City of Abbeville, Alabama COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2035

Transcription

City of Abbeville, Alabama
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2035
Adopted by the Abbeville Planning Commission on June 26, 2014
Adopted by the Abbeville City Council on August 4, 2014
The Comprehensive Plan 2035 was funded in part by the
United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
Acknowledgments
City of Abbeville
The Honorable J.M. Giganti, Jr., Mayor
Pam Ward, City Clerk
Abbeville City Council
Terry Allums
Billy Helms
Eddie L. Jones
Brendt Murphy
Betty Yoder
City of Abbeville Planning Commission
Max Mobley, Chairman
Terry Allums
Elijah Baker
Veston Bush
Spencer Danzey
Mayor Jim Giganti
Darden Kirby
Pam Ward
Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
Thomas B. Solomon, Executive Director
Scott Farmer, Community Development Director
Emily VanScyoc, Economic Development Director
Rachel Armstrong, Economic Development Specialist
Andrew Windham, Regional Planner
Glenda Chancey, Secretary
City of Abbeville Comprehensive Plan 2035
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Table of Contents
Plan Introduction
Plan Purpose and Scope
Vision Statement
Authority
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1
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2
Community Assessment
Location
Planning Area
History
Natural Environment
Built Environment
Existing Zoning
Public Infrastructure and Services
Demographic Profile
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3
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10
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Planning Process
Vision Statement
Proposed Downtown Advancement Plan (2006)
Abbeville Comprehensive Planning Community Survey
Abbeville Public Forums
Community Values
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Goals and Recommendations
Future Land Use
Economic Development
Transportation
Historic Preservation
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
Community Facilities and Services
Housing and Neighborhood Development
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Land Use Framework
Areas of Significance
Future Land Use Classification
Future Land Use Map
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Plan Implementation
Action Plan
Funding Sources
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Plan Introduction
PLAN PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND FUNDING
The City of Abbeville Comprehensive Plan 2035 provides the vision, values, goals and
recommendations, and action plans that will address the city’s long range future through
coordinating local decision making for capital improvements to aid community and economic
development, and providing guidance to public and private sectors for coordinated investment in
Abbeville.
The Comprehensive Plan 2035 was prepared with the involvement of multiple stakeholders,
including municipal boards, business interests, and the general public. The plan provides several
elements that identify current conditions, determine future needs, and establish goals with action
items to guide Abbeville’s growth and development over the next two decades.
The planning elements include:
 Future Land Use
 Economic Development
 Transportation
 Historic Preservation
 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
 Community Facilities and Services
 Housing and Neighborhood Development.
The Comprehensive Plan 2035 is organized into the following sections:
 Community Assessment
 Planning Process
 Goals and Recommendations
 Land Use Framework
 Plan Implementation
The City of Abbeville Comprehensive Plan 2035 was funded in part by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.
VISION STATEMENT
The City of Abbeville strives to be an exceptional community to live, work, and visit by
providing services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for its residents in a manner that
will incorporate a small town lifestyle with safe and attractive neighborhoods and a strong and
diverse economic base, while preserving its heritage, natural resources, and culture.
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AUTHORITY
The Code of Alabama, 1975, enables municipalities “to make and adopt a master plan for the
physical development of the municipality”. The legislation provides the process to establish and
administer planning policies and regulations, with specific roles for municipal entities, such as
the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and City Staff, that should be
familiar with the contents of the Comprehensive Plan 2035.
The City Council is responsible for deciding the use of public funds for the provision and
expansion of public infrastructure and other services in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan
2035. The Planning Commission is responsible for the creation and facilitation of the
comprehensive planning process, as well as assisting in the implementation and support of land
development regulations to fulfill the policies of the plan. The Board of Adjustment has
legislated authority to provide interpretation and enforcement of land development regulations
that are the intent of the plan. City staff provides daily interaction with citizens and the
municipal entities that has decision making powers concerning plan implementation.
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Abbeville – Community Assessment
This section provides an overview and analysis of the existing conditions in Abbeville.
LOCATION
The City of Abbeville is located in Henry County, in southeastern Alabama (Figure 1).
Abbeville encompasses an area of 15.6 square miles in north-central Henry County. The heart of
Abbeville centers on the intersections of Alabama Highways 10, 27, and 95. Abbeville does not
share a border with any other municipality. Headland and Newville are to the southwest of
Abbeville. Haleburg is southeast of Abbeville. Regionally, Abbeville is accessible by U.S.
Highway 431 and lies almost equidistant between Dothan to the south and Eufaula to the north,
both approximately 25 miles away. U.S. Highway 431 is a common link between the Atlanta,
Georgia area and the Gulf Coast.
PLANNING AREA
The planning area considered as part of this comprehensive plan includes the incorporated areas
of Abbeville (Figure 2) and areas just beyond those boundaries.
HISTORY
Abbeville is the County Seat of Henry County. Henry County was created on December 13,
1819, just one day before Alabama was admitted as a State. At the time, Henry County
comprised most of the territory of Southeast Alabama, which was traversed by Creek and
Seminole Indians. Abbeville was settled at approximately the same time period on a ridge top
just west of Abbie Creek by primarily settlers from South Carolina and the County Seat was
placed at Abbeville in 1833. Abbeville was incorporated in 1853.
Abbeville grew as an agricultural trade and governmental center of Southeast Alabama through
the rest of the 1800s and early 1900s. Then, Abbeville began to have more of a manufacturing
presence by the mid-1900s.
Abbeville contains two properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
 Kennedy House (Listed 1/5/1978)
 Oates House (Listed 3/17/1989)
Abbeville contains three properties listed on the Alabama Register of Historic Places:
 Kennedy House (Listed 6/16/1976)
 Old Methodist Parsonage (Dow-Parsonage) (Listed 4/16/1985)
 Trawick-Pinkerton House (Listed 7/6/1978)
Abbeville contains one property listed on the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register:
 Old Pioneer City Cemetery (Listed 3/19/2010)
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Figure 1: Henry County Map
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Figure 2: Abbeville Boundary Map
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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
An examination of a community’s natural resource base is important for determining how these
assets might influence development or prioritizing what needs to be managed or preserved.
Physiography and Geology
Abbeville lies within the Southern Red Hills District of the East Gulf Coastal Plain
physiographic region, the southernmost physiographic region within Alabama. The Southern
Red Hills District is characterized by hills formed on sands, limestone, marls, clay, and silt. The
hills within this district reach more than 400 feet above sea level, with relief as much as 200 feet.
The geologic formations that outcrop in the area include Residuum, Lisbon, Tallahatta,
Hatchetigbee, Tuscahoma, Nanafalia, Clayton, and Providence Sand formations.
Soils
Knowledge of the types of soil in an area has a strong effect on the suitability of a land use
within an area. Soil types can affect building construction, storm water runoff, the location of
septic systems, and other types of development. The United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) provides classifications of soils that
provide some degree of knowledge in regards to the limitations of soils as a planning tool. The
following paragraphs describe the predominant soil units that occur in the Abbeville area and
their applicability for development.
Troup-Nankin complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately 22
percent of Abbeville’s soils and is located on narrow ridges and side slopes. These areas are
mostly forested in Abbeville. This soil complex is poorly suited to most development uses, due
to the slope and erosion potential of the soils. It is also unsuited for most crops as well.
Orangeburg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately
14 percent of Abbeville’s soils and is located primarily on ridgetops and is well-drained. It is
well suited to most development uses and not easily managed for agricultural or wildlife uses.
Troup loamy fine sand, 5 to 12 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately 10
percent of Abbeville’s soils and is located on side slopes. It is suited to most development uses,
except for the steeper slopes, and poorly suited for crop use.
Troup loamy fine sand, 0 to 5% slopes: This complex comprises approximately 10 percent of
Abbeville’s soils and is located on ridgetops. It is well suited for development uses and is suited
for most agricultural uses.
Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately 8 percent
of Abbeville’s soils and is located on side slopes. It is well suited for urban uses and well suited
for most agricultural uses. It is also designated as a Prime Farmland.
Faceville-Nankin complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately 7
percent of Abbeville’s soils and is located on ridges and side slopes. It is well suited for most
development uses, with the exception of steeper slopes, and poorly suited for crop use.
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Lucy-Nankin complex, 12 to 35 percent slopes: This complex comprises approximately 6
percent of Abbeville’s soils and is located on ridgetops and side slopes. It is suited for
development uses in less sloped areas and is poorly suited for crop use.
Topography and Slope
Topography and slope are also important factors pertaining to site development. Knowledge of
slope and relief conditions is needed to evaluate the design of streets and structures, as well as
the possibility of site erosion. Slope is commonly calculated as a ratio of the difference in
elevation and horizontal distance between two points, or “rise over run”. Sites with steep slopes
require additional expense for grading or fill requirements.
The topography of Abbeville ranges from nearly level to strongly sloping (Figure 3). There are
broad ridges that have nearly level tops along most main corridors and gently sloping to strongly
sloping side slopes, with most lower lying areas being along streams that cut into the ridges. The
City of Abbeville area’s elevation ranges from approximately 250 to 490 feet above sea level.
Hydrology
Abbeville is located almost entirely within the Chattahoochee River Basin, with only a small
portion of extreme western Abbeville being within the Choctawhatchee River Basin. Major
streams draining Abbeville toward the Chattahoochee River include Skippers Creek, Town
Creek, and Vann Mill Creek. Abbie Creek runs just to the east of Abbeville and intersects the
southeastern corner of Abbeville. Poor Creek, just to the west of Abbeville, is a tributary of
Choctawhatchee River. Most floodplain areas in Abbeville cross from northwest to southeast.
Farmland
Most existing farmland in Abbeville is along portions of western, northeastern, and southeastern
areas of the city. Out of approximately 9,975 acres of land in Abbeville, approximately 1,899
acres, or nearly 20 percent of Abbeville’s land area, is classified as Prime Farmland. Prime
Farmland is defined as land best suited for producing food and crops, with high soil quality,
moisture supply, and length of growing season. Farming in these soils results in lower damage
to the environment. Much of Abbeville’s Prime Farmland occurs in pockets along and near U.S.
Highway 431, West Washington Street (State Highway 10), Columbia Road (State Highway 95),
Hickory Grove Road, Industrial Park Road, and a few areas along Ozark Road (just east of U.S.
Highway 431). Most of these pockets of Prime Farmland are along major corridors within
Abbeville and subject to development pressures.
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Figure 3: Abbeville Contour Map (10 Foot Contours)
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Plant and Animal Habitats
Abbeville lies within the Southern Hilly Gulf Coast Plain ecoregion, which has irregular plains
and rolling hills. The natural vegetation for this ecoregion is mostly oak-hickory-pine forest
transitioning to southern mixed forest at its southern border.
Henry County, Alabama has the following animals and plants listed as endangered or threatened
species (Table 1):
Table 1 – Endangered or Threatened Species
Common Name
Wood Stork (bird)
Choctaw Bean (clam)
Southern Kidneyshell (clam)
Oval Pigtoe (clam)
Southern Sandshell (clam)
Fuzzy Pigtoe (clam)
Tapered Pigtoe (clam)
Gopher Tortoise (reptile)
Relict Trillium (plant)
Scientific Name
Mycteria americana
Villosa choctawensis
Ptychobranchus jonesi
Pleurobema pyriforme
Hamiota australis
Pleurobema strodeanum
Fusconaia burkei
Gopherus polyphemus
Trillium reliquum
Climate
Abbeville has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and varied
precipitation throughout the year. Annual precipitation averages 55 inches. Summers are
generally hot and humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Abbeville normally receives
maximum temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, and
occasionally receives several days consecutively. Extreme heat conditions in the summer
months will normally coincide with drought conditions. Abbeville is occasionally affected by
hurricanes or tropical storms that enter the region from the Gulf of Mexico. Tornadoes and
severe storms will regularly affect the area, peaking in spring and autumn months. Extreme
minimum temperatures and snowfall are very infrequent with the area normally seeing
measurable snow no more than once in a decade. The growing season averages approximately
250 days, with the last freeze usually occurring in mid-March and the first usually occurring in
mid-November.
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BUILT ENVIRONMENT
This section describes the land uses and the physical development of Abbeville. Land use can
affect physical environments, visual impressions, and transportation systems. Land use can shape
the character of a community by influencing the location and density of various uses throughout
the City. Land use guides in managing potential growth in a beneficial way to the community.
Abbeville has a total area of 15.6 square miles with 0.1 square miles of water. The existing land
uses include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and forestry uses (Figure 4).
Downtown Abbeville
The Downtown Core of Abbeville is anchored by the Henry County Courthouse, which is
bordered by Washington Street (State Highway 10), Kirkland Street (State Highway 27), South
Doswell Street (State Highway 95), and Williams Street. Many Downtown buildings, especially
along Kirkland Street and South Doswell Street, are built side-by-side and to the public right-ofway (e.g. sidewalk). Downtown Abbeville is primarily commercial and government /
institutional public uses, but has some residential uses on its periphery. The street system in
Downtown Abbeville and adjacent areas is a modified grid bounded by approximately Trawick
Street, Washington Street, Bradley Street / Elm Street, and Alabama Street. There is a mixture
of on-street and off-street parking in Downtown. Most parcels are developed, but there are a few
vacant lots and a few other areas that could be redeveloped.
Many public facilities and services are located in and adjacent to Downtown Abbeville,
including the Henry County Courthouse, Abbeville City Hall (with Police Department),
Abbeville Fire and Rescue Department, Abbeville Public Library, Abbeville Water Works,
Henry County Water Authority, U.S. Post Office, Henry County Board of Education, and
Abbeville Elementary School all centrally located.
Adjoining Neighborhoods
Adjacent to Downtown are mostly aging residential areas with modest sized lots. On the
northwest side of Downtown, Steagall Heights, a subdivision primarily developed in the 1960s,
is located north of West Washington Street (State Highway 27). There is aging housing on the
east side of North Doswell Street, across the street from Farmer’s Milling and Marketing.
Single-family residences are also along Franklin Street (State Highway 95) between Washington
Street and Holmes Drive. Along East Washington Street, between Downtown and Vann Mill
Creek, several aging residences are interspersed with the public uses around Armory Drive and a
few businesses. Abbey Heights is the easternmost single-family subdivision along East
Washington Street before Vann Mill Creek.
Just southeast of the Downtown area, Girard is a large, established neighborhood with a few
businesses and churches included. The closed Abbeville Middle School facility and Girard Park
separates the primary area of Girard from the Eastside Heights subdivision to the east. To the
west of Downtown, West College Street and Bland Avenue have a mixture of aging houses and a
few manufactured homes mixed in. Rock Hill is a large subdivision west of Trawick Street that
has a mixture of housing types and ages, as well as a couple of churches. Along the west side of
Trawick Street, between West College Street and Rock Hill, is Henry County School Board
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property, which includes vacant areas where Abbeville High School existed before the tornado of
2002. South of the Library and Elementary School, the area is mostly single-family residential
and includes the Race Track area, the Snead subdivision, and Mar-Car Estates. Abbeville
Housing Authority has 40 apartments off of Ash Drive. Kirkland Street, between Downtown and
Alabama Street, has been slowly transitioning from single-family residential to a mixture with
commercial and two-family residential uses.
Outlying Residential Areas
Beyond the core of Abbeville, there are several residential subdivisions along the Dothan Road
and Ozark Road (State Highway 27) corridors, including Mary Dale, McClendon, Vickery, MarCar, Rane Tree Place, Cloverdale, and Murphy subdivisions. Most of the development in these
areas is at least 30 to 40 years in age, though newer construction is scattered in some of these
areas.
There are also scattered pockets of single-family residential development along portions of
Hickory Grove Road, Singletary Road, State Highway 10 West, and Columbia Road (State
Highway 95).
Commercial Areas
Primary commercial areas in Abbeville, excluding Downtown, are located on Kirkland Street,
just north of Ozark Road (Alabama Highway 27) and Dothan Road, and areas at and near the
U.S. Highway 431 and Ozark Road intersection. Other less intensive commercial areas are
located in areas along Dothan Road and Columbia Road (Alabama Highway 95).
Industrial Areas
There are two publically developed industrial park areas in Abbeville. One is located on
Industrial Park Drive, off of Industrial Park Road, in western Abbeville, and the other is on the
western side of U.S. Highway 431, south of Singletary Road. There are several other industrial
areas in Abbeville. In northwestern Abbeville, industrial locations include Great Southern
Wood, between U.S. Highway 431 and Great Southern Way; Franklin Hardwood, on Singletary
Road; and Green Bush Wood Products, south of West Washington Street. Just north of
Downtown Abbeville, along North Doswell Street, is Farmer’s Milling and Marketing. In
southwestern Abbeville, areas including the former West Point Stevens plant and Rembrandt
Foods are located along Industrial Park Road and adjacent to U.S. Highway 431.
Agriculture
Agriculture has been an instrumental part of Abbeville and Henry County throughout its history.
There are still many areas of agricultural activity in and near Abbeville. Lands that are devoted
to crop cultivation or pasture land are located in pockets along Industrial Park Road, Hickory
Grove Road, Singletary Road, and Columbia Road (State Highway 95). Managed silvicultural
areas are also located in pockets in these areas, adjacent to the crop or pasture areas.
Undeveloped Areas
Downtown and adjacent areas are mostly developed, but there are some vacant or undeveloped
lots in these areas that can be developed. There are large parcels on Ash Drive (owned by the
Housing Authority) and Columbia Road, south of the Girard neighborhood. There are areas near
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the Ozark Road (State Highway 27) and U.S. Highway 431 intersection that are ready for
development.
Most undeveloped locations in Abbeville that are not vacant or being utilized for agriculture are
forest coverage that is in flood-prone areas or areas with steep terrain that discourage
development. Most of these areas are large parcels owned by several landowners.
Transportation
Major roads in Abbeville, with 2013 Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) where available,
include the following:
 U.S. Highway 431
o 11,120 (south of State Highway 27)
o 7,770 (south of Singletary Road)
o 9,490 (north of State Highway 10)
 State Highway 10 (Washington Street through most of Abbeville)
o 4,110 (between Catherine Drive and Lightfoot Road)
o 4,030 (east of Betty Street)
o 3,570 (between Doswell Street and Bradley Street)
o 3,37 (between Graball Cutoff and Roberts Trailer Park)
o 2,290 (just east of Abbeville City limits near Little Abbie Creek)
o 2,080 (just west of Abbeville City Limits)
 State Highway 27 (Ozark Road and Kirkland Street)
o 6,210 (north of Clendinen Street)
o 4,220 (east of Christopher Drive)
o 2,060 (just south of Industrial Park Road)
 State Highway 95 (Columbia Road and Franklin Street)
o 1,570 (at East Clendinen Street)
o 1,520 (just north of SunSouth)
o 1,050 (between Holmes Drive and Hickory Grove Road)
o 1,020 (just beyond City Limits to southeast)
 Dothan Road (County Road 99)
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Figure 4: Abbeville Existing Land Use
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EXISTING ZONING
Abbeville’s Land Development Ordinance currently has ten (10) zoning districts (Figure 5).
Five districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5) focus on residential uses, two districts (C-1 and C-2)
focus on commercial uses, two districts (M-1 and M-2) focus on industrial uses, and one district
(FH) encompasses flood hazard areas. A brief summary of the regulations for each district are
below.
R-1 – Single-Family Residential District
This district provides for a low-density residential environment with single-family dwelling units
allowed, along with accessory uses and public and semi-public facilities. The zoning regulations
allow a minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet with a minimum lot width of 100 feet.
R-2 – Two-Family Residential District
This district provides for a medium-density residential environment with single-family and
duplex dwelling units allowed, along with accessory uses and public and semi-public facilities.
The zoning regulations allow a minimum lot area of 12,000 square feet with a minimum lot
width of 80 feet for single-family dwelling units and 90 feet for two-family dwelling units.
R-3 – Multi-Family Residential District
This district provides for multiple types of residential dwelling units in a medium-density setting,
including apartments, townhouses, mobile home parks, and hotels. Certain office uses are also
allowed. The zoning regulations allow a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet, with additional
lot requirements for developments with many units, and with a minimum lot width of 60 feet for
single-family dwelling units, 70 feet for two-family dwelling units, and 85 feet for multi-family
dwelling units.
R-4 – Rural Residential District
This district provides for a medium-density residential environment with single-family dwelling
units, mobile homes, and mobile home parks allowed, along with accessory uses and public and
semi-public facilities. The zoning regulations allow a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet for
single-family dwelling units and 15,000 square feet for mobile homes with a minimum lot width
of 60 feet for single-family dwelling units.
R-5 – Rural Residential District
This district provides for a medium-density residential environment with single-family dwelling
units and mobile homes allowed, along with accessory uses and public and semi-public facilities.
The zoning regulations allow a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet for single-family dwelling
units and 15,000 square feet for mobile homes with a minimum lot width of 60 feet for singlefamily dwelling units.
C-1 – Local Shopping District
This district provides for limited retail, office, and personal service establishments near
residential neighborhoods with no processing or treatment of materials. The zoning regulations
allow a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet with no minimum lot width.
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C-2 – General Commercial District
This district provides for more intensive commercial activities, not considered compatible in the
C-1 district. These uses also serve a regional as well as a local market and require location in
proximity to major transportation routes. The zoning regulations do not provide a minimum lot
area or a minimum lot width.
M-1 – Wholesale and Light Industrial District
This district provides a suitable environment for manufacturing, research, and wholesale
establishments which are clean, quiet, and free of hazardous or objectionable emissions, and
generate minor industrial traffic. The zoning regulations allow a minimum lot area of 10,000
square feet with no minimum lot width.
M-2 – Industrial District
This district provides for more intensive manufacturing and wholesale establishments, as well as
junk yards that meet specific requirements, and agricultural uses of at least ten acres. The zoning
regulations allow a minimum lot area of 10,000 square feet with no minimum lot width.
FH – Flood Hazard District
This district regulates properties that are periodically subject to flooding, limiting the activities
that are allowed to mitigate against potential property damage. Some agricultural uses, public
uses, and non-commercial recreational uses are allowed in a FH zone.
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Figure 5: Abbeville Zoning Map
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PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES
Municipal Government
The City of Abbeville operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The City Council
consists of five members elected by district, along with a mayor elected at-large. Abbeville’s
city government is organized in the following departments: Fire and Rescue, Grounds and
Beautification, Police, Recreation, Street and Sanitation, and Water and Sewer (administered
through the Water Works and Sewer Board). Abbeville also has several boards and committees
that support city governance and community facilities, including: Abbeville Housing Authority,
Abbeville Memorial Library Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Industrial Development
board, Planning Commission, Recreation Board, Water Works and Sewer Board, and Zoning
Board of Adjustments.
Water Services
The municipal water system in Abbeville is owned, operated, and maintained by the Water
Works and Sewer Board of the City of Abbeville. The water system is supplied from five deep
wells with 2.16 million gallons per day (GPD) pumping capacity. The City has two elevated
water storage tanks with 670,000 gallon combined capacity and a standpipe water storage tank
with a 610,000 gallon capacity. The water distribution system reaches all inhabited areas of the
city. Most of the water distribution system has six and eight inch water mains, but the Rockhill
area has some two and three inch water mains that need to be upgraded.
Sewer Services
The municipal sewer system in Abbeville is owned, operated, and maintained by the Abbeville
Water and Sewer Board. The sewer system has a five-cell oxidation lagoon with a design flow
capacity of approximately 550,000 gallons per day (GPD) and a present flow rate of
approximately 425,000 GPD. The existing sewage collection lines mostly consist of eight-inch
(8”) terra cotta line installed in the 1930s, with some area rehabilitation being completed in the
1980s and 2014. The sewer system serves approximately 90% of homes within Abbeville, with
most of the areas not served in outlying areas not feasible to extend sewer.
Gas and Electric Services
The City of Abbeville is a founding member and shareholder of the Southeast Alabama Gas
District (SEAGD), which is the natural gas supplier for the community. Alabama Power
provides electrical service to Abbeville.
Fire and Rescue Department
The Abbeville Fire and Rescue Department operates out of the fire station located at the corner
of Bradley Street and East Williams Street. The Fire Department currently maintains an ISO
(Insurance Service Office) rating of six (6). Abbeville Fire and Rescue is a volunteer
organization with a full-time Chief. Overall, there are 33 firefighters and 24 emergency medical
technician / paramedics that respond to emergencies in their 86 square mile service area, which
includes Abbeville and most of northwest Henry County. The department maintains five
firefighting vehicles (four pumpers and one brush) and two ambulances.
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Police Department
The Abbeville Police Department is located at City Hall and employs 20 full-time staff. The
department has been transitioning its vehicles to Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs over the past few years.
Call volume and investigation trends have steadily increased over the past several years.
Community Facilities
The City of Abbeville maintains several community facilities, including Abbeville City Hall,
Abbeville Municipal Library, Abbeville Senior Center, and Herndon-Ward Gymnasium. There
are also several county-maintained facilities within Abbeville, as well. These facilities are
predominantly located in the Downtown area.
Education Facilities
Public schools in Abbeville are provided through the Henry County Board of Education.
Abbeville Elementary School is located in Downtown Abbeville on Elm Street. Abbeville High
School is located in northwestern Abbeville, adjacent to U.S. Highway 431. Both of these
schools serve areas in Abbeville and northern Henry County. In the 2013-2014 Academic Year,
Abbeville Elementary School had an enrollment of 426 students from Kindergarten through
Sixth Grade (K-6) and Abbeville High School had an enrollment of 444 students from Seventh
Grade through Twelfth Grade (7-12).
One private school is located in Abbeville. Abbeville Christian Academy (ACA) was
established 1970 and is located in northwestern Abbeville, adjacent to West Washington Street
(Alabama Highway 10). ACA serves 180 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Twelfth
Grade (K-4 – 12).
There are no post-secondary schools in Abbeville or Henry County. Abbeville is approximately
a half-hour commute from Troy University (Dothan Campus) and Wallace Community College
(Wallace Campus), both in Dothan, and Wallace Community College (Sparks Campus), in
Eufaula. Abbeville is approximately forty-five minutes from Troy University’s main campus in
Troy.
Parks and Recreation
The City of Abbeville has three public parks, Abbeville Recreation Complex located along
Ozark Road (Alabama Highway 27), Armory Park located adjacent to East Washington Street
(Alabama Highway 10) and Alabama Highway 95 just east of Downtown, and Girard Park
located along Gilliam Street. The Herndon-Ward Municipal Gymnasium is located adjacent to
Armory Park. In addition, there are recreational facilities located at Abbeville Christian
Academy and Henry County Schools Central Office that are administered and maintained by
those particular entities.
Abbeville Recreation Park has three ball fields, a walking trail, two tennis courts, and a pavilion.
Armory Park has three ball fields, of which one is a t-ball field. Girard Park has a playground, a
basketball court, and a ball field. Currently, Abbeville Recreation offers programs in baseball,
softball, basketball, and kickball. Recreational football is offered within Abbeville, but it is
operated separately from the City through the Abbeville Pee Wee Association.
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Street and Sanitation
The Abbeville Street and Sanitation Department has eight employees dedicated to maintenance
of the city’s streets, sidewalks, and drainage facilities and four employees for administering solid
waste disposal. There are approximately 40 miles of streets within Abbeville, of which 16 miles
are city-maintained. Of these, approximately only one mile is not paved. The department is able
to implement small-scale patching, but have to contract major resurfacing projects.
