By Sarah Stephens, Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council decided on Tuesday to enact a temporary halt, or moratorium, on the construction of new mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.
According to the enacted ordinance, communities located near Prattville have witnessed a rapid increase in businesses licensed to operate such facilities. However, the city views an excessive concentration of mini-warehouses and self-storage developments within its limits as detrimental, potentially hindering Prattville’s capacity to attract a wider variety of businesses. Council members agreed that implementing a temporary pause is crucial for facilitating orderly growth and achieving a balanced economic development landscape.
The ordinance highlights the necessity for the city to review its current zoning regulations and implement necessary revisions and improvements pertaining to these business types. Prattville is currently in the process of recruiting a Planning and Development Director who will be tasked with further examining the zoning ordinance and addressing this specific matter.
Before the council vote, residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the evening’s agenda items. Rev. Ell White II addressed the council, expressing his support for the moratorium.
“Because when you go throughout the City of Prattville…it seems like we have more storages and facilities then we do houses around here. I hope you put a moratorium on chicken and coffee, too,” White stated. “Because I think we have enough chicken and coffee restaurants. I don’t know who is over the economic, but we have become the laughingstock around here, saying, Prattville has enough chicken and coffee.”
You can view the complete meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijjWNlXrUg
