Byhalia Mayor rolls out vision

In her first address to the community since becoming town mayor, Debby Weathers said she has finally found the top of her desk since being sworn in April.

She presented a comprehensive vision for economic growth and development at the Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street luncheon Nov. 17 in the Old School Commons.

Weathers ran unopposed when Mayor Bill Dawson stepped down earlier this year.

A journal keeper, Weathers has a log of ideas and projects she wants to accomplish.

“I took office exactly eight months today,” Weathers said.

She listed a number of projects the town has to address.

A Highway 178 sewer project is crucial to property development in the area of the old Brick plant. Jumbo’s Brickhouse has opened a convenience store in that area that has lain dormant for years.

The town is improving its recreational opportunities by upgrading existing facilities and planning for expansion of ball fields.

New heated bathrooms are completed at the walking track on Brunswick. Lighting and street improvements are being looked at. New playground equipment will be added in the spring.

The town has received a grant to add a splash pad at the walking trail.

Plans are being developed to renovate Byhalia’s parks and ballfields on Lowry Road. That will include adding another full-size field, increasing the footprint of the current field, and upgrading concessions and bathrooms. An electronic scoreboard is wanted and more parking.

The town has identified lots of drainage problems to correct. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds will be used to upgrade water and sewer services and to upgrade waterlines at Interstate Farms Road and Ball Park Road.

Lift station upgrades will made. Some ordinances and codes already on the books that have to do with keeping the town clean and beautified are going to be enforced.

Those situations such as signage, enclosing garbage dumpsters with fences, and moving non-operable, nontagged junk vehicles off residential lots all will make the town more inviting for newcomers.

“We are creating a new environment,” Weathers said. “These ordinances have been around for years. We have decided to apply them. I hope to entice people to come here.”

The town is looking at new subdivision developments on Highway 78 and Highway 309.

Seventy new homes are being added to Ingrams Place.

Broadmore Apartments on Fuller Street is getting a $6.5 million renovation next spring. The apartments will be stripped down and new electrical and plumbing will go in. At that site, a 40-hour-aweek food and clothing pantry will be located with counseling services included.

Erma Rogers Head Start Center is located next door to the Broadmore Apartments.

Fuller Street will be widened so school buses, food trucks and local traffic, which has been constricted, can get through town to the grocery stores on 178 and so pedestrians can walk safely to the store.

The town has applied for $1.4 million to widen Fuller Street to two full lanes to include curbs, gutters and sidewalks.

Baxter Place, located behind Byhalia school, will add another 311 rooftops as that new subdivision is built out.

An architect has been engaged to look at upgrades on the Old Byhalia High School gym for community pickleball, basketball, Boy Scouts for sports and community group meetings.

Along with those plans, the architect is looking at plans to locate a new police station in the old WIN Job Center building next door to Town Hall.

A new tornado siren was installed in the spring and tests take place on Saturday’s at noon.

“We are currently looking at storm shelters for our community,” Weathers said.

“All of this is great news for the Town of Byhalia, but we can’t do this without your support and the support of our employees,” Weathers said.

Along with opportunities for growth, Weathers said it is crucial for the town to maintain order because criminals are moving across the state line as well.

“If you see something, say something,” the mayor said. “Call the dispatcher immediately.

“These changes are only the tip of what we’re working at in the Town of Byhalia. They will bring new life to our town. I am honored to be your mayor. I will continue to be your mayor. I’ll give you 100 percent everyday. Pray for us because we will be praying for you.”