Abbeville is a member of the Southeast Alabama Solid Waste Disposal Authority and handles
collection of its own household trash. There are four employees that work in Sanitation and two
garbage trucks available for use. Household trash is taken to the Henry County Solid Waste
Transfer Station to be ultimately disposed at the Coffee County Landfill.
Grounds and Beautification
The Abbeville Grounds and Beautification Department has two employees, a full-time director
and a part-time staffer, to maintain horticulture on City properties and rights-of-way, as well as
maintenance of the City’s cemeteries.
19
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
Demographic characteristics provide the framework to assess the community’s needs. This
section provides a detailed assessment of Abbeville’s population, housing, and economic
characteristics.
Population
Regional View
Abbeville is located in Henry County, Alabama, which is the 52nd most populous county out of
Alabama’s 67 counties, with a 2010 population of 17,302. Abbeville is within the Dothan
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes the entire areas of Geneva, Henry, and
Houston counties. The 2010 population of the Dothan MSA is 145,639. Abbeville is also within
the Dothan-Enterprise-Ozark Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which also incorporates Coffee
and Dale counties. The 2010 population of the Dothan-Enterprise-Ozark CSA is 245,838.
Henry County
Abbeville’s 2010 population is 2,688. Abbeville is the second most populous municipality in
Henry County. A graph displaying the jurisdictional populations of Henry County is below
(Figure 6). The portion of Dothan located within Henry County is not shown, as its population is
too small to be represented accurately.
Figure 6 – Henry County Population Distribution
Henry County Population
Unincorporated
9,457
54.7%
Headland
4,510
26.1%
Unincorporated
Abbeville
2,688
15.5%
Headland
Newville
539
3.1%
Abbeville
Haleburg
103
0.6%
Dothan (part)
5
0.0%
Newville
Haleburg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Population Change - Abbeville and Henry County
Abbeville’s population increased from 1970 to 1990, but has declined approximately 15% from
1990 to 2010 (Table 2). With the exception of negligible growth between 1980 and 1990, Henry
County’s population has steadily grown, which can be mostly attributed to outgrowth from
Dothan in the southern areas of the county (Table 3).
20
Table 2 – Abbeville Population Change: 1970 – 2010
1970
1980
1990
Abbeville
2,996
3,155
3,173
Pop. Change (%) 159 (5.3%)
18 (0.6%)
2000
2,987
-186 (-5.9%)
2010
2,688
-299 (-10%)
Table 3 – Henry County Population Change: 1970 - 2010
1970
1980
1990
Henry County
13,254 15,302
15,374
Pop. Change (%) 2,048 (15.5%) 72 (0.5%)
2000
16,310
936 (6.1%)
2010
17,302
992 (6.1%)
Figure 7 displays the population trends for both Abbeville and Henry County over the past 40
years.
Figure 7 - Abbeville and Henry County Population Trendline
20,000
18,000
16,000
Population
14,000
12,000
Henry County
10,000
Abbeville
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
Racial and Ethnic Composition
Abbeville became a slightly more diverse population from 1990 to 2010 (Table 4). The
percentage of African-American population and Other population (non White or AfricanAmerican) has slightly increased during the past two decades. The Hispanic population
increased between 1990 and 2000, but slightly declined between 2000 and 2010.
21
Table 4 – Abbeville Racial and Ethnic Composition
1990
%
2000
Total Population
3,173
100% 2,987
White
2,039
64.3% 1,692
African-American
1,115
35.1% 1,193
Other
19
0.6%
102
Hispanic *
15
0.5%
105
* Hispanic is an ethnicity and those classified may be of any race.
%
100%
56.6%
39.9%
3.4%
3.5%
2010
2,688
1,463
1,113
112
82
%
100%
54.4%
41.4%
4.2%
3.1%
Overall, Abbeville is slightly more diverse than Henry County as a whole. In 2010, 68.6% of
Henry County’s population was White, 28.6% was African-American, and 2.9% was Other, with
2.2% being of Hispanic ethnicity.
Age Composition
In 2010, the median age in Abbeville was 44.3 years of age. This was higher than the State of
Alabama’s median age of 37.9 years of age and Henry County’s median age of 42.8 years of age.
Figure 8 - Age Distribution: 1990 to 2010
85 plus
75 to 84
65 to 74
55 to 64
45 to 54
35 to 44
1990
25 to 34
2000
2010
20 to 24
15 to 19
10 to 14
5 to 9
0 to 4
0.0%
2.0%
4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
10.0%
12.0%
14.0%
16.0%
22
Figure 8 demonstrates that Abbeville, as many communities, has an aging population. There
have been noticeable decreases in the proportion of population in all age brackets younger than
44 between 1990 and 2010 and noticeable increases in age brackets 45 and older, with the
exception of ages 65 to 74. This gradual aging can lead to a smaller employment base.
Educational Attainment
Overall, Abbeville has an increase in high school graduates and college graduates since 1990, as
noted in Table 5. The proportion of Abbeville’s population over 25 with a high school education
or better is estimated by the 2008-2012 American Community Survey (ACS) at 66%, which is
lower than Alabama’s state average of 82.6%. The portion of Abbeville’s population over 25
with a bachelor’s degree or higher is estimated by the 2008-2012 American Community Survey
(ACS) at 16.9%, which is lower than Alabama’s state average of 22.3%.
Table 5 – Abbeville Educational Attainment (Population 25 Years and Over)
Less than 9th Grade
9th to 12th Grade (No Diploma)
High School Graduate (and Equivalent)
Some College (No Degree)
Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
% High School Graduate or Higher
% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
1990 (%)
2000 (%)
2008-2012 (%)
18.3%
21.0%
24.9%
19.3%
6.0%
6.6%
3.9%
61.8%
10.2%
18.2%
23.2%
22.9%
17.2%
4.5%
7.9%
5.9%
58.6%
13.9%
11.1%
22.9%
24.6%
17.2%
7.3%
11.5%
5.4%
66.0%
16.9%
Economy
Income and Poverty
Abbeville’s median household income has slowly increased in the last two decades, while the per
capita income has had a slight increase in the past decade (Table 6). It is useful to point out the
income amounts from the most recent five-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimate
from 2008-2012 is lower than the five-year estimate from 2006-2010, which may be attributable
to the economic effects of closing of West Point Stevens textile plant during that time period.
The 2008-2012 estimated median household income is significantly lower than Henry County’s
($40,680) and Alabama’s ($43,160). Per capita income estimates during the most recent fiveyear period are also lower than Henry County’s ($20,897) and Alabama’s ($23,587). Estimated
poverty rates are higher than Henry County’s (16.0%) and Alabama’s (18.1%) 2008-2012 fiveyear rates.
23
Table 6 – Abbeville Income and Poverty
1989
Median Household Income
$21,382
Per Capita Income
$12,200
Poverty Rate
19.0%
1999
$23,266
$17,215
21.5%
2008-2012
$26,538
$17,310
21.8%
Labor Force
The most recent American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimate (2008-2012) shows that
Abbeville has a labor force of 1,039 out of 2,253 working age population (46.1%). This
percentage of less than the 2006-2010 five-year estimate of 53.6%, which may be attributable to
the closing of West Point Stevens textile plant last decade.
Estimates of occupational segments of Abbeville and Henry County in the past decade are shown
in Table 7. Occupations related to production, transportation, and material moving greatly
decreased from 2000 to the most recent five-year estimate, which coincides to the loss of
manufacturing jobs in Abbeville.
Table 7 – Occupations of Employment Civilian Population
Abbeville
Henry County
2000
2008-2012
2000
Employed population 16 and 1,192
847
6,780
over
Management, professional,
272 (22.8%) 170 (20.1%) 1,685 (24.9%)
and related
Service
158 (13.3%) 267 (31.5%) 754 (11.1%)
Sales and office
267 (22.4%) 194 (22.9%) 1,675 (24.7%)
Natural resources,
176 (14.8%) 185 (21.8%) 1,090 (16.1%)
construction, and
maintenance
Production, transportation,
319 (26.8%) 31 (3.7%)
1,576 (23.2%)
and material moving
2008-2012
6,543
1,871 (28.6%)
1,142 (17.5%)
1,560 (23.8%)
822 (12.6%)
1,148 (17.5%)
Housing
Housing Units
The City of Abbeville has approximately 1,343 housing units. These units are broken down as
follows:
Table 8 – Abbeville Housing Units by Type
Type
Unit Count
Single-Family (detached)
1,072
Duplex
53
Apartment
51
Manufactured House
167
% of Total
79.8%
3.9%
3.7%
12.4%
24
From 2000 to the five-year period of 2008-2012, the number of housing units stayed the same.
The number of single-family and multi-family units decreased slightly during that time period,
whereas manufactured housing increased.
Housing Age
Table 9 looks at the estimated age of the housing stock, which provides an estimate of housing
quality in Abbeville. There are many older homes that are well-maintained, but many older
houses are also in stages of deterioration that may negatively impact neighborhoods and provide
safety concerns.
