staff to advise the EDA Board on this issue and has not had an attorney for several years according to its CEO Dus Rogers. .
The EDA and Chamber of Commerce are touting the proposed deal as an "Absolute Honor," making claims of patriotism to have such a test facility. However, it is reported the proposed "patriotic deal" would bring very few jobs to Jackson County, "possibly 2-3." The "absolute honor" propaganda appears to be a tactic to convince the current land owners to sell.under their advertised asking price of $3.9 million for the 1500ac property called "Stone's Cove." Huntsville Times article: http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/06/dynetics_plans_for_test_facili.html
Surrounding land owners say hold it, not so fast. Stating concerns about Karst Terrain, and possible damage to the underground aquifer. Alabama Water program notice about Karst Terrain and the dangers of pollution. http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/faq/faq_results.php3?rowid=3711
All hands point to the Jackson County Flood Plain Map. County Commissioners inquired of the County Attorney John Porter, "can we make determinations concerning usage of proposed land located in a flood plain?" "Yes," was Mr. Porters reply. The commissioners agreed to place an item on Mondays agenda which will formally request a usage statement of the property which is located in a "Flood Plain." Daily Sentinel article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_3403553e-c7c6-11e1-82b6-001a4bcf887a.html
Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers spoke of concerns about a historical cemetery on the property. It has been reported there are possible slave burials and early 19th century burials on the Stones Cove property. Topo map of Pinhook Cemetery http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-86.12&lat=34.7039
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