Table 9 – Abbeville Housing Units by Age
Unit Count
Built 2005 or later
9
Built 2000 to 2004
113
Built 1990 to 1999
53
Built 1980 to 1989
136
Built 1970 to 1979
391
Built 1960 to 1969
308
Built 1950 to 1959
122
Built 1940 to 1949
73
Built 1939 or earlier
147
% of Total Units
0.7%
8.4%
3.9%
10.1%
28.9%
22.8%
9.0%
5.4%
10.9%
Households
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a household is defined as “all of the people who occupy a
housing unit”. Family households “consist of a householder and one or more other people living
in the same household who are related to the householder”. Nonfamily households consist of “a
householder living alone or with nonrelatives only”. Examining the trends of household
composition is important to viewing changes in the household structure that may impact social
support systems, especially for children and elderly adults.
Table 10 displays that the proportion of nonfamily households has increased in Abbeville in the
last 20 years, although the number of elderly adults living alone has remained stable in that time
period. For Alabama as a whole, the percentage of families has slightly increased from 73.3% in
1990 to 73.8% in 2010.
Table 10 – Abbeville Households Composition
1990
%
Total Households
1,214
100.0%
Family Households
852
70.2%
With Children
384
31.6%
Without Children
468
38.6%
Nonfamily Households
362
29.8%
Householder Living Alone 341
28.1%
65 Years and Over
206
17.0%
2000
1,172
788
319
469
384
361
204
%
100.0%
67.2%
27.2%
40.0%
32.8%
30.8%
17.4%
2010
1,077
699
268
431
378
349
175
%
100.0%
64.9%
24.9%
40.0%
35.1%
32.4%
17.4%
25
Table 11 examines the trend of household size since 1990. Household size decreased
consistently in the three selected geographies from 1990 to 2000. The rate of decrease from
2000 to 2010 was higher in Abbeville than in Henry County or Alabama.
Table 11 –Household Size 1990 - 2010
1990
Abbeville
2.54
Henry County
2.65
Alabama
2.62
2000
2.41
2.47
2.49
% change
from 1990
-5.11%
-6.79%
-4.96%
2010
2.32
2.45
2.48
% change
from 2000
-4.56%
-0.81%
-0.40%
Table 12 shows that owner-occupied housing in Abbeville decreased by 7.3% in the past decade.
Abbeville’s percentage of homeownership was very similar to the national rate of 65.1%.
Homeownership has been a traditional indicator of neighborhood stability.
Table 12 – Abbeville Household Type by Tenure
1990
Owner-occupied housing units (%)
71.7%
Renter-occupied housing units (%)
28.3%
2000
72.9%
27.1%
2010
65.6%
34.4%
26
Planning Process
Throughout the planning process, the City of Abbeville provided multiple opportunities for
community involvement to allow residents and stakeholders to exchange ideas to assist in the
development of a vision for the future of Abbeville that provides a healthy balance between
community needs. The feedback the City has received from stakeholders throughout the process
supports the Planning Commission’s development of goals, objectives, and actions that guides
this planning document.
VISION STATEMENT
The City of Abbeville strives to be an exceptional community to live, work, and visit by
providing services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for its residents in a manner that
will incorporate a small town lifestyle with safe and attractive neighborhoods and a strong and
diverse economic base, while preserving its heritage, natural resources, and culture.
PROPOSED DOWNTOWN ADVANCEMENT PLAN (2006)
The Auburn University Urban Studio facilitated a Downtown Advancement Plan in 2006 that
examined assets and opportunities in Abbeville and proposed concepts for enhancing Abbeville’s
position as a “Great Alabama Small Town”. Throughout this planning process, many findings
from the Downtown Advancement Plan have remained relevant and of significant interest within
the community and will be further reiterated within this planning document.
ABBEVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING COMMUNITY SURVEY
The Abbeville Comprehensive Planning Community Survey was designed to gather information
from residents and other stakeholders to guide the comprehensive planning process in Abbeville.
The survey questionnaire was designed and citizens were notified in October and November
2012 through e-mail, newspaper, and other public methods. The survey was available on the
internet and by hard copy in multiple public locations. It is estimated that approximately five
percent (5%) of households in Abbeville participated in the survey, as 50 completed surveys
were returned out of approximately 1,000 potential households in Abbeville. Though survey
response was not pervasive, the responses received were varied and provided some insight into
the issues and needs of Abbeville stakeholders regarding issues that ranged from regional to
neighborhood in scope.
The survey was divided into four (4) data sets: Abbeville as a Whole, Housing, Economy, and
Respondent Profile. Most respondents to the community survey had a well-rounded view of the
assets and challenges that Abbeville possesses, as most survey responses had quality positive and
negative feedback concerning the state of the community. Some important findings from the
survey include the fact that respondents are overall satisfied with city services, including the
provision of utilities, and enjoy the small town atmosphere that Abbeville provides. There were
plenty of positive comments on the small town atmosphere, the appearance of the City, and that
the historical Downtown area is a valuable asset was highlighted as well. Abbeville is
convenient to area lakes, the Gulf of Mexico beaches, and larger regional cities.
27
Concerns that were highlighted in the survey highlight the issues Abbeville has undergone with
the recent period of increased unemployment and the ongoing effects on the remaining economic
base of the community. It was noted that additional employment opportunities are needed and
respondents felt it is important to diversify the economy while retaining support for existing
businesses. Some of the fallout from the economic challenges were also noted, as many citizens
are concerned about keeping younger families in Abbeville, providing more options for children,
and more shopping opportunities, especially grocery, instead of finding these opportunities out of
town.
ABBEVILLE PUBLIC FORUMS
Once the Abbeville Comprehensive Plan Community Survey was tabulated and community
assessment information was gathered, Abbeville residents were invited to discuss their views on
the direction of the community during a Public Forum on June 6, 2013. The meeting was held at
the Herndon-Ward gymnasium. Meeting participants viewed a presentation displaying the
process and advantages of developing a comprehensive plan, the primary elements that are a part
of the comprehensive plan, current conditions of Abbeville, and results from the Community
Survey. After receiving questions about the presentation, the meeting participants were divided
into small groups and invited to discuss their views on the present and future in Abbeville. The
following tables are a summary of the responses the Abbeville Public Forum participants offered
in evaluating the issues listed.
Table 13: SWOT Analysis from June 6, 2013 Public Forum
Strengths / Assets
Weaknesses / Needed Improvements
Historical assets of Abbeville
Some ordinances (need different ones for
homes in areas of city?)
City is attractive; good upkeep
Planning needs to be done regularly
Community-based activities (e.g. Yatta Abba
Community center / arts center
Day, Halloween, Youth Day)
Local newspaper
Youth activities (e.g. swimming)
Sidewalks on Dothan Road
Lack of bicycle trail
Effective Chamber of Commerce
Pedestrian facilities (e.g. crosswalks)
Feeling of safety
Public transportation, esp. from unincorporated
areas into Abbeville
Tours for senior citizens
Additional grocery store(s) / clothing store(s)
Friendly people
More shopping conveniences
Quality infrastructure
Vacant buildings
New dialysis clinic
Medical care after 5 PM
Location of county seat
Medical specialists
Retail sales / space
28
Opportunities
Attractive as “Retirement Community”
Recruiting “active” retirees
Recruiting new business (e.g. saw mill)
Cleaning up nuisance properties to
stabilize/improve neighborhoods
Have a coffee shop / breakfast place in
Downtown
Diversified economy with mixture of large /
small employers
Threats
Stores “invading” historical area
Following through on implementing
ordinances
Lack of jobs causing exodus of workforce
The City of Abbeville also invited Abbeville residents and stakeholders to view a presentation of
the Comprehensive Plan draft during a Public Forum on June 26, 2014. Meeting participants
viewed a presentation that displayed the process of developing a comprehensive plan and the
intent of the plan, as well as discussing each section of the draft Comprehensive Plan.
COMMUNITY VALUES
The planning process revealed many values held on to by the community, which is reflected in
the unique character of Abbeville. The following are key community values of Abbeville, as
reflected through the planning process.
Small Town Atmosphere
The small town atmosphere of Abbeville has consistently been mentioned and ranked high by
citizens as they identify what is special about Abbeville. Most citizens are in favor of minor
growth of Abbeville, but do not want the city to lose its traditional character. Small town
atmosphere is not easily quantified, but the nature of elements that have traditionally contributed
to the history of Abbeville should be continued.
High Quality Infrastructure
Like most communities, Abbeville has infrastructure needs, but residents are overall satisfied
with the infrastructure services provided. Most residents feel the water and sewer systems are a
positive asset for Abbeville.
Historical Character
Residents place a high value on the historical assets of the area. Downtown Abbeville has
available sidewalks that provide good accessibility to the traditional core of restaurants, stores,
and government offices that populate the area.
Community Events
Residents appreciate the efforts of facilitating events that celebrate different aspects of
Abbeville, including events for Yatta Abba Day, Howl-O-Ween, and Christmas.
29
Goals and Recommendations
This portion of the Comprehensive Plan identifies goals, objectives, and other strategies for
Abbeville to utilize in future policies. These identified actions were derived beginning from the
Vision Statement in order to provide firm direction for the planning process. The major goals
are organized into the following topics:







Future Land Use
Transportation
FUTURE LAND USE
Goal FLU-1: Retain and enhance the small town character of Abbeville through land use
planning.
 Review and amend land use ordinances to increase effectiveness and cohesion in
development practices.
 Sustain and enhance Downtown Abbeville as the center of the community.
 Encourage reinvestment and redevelopment of already developed areas of Abbeville.
 Ensure future development is compatible with the character of Abbeville.
Goal FLU-2: Preserve environmentally sensitive areas.
 Identify and preserve natural resources that pertain to Abbeville.
 Continue to protect floodplains and wetland areas.
 Minimize the negative impacts of erosion through development, especially in areas that
potentially impact Abbie Creek, Skippers Creek, Town Creek, and Vann Mill Creek.
Goal FLU-3: Implement corridor development standards along mixed-use and/or
transitional corridors (e.g. Kirkland Street, Dothan Road, Washington Street).
 Address important elements, such as signage, access management, and parking standards, to
encourage high quality development.
Goal FLU-4: Develop gateway areas at highly visible connections.
 Develop coordinated visual theme that will provide positive perception of Abbeville.
Goal FLU-5: Maintain and improve positive community design elements.
30
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Goal ED-1: Increase quality employment opportunities within Abbeville.
 Protect and support existing businesses.
 Promote and enhance existing commercial and industrial assets.
Goal ED-2: Increased diversification of business in Abbeville.
 Work with Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Board to recruit needed
business types.
 Encourage small-scale neighborhood commercial development.
Goal ED-3: Promote tourism opportunities in the area.
 Maintain viability with local agricultural economy.
 Market historical assets within Abbeville for heritage tourism opportunities.
 Promote being accessible to Lake Eufaula.
 Develop wayfinding system, especially into Downtown
TRANSPORTATION
Goal T-1: Improve accessibility and connectivity within Abbeville.
 Assess and improve sidewalk conditions in Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as
well as other locations where pedestrian access is beneficial.
 Improve connectivity of neighborhoods to commercial areas, parks, schools, and churches
with sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and potential trail corridors.
 Provisions for increased non-motorized movement should be included in new developments.
 Study needed improvement areas for streetscaping, including street lights, landscaping, and
other improvements.
 Prioritize resurfacing needs and include in a capital improvement budget.
Goal T-2: Improve accessibility and connectivity from Abbeville throughout the Region.
 Engage with ALDOT on transportation issues that affect Abbeville and Henry County.
 Explore potential of public transportation (partnership with County/Headland).
 Maintain existing rail corridors for future reutilization.
Goal T-3: Maintain and improve Abbeville Municipal Airport.
 Support Five-Year Plan for the Abbeville Municipal Airport.
 Increase airport capacity by expanding runway.
 Improve airport efficiency and safety through enhancing airport fencing around the
perimeter.
Goal T-4: Incorporate access management practices for development areas.
 Facilitate safe access and limit conflict points.
31
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Goal HP-1: Conserve and enhance Abbeville’s unique historical identity and character
through protection of significant historical resources.
 Inventory and protect significant historical structures, landmarks, and other resources in the
entire community.
 Promote the utilization of federal and state tax incentive programs.
 Encourage new construction and uses to reflect the context and character of the surrounding
area.
 Continue marketing the historic aspects of Abbeville to encourage heritage tourism
opportunities.
PARKS, RECREATION, AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Goal PR-1: Provide recreational opportunities for all Abbeville residents.
 Assess new recreational opportunities, especially for younger age groups in Abbeville.
 Identify locations for additional neighborhood park space.
 Identify location for passive park space in Downtown area.
 Maintain and upgrade existing recreational facilities.
 Increase parking accessibility at Armory Park
Goal PR-2: Increase connectivity between parks and open spaces
 Study potential for trails along stream corridors within Abbeville.
Goal PR-3: Provide opportunities for area senior citizens.
 Expand senior services to meet community need.
Goal PR-4: Cultivate offerings in arts
 Support Abbeville Regional Cultural Arts Alliance.
 Utilize Downtown storefronts and public spaces to showcase local artists.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Goal CF-1: Provide adequate local infrastructure
 Proactively maintain infrastructure systems through working with Water and Sewer Board.
 Encourage new development to locate within already served areas.
 Work with ALDOT to improve drainage conditions near the Depot building on West
Washington Street.
 Work with providers to improve broadband quality and availability.
Goal CF-2: Facilitate positive relationship with Henry County Schools and Abbeville
Christian Academy
 Have an interactive partnership with local schools and community groups, especially
regarding recreation, arts, and after-school enrichment programs.
32
Goal CF-3: Ensure public services and facilities adequately serve Abbeville residents.
 Develop and maintain adequate facilities for public agencies.
Goal CF-4: Promote additional medical offerings.
 Recruit specialized services / clinics, at least one day a week.
 Recruit evening / weekend primary medical services.
HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
Goal H-1: Protect integrity of existing neighborhoods
 Code enforcement program to continue removing dilapidated structures.
 Encourage reinvestment in existing neighborhoods.
 Assist homeowners with technical resources that can help with maintenance issues.
33
Land Use Framework
The land use framework for Abbeville provides clarification of the blueprint for the city to make
long-term development decisions, especially to be in harmony with the central land use goal to
retain and enhance Abbeville’s small town character. Land use planning does not exist in
isolation and ties together all elements of the Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the specified
needs for Abbeville regarding the land that is available within the city. The development of the
land use framework incorporates information from the community assessment, public
participation, and goals and objectives. The land use framework is reflected below.
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Areas of significance are definable parts of Abbeville that speak to unique areas or areas of
opportunity within the city. These areas may include multiple types of land uses. Descriptions
of these areas with general recommendations for each are included below.
Downtown Abbeville / Central Business District
Downtown Abbeville is the geographical, historical, and activity center of the city. There have
been substantial public and private investment that has assisted in the revitalization of central
areas in downtown, facilitating the mixture of government offices, professional offices, and retail
businesses that exist.
The downtown area should be maintained as the focal point of Abbeville and continued
reinvestment in the area should be a priority. Downtown Abbeville should be viewed as an
attractive, mixed-use environment that people from around Henry County and the region select
to conduct business, shop, and dine. Downtown Abbeville should also be accessible to
neighboring residential areas through multiple modes of transportation available.
Mixed Use Corridors
Several major transportation corridors provide significant impact to Abbeville, including
Washington Street, Ozark Road, Kirkland Street, and Dothan Road. These corridors provide
access to Downtown Abbeville from outside areas, serve local trips, and overall bring vehicles
into Abbeville daily. The traffic volume and accessibility of these corridors offer opportunities
for economic development, but poor planning and design of these areas may create negative
quality of life issues. These are also areas in Abbeville that are experiencing transitioning land
uses.
Development and redevelopment along these major corridors should focus on a mixture of
higher density residential, retail, office, and other commercial uses that serve the surrounding
residential areas. Buildings should be located reasonably close to the street with limited
driveway access. Features, such as lighting, landscaping, and buffers, should be addressed in
order to promote circulation and accessibility in these areas. Parking should be guided to the
side or rear of buildings.
34
Highway 431
U.S. Highway 431 is the primary arterial in southeastern Alabama and traverses through western
Abbeville. There are scattered developments along this corridor, including a mixed commercial
concentration on three of the four corners at the Ozark Road (State Highway 27) intersection,
with the other corner at that intersection being the former West Point Stevens plant, which has
redevelopment potential. There is also a concentration of small mixed developments south of
Singletary Road, and Abbeville High School and Great Southern Wood Preserving
encompassing large properties in the northern portions of the corridor.
Highway 431 receives the highest traffic counts in Abbeville, so there is tremendous opportunity
for additional development along the corridor, and there is anticipation for additional regional
commercial development with possible industrial development on the western side. Landscaping
and access management concepts should be promoted.
FUTURE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION
The designated land uses for Abbeville are generally defined into broad classifications based on
planning assumptions from the analysis of the community assessment, public participation, and
goals and objectives.
The following descriptions of future land use classifications accompany the Future Land Use
Map (Figure 9) that displays their general location, distribution, and characteristics. The Future
Land Use Map is not intended to identify the exact boundaries or area of each land use
classification, but is a long-term perspective of Abbeville’s land use. A more definitive use of
the properties will be described within zoning classifications recommended by the Planning
Commission to the City Council. The following land use categories are included on the Future
Land Use Map:








Downtown / Central Business District
Low Density Residential
Medium to High Density Residential
Mixed Use Corridor
Neighborhood Commercial
Highway Commercial
Industrial
Public / Institutional
Downtown / Central Business District
Downtown Abbeville is the vital core of the city centered on the Henry County Courthouse and
the walkable town center with a mixture of governmental, retail, and office uses, as well as
residential uses on the edges. Standards for Downtown / CBD development should work to
encourage infill development and redevelopment that complement the character of the area, as
well as promote the historical assets of Downtown Abbeville.
35
Low Density Residential
Low density residential areas allow single-family, detached residential development. This land
use category includes and intends to preserve large areas of the city that are already developed as
single -family residential subdivisions, and it includes new areas for low density neighborhoods.
Low density residential development is planned around much of the city’s edges and in areas that
are unable to support more dense development, due to steep topography or wetlands issues.
Medium to High Density Residential
Medium to high density residential areas include a diverse range of residential types, including
single-family detached residences, garden homes, condominiums, duplexes, apartments, and
manufactured home parks. Medium and high density residential development is intended to be
accessible to public facilities and employment centers.
Mixed Use Corridor
Mixed use corridors are projected along major arterial roads into Downtown Abbeville. Many of
these areas, such as Kirkland Street, Dothan Road, and East Washington Street are transitioning
from single-family residential areas to more of a mixture of residential, institutional, and
commercial uses. West Washington Street is a corridor with a mixture of uses that includes
industrial uses and several undeveloped parcels. It is anticipated that various compatible uses
may be combined within the same complex or in adjacent sites that similarly echo the mixture of
uses in Downtown Abbeville.
Neighborhood Commercial
Neighborhood commercial areas include commercial services, such as offices, general retail,
financial institutions, and restaurants that are along arterial roads and serve adjacent areas of the
city. These developments may be stand alone buildings or a small complex of buildings. There
should be adequate access and connections to nearby neighborhoods.
Highway Commercial
Highway commercial areas are located along major arterial roads that service commercial needs
for the city, region, and through travelers. It includes retail and commercial uses, such as
shopping centers, restaurants, motels, and other auto-oriented businesses.
Industrial
Industrial areas provide for intensive uses that may include heavy traffic, noise impacts, and
other factors that may be incompatible to adjacent land uses. It is important to provide adequate
buffer areas at the perimeter of industrial land uses.
Public / Institutional
Public and institutional uses include governmental, academic, medical, recreational parks, and
other community service uses and lands. These uses should be located in highly accessible places
where adjacent land uses are compatible.
36
Figure 9: Abbeville Future Land Use Map
37
Plan Implementation
This section of the Comprehensive Plan focuses on the methods available to achieve the City’s
vision statement:
The City of Abbeville strives to be an exceptional community to live, work, and
visit by providing services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for its
residents in a manner that will incorporate a small town lifestyle with safe and
attractive neighborhoods and a strong and diverse economic base, while
preserving its heritage, natural resources, and culture.
The City of Abbeville will pursue the implementation of this vision through the adopted Goals
and Objectives and coordinating community resources, including:






City Administration and Staff
Local Boards and Committees
Abbeville Chamber of Commerce
Local Businesses
Henry County Schools and Abbeville Christian Academy
Local Volunteers
The City of Abbeville should focus on building the political and fiscal capacity to implement the
recommendations in this Plan by developing a sound organizational structure, prioritizing
projects based on need and feasibility, and identifying potential funding.
ACTION PLAN
Several projects were identified to assist the City with improving local and regional economic
conditions, quality of life issues, public safety, elementary and secondary education, community
services, and recreational opportunities. The listed projects will have multiple levels of
complexity, time frames, and costs, which must be considered in conjunction with their
importance and priority to the community. Financing options will play an important role in
determining priorities. There are several federal and state grant programs available, but as
national fiscal concerns are curtailing spending on domestic programs, many traditional grant
programs local governments have depended on are being decreased. Therefore, most projects
will require local funding, through smart budgeting, loans, or bond generation. It is imperative
that the City’s stakeholders plan to prioritize the implementation of needed projects. All listed
projects have a suggested time frame for action, which are described below.
Time Frame
Ongoing: Projects that are either occurring or should begin almost immediately and be a
continuous process.
Short-Term: Projects that should be implemented up to five years after plan adoption.
38
Medium-Term: Projects that should be implemented between five and ten years after plan
adoption.
Long-Term: Projects that should be implemented beyond ten years after plan adoption.
Future Land Use
Table 14 provides Land Use and Zoning Actions necessary to implement the vision, goals, and
objectives of the plan. In summary, the City should revise the existing Comprehensive Land
Development Ordinance, which includes both zoning regulations and subdivision regulations,
and make other regulatory changes in order to provide the tools needed to meet the development
patterns proposed in the Future Land Use Map. This includes standards related to corridor
development along important thoroughfares into Downtown Abbeville and the review of planned
unit development (PUD) guidelines for large, phased developments. During revision of the
Comprehensive Land Development Ordinance, the City should also update regulations
pertaining to signs and telecommunication structures. Areas that can be developed without
having to build new municipal infrastructure or take on additional maintenance responsibilities
should be a priority for Abbeville. Infill development, including the redevelopment of unused,
underused, or blighted sites would yield property which would already have infrastructure and
public services readily available such as utilities and streets.
Table 14: Future Land Use Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Revise Comprehensive Land
Development Ordinance
Short-Term
Planning Commission / City
Council
Establish corridor development
standards within zoning
regulations
Short-Term
Council
Strengthen flood hazard
regulations
Promote infill development of
previously developed areas
Short-Term
Council
Planning Commission /
Industrial Development
Board / Chamber of
Commerce
Ongoing
Goals
Implemented
FLU-1,
FLU-2,
FLU-3,
FLU-4,
FLU-5
FLU-1,
FLU-3,
FLU-4,
FLU-5
FLU-2
FLU-1
39
Economic Development should be a cooperative effort between key stakeholders in Abbeville,
including but not limited to, the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Planning Commission,
Industrial Development Board, local schools, individual businesses, and Henry County agencies.
Increasing employment opportunities was a clear topic of emphasis expressed by Abbeville
citizens during the planning process. Table 15 provides Economic Development actions
necessary to implement the vision, goals, and objectives of the plan.
Table 15: Economic Development Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Market assistance programs,
including business loan
programs, to existing and new
businesses
Continue utilizing local
websites to display important
community information, an
inventory of available sites, and
pertinent contact information
Promote and market
accessibility to recreation and
cultural sites along and near the
Chattahoochee River
Continue providing support for
the local agricultural economy
and
Engage with Henry County and
City of Headland stakeholders
to develop and support a
countywide economic
development alliance
Survey existing businesses and
industries to determine
projected employment and
training needs
Communicate with local
educational facilities to develop
programs to provide skills
training for local industries
Ongoing
City Staff / Chamber of
Commerce
Ongoing
Commerce
ED-1, ED-2
Ongoing
Chamber of Commerce /
Historic Chattahoochee
Commission
ED-3
Ongoing
Commerce
ED-1
Short-Term
City Council / Henry County
/ City of Headland
ED-1, ED-2
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Chamber of Commerce
ED-1
Short-Term /
Ongoing
ED-1, ED-2
Develop wayfinding system for
major corridors into destination
points in Downtown
Facilitate remediation former
industrial site on West
Washington Street behind
Abbeville High School
Medium-Term
ID Board / Henry County
Schools / Abbeville Christian
Academy / Wallace
Community College /
Chamber of Commerce
City Council / ALDOT
City Council / ID Board /
ADEM / EPA
ED-1
Long-Term
Goals
Implemented
ED-1, ED-2
ED-3
40
Transportation
Table 16 provides Transportation improvements necessary to implement the vision, goals, and
objectives of the plan. Abbeville should continue adding streetscaping improvements and
sidewalks along major corridors for connecting neighborhoods. A continual assessment of street
conditions and a prioritized plan for improvements are important. Also, studying potential street
connections and revising regulations to ensure future neighborhood connectivity is suggested.
Land development revisions to require street connectivity for new development would provide
an important tool for the City to improve accessibility and connectivity.
Table 16: Transportation Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Consult with area and state
stakeholders concerning
regional transportation issues
Improve sidewalk availability
and integrity, especially in
Downtown and connecting
neighborhoods
Implement and update FiveYear Plan for the Abbeville
Municipal Airport
Resurface and widen Ash Drive
Work with Henry County to
resurface Whitehead Road
(County Road 107) inside City
limits
Incorporate access management
practices to separate conflict
points and improve design
Promote development of nonmotorized facilities in future
development and redevelopment
Expand Airport runway
Ongoing
Ongoing
/ Southeast Alabama RPO /
ALDOT
Short-Term /
Ongoing
City Council / Airport
Manager
T-3
Short-Term
Short-Term
City Council
Road and Bridge
T-1
T-1
Short-Term
T-4
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Council
T-1
Medium-Term
T-3
Construct perimeter fencing
around Airport
Study feasibility of regional
public transportation options
Work to protect existing rail
corridors for future economic or
recreational use
Medium-Term
City Council / Federal
Aviation Administration
City Council / Federal
Aviation Administration
/ City of Headland
City Council / Industrial
Development Board
Long-Term
Long-Term
Goals
Implemented
T-2
T-1
T-3
T-2
T-2
41
Abbeville has unique historical resources that are available for residents and tourists to use and
enjoy. Standards for construction and renovations for historical areas, most especially
Downtown Abbeville, should be studied. Eventual designation of a local historic district will
provide a focusing mechanism for maintaining the character of Downtown. In the absence of a
formal designation, continued assessment of available historic resources should be accomplished
for promotion within and outside of Abbeville, as well as promotion of incentive programs to
maintain and utilize qualifying historic structures. Table 17 provides Historic Preservation
Actions necessary to implement the vision, goals, and objectives of the plan.
Table 17: Historic Preservation Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Continue study to locally
designate Downtown Abbeville
as a historic district
Strengthen marketing of
historical and cultural resources
of Abbeville through programs,
such as additional walking tours
and educational programs
Continued assessment of
historical and cultural resources
for potential historic designation
Continued education to local
stakeholders regarding eligible
tax incentive programs and
credits
Develop design standards for
new construction and
renovations within historic
districts
Short-Term
City Council / Historic
Preservation Commission
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Commission / Chamber of
Commerce / Henry County
Historical Group
HP-1
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Commission
HP-1
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Chamber of Commerce /
Commission
HP-1
Medium-Term
Commission / Planning
Commission / City Council
HP-1
Goals
Implemented
HP-1
42
Table 18 provides a list of the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Actions necessary to
implement the vision, goals and objectives of the plan. The City should provide additional
recreational opportunities, especially playgrounds, in multiple areas for younger children, as part
of upgrading recreation parks. The plan also advocates publicizing art from local artists and
schools in public areas to help cultivate the arts in the community, as well as supporting the
recently formed Abbeville Regional Cultural Arts Alliance. Abbeville should also look for
additional opportunities for small, passive parks to serve Downtown users or residential
neighborhoods. Adequate facilities for existing recreational areas and senior services should be
provided.
Table 18: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Display local art projects in
Downtown storefronts and
public spaces
Add additional playground
opportunities for children at
recreational facilities
Renovations to Jack Carr
Cultural Arts Center
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Abbeville Regional Cultural
Arts Alliance / Local Schools
Short-Term /
Medium-Term
Recreation Board / City
Council
PR-1
Medium-Term
PR-4
Restructure parking facilities at
Armory Park
Identify and work with
neighborhood groups to add
additional neighborhood spaces
Designate passive park space in
Downtown area with benches
and possible pavilion
Renovate Senior Center for
more capacity
Create nature preserve area with
possible trails along Vann Mill
Creek
Medium-Term
Abbeville Regional Cultural
Arts Alliance / City Council /
Henry County Schools
Council
City Council / Recreation
Board / Local Residents
Long-Term
City Council / Recreation
Board
PR-1
Long-Term
City Council
PR-3
Long-Term
Council / Nature
Conservancy
PR-1, PR-2
Medium-Term
Goals
Implemented
PR-4
PR-1
PR-1
43
Table 19 provides a complete list of the Community Facilities and Services Actions necessary to
implement the vision, goals, and objectives of the plan. Abbeville should look for efficient
operations in municipal buildings that result in long-term savings. A consistent rotation of
emergency vehicles should result in less maintenance downtime and the direct and indirect costs
associated. A new fire station is vastly needed, as well as a need to monitor the facility needs of
the Police Department based upon development trends, visibility, and crime statistics. Abbeville
should invest in Geographical Information System (GIS) data and software, which will assist the
City in current and future planning. There is also a need for specialized and off-hours medical
services for the community. The City (and Water Works and Sewer Board) should plan for
upcoming large-scale, long-term capital needs for the water and sewer systems.
Table 19: Community Facilities and Services Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Expand partnership with local
schools in constructing
enrichment programs
Implement energy-efficient
retrofits to municipal buildings
Establish a consistent rotation
and replacement of patrol and
emergency vehicles
Construct new water well
Ongoing
City Council / Local Schools
Short-Term /
Ongoing
Short-Term /
Ongoing
City Council / City
Departments
City Council / Police
Department / Fire Department
CF-3
Short-Term
CF-1
Procurement and installation of
radio system for improved
emergency communications
throughout County
Improve storm drainage
facilities near Depot building on
West Washington Street
Invest in geographic
information system, to view,
analyze, and edit pertinent data
for City systems
Recruit medical specialists to
establish clinics, at least one day
a week
Recruit primary care medical
personnel to provide occasional
evening or weekend services
Explore additional broadband
capacity
Construct new fire station
Short-Term
Water Works and Sewer
Board / ADEM
Police Department / Henry
County Sheriff’s Department
Short-Term
CF-1
Medium-Term
City Council / City
Departments
CF-3
Medium-Term
City Council / Chamber of
Commerce
CF-4
Medium-Term
City Council / Chamber of
Commerce
CF-4
Medium-Term
CF-1
Address sewage treatment plant
Long-Term
City Council / Telecom
Providers
Fire Department / City
Council / USDA Rural
Development
Water Works and Sewer
Board / ADEM
Long-Term
Goals
Implemented
CF-2
CF-3
CF-3
CF-3
CF-1
44
The need for a diversity of housing options is important to Abbeville’s long-term vitality. Table
20 provides a complete list of the Housing Actions necessary to implement the vision, goals, and
objectives of the plan. In summary, the City must continue to support housing options which
match the jobs and incomes of the community.
Table 20: Housing and Neighborhood Development Actions
Action
Time Frame
Responsible Parties
Continue enforcement of public
nuisance regulations for unsafe
and dilapidated buildings
Maintain updated building
codes for quality development
Encourage use of federal and
state financial assistance
programs to assist housing
improvements
Improve pedestrian amenities in
neighborhoods
Encourage appropriate
residential developments for
residents aging in-place
Ongoing
City Council
Goals
Implemented
H-1
Ongoing
City Council / City Staff
H-1
Ongoing
City Staff
H-1
Short-Term
H-1
Medium-Term
H-1
FUNDING SOURCES
Grants often include local match requirements, but are important sources of funds. The City is
currently pursuing available grant funds, both individually and in cooperation with other local
governmental authorities. Other projects may be initiated through private developments where
tax abatements and other incentives may be applied. The following is an outline of available
funding sources to the City of Abbeville.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is intended to benefit majority
low- and moderate-income areas, aid in the prevention or removal of slum and blight, or meet an
urgent need. Funding is provided by HUD and locally administered through the Alabama
Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) with the following program funds:
Competitive Fund, Community Enhancement Fund, Planning Fund and Economic Development
Fund.
Competitive Fund
The CDBG Small City Fund currently has a ceiling of $350,000. Typical funding activities
include:
 Water and Sewer Extensions / Rehabilitation
 Housing Rehabilitation
 Neighborhood and Downtown Revitalization
 Street and Drainage Improvements
45
Community Enhancement Fund
The Community Enhancement Fund has traditionally had a grant ceiling of $250,000. Typical
activities include:
 Fire Protection
 Senior Citizens Centers
 Community Centers
 Boys & Girls Clubs
 Recreational Facilities
 Other “Quality of Life” – Related Activities
Planning Fund
The Planning Fund currently has a grant ceiling of $40,000. Typical activities include:
 Comprehensive Plans
 Elements of Comprehensive Plans
 Downtown Revitalization Plans
 Regional Strategies and Plans, etc.
Economic Development Fund
The Economic Development Fund grant ceiling varies depending on the type of project and
requires a 20% local match. This fund is available to all eligible communities for projects
supporting the creation or retention of jobs. Construction cannot begin prior to grant award or
release of environmental conditions. Typical activities include:
 ED Incubator ($250,000)
 ED Float Loans ($10 million)
 ED Grants ($200,000 subject to waiver)
State Revolving Fund (SRF)
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
(DWSRF) are low interest loan programs administered by the Alabama Department of
Environmental Management (ADEM) that funds public infrastructure improvements. There are
a multitude of water or wastewater projects that qualify for the loan programs, which are eligible
to any public body, including local boards and authorities.
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is comprised of two programs: a federal program that
funds the purchase of land and water areas for conservation and recreation purposes; and a state
matching-grants program (50/50) that provides funds for state and local governments.
Eligible activities are divided into two categories: acquisition and development.
Acquisition
 Water-based public recreation projects such as frontage on the bays, rivers, streams, and
lakes
 Land for creating water impoundments
46


Natural areas and preserves
Urban land for day use (picnic areas, playgrounds, etc.)
Development
 Renovation of existing outdoor recreation facilities
 Sports and playfields
 Picnic areas and swimming facilities
 Boating, fishing, hunting, camping areas and trails
 Aggregate surfacing of parking areas and access roads
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the EWP program, which is
used to assist in relieving hazards to life and property from floods and the products of erosion
created by natural disasters that cause a sudden impairment of a watershed. A sudden watershed
impairment results from a single natural occurrence or a short-term combination of occurrences.
For the watershed to be eligible for assistance, the impairment must significantly exceed that
which existed before the disaster.
Recreational Trails Program
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is administered by the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), which distributes money to the states under a formula established by Congress. In
Alabama, the RTP is administered by ADECA and has a grant ceiling of $80,000 and requires a
20% local match. Eligible activities include development of trails and trail facilities, including
acquisition of properties for future trail development.
Other FHWA Funding Programs
With the exception of the Recreational Trails Program, which is administered by ADECA, the
majority of FHWA funds available in the Abbeville area are administered through the Alabama
Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The ALDOT is responsible for identifying and
prioritizing transportation projects in order to distribute FHWA funding.
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grants are available through the Alabama
Department of Transportation (ALDOT). This program is authorized under the MAP-21 federal
transportation authorization and includes funding for pedestrian and bicycle facilities,
infrastructure for public transportation, safe routes to school projects, and other transportation
alternative projects.
Southeast Alabama Regional Planning Commission Revolving Loan Fund
The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC) has
multiple local loan funds, including a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), an Intermediary Relending
Program (IRP), and a Microloan Program, that are locally controlled sources of capital used to
finance small business start -up and expansion projects that create permanent jobs. In general,
the funds can be used to:
 Purchase Land
 Construct New Buildings
47



Renovate / Modify Existing Buildings
Purchase Equipment
Provide Working Capital
48

City of Abbeville, Alabama COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2035

Transcription

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