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By NATHAN HOWELL | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham City Council approved a resolution on April 19 that will see the city purchase an approximately 6.7-acre parcel of land located at the corner of U.S. Highway 31 and Amphitheater Road.

The council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of the land, which will benefit ongoing projects such as the Pelham Greenway, The Canopy development and provide more parking for the businesses in the area.

“The city has been interested in that property for a number of years. It was always interesting piece being next to the civic complex and the amphitheater for potential expansions or parking,” said Pelham City Council President Maurice Mercer. “It will ultimately tie in to our trail stem and have strategic parking. It will be a great asset when The Canopy project comes online. We are excited that we are able to capture that piece of land.”

Pelham Mayor Gary Waters expressed his approval for the project saying that it will benefit the entire city.

“Since becoming Mayor, the acquisition of this property has been at the top of my to do list. The timing couldn’t be better. This is the first real opportunity we have to improve parking at and adjacent to the Pelham Civic Complex,” Waters said.

He explained that this land would ultimately help maximize the potential of the area, by addressing the needs for space for those major businesses.

“We have had situations where we had concerts, weddings and hockey games at the same time. We never had a definitive plan for parking overages, but we do now. I just want you to envision what those acres will look like. It will not be clear cut, but a park-like setting. It will be a beautiful addition through Amphitheater Road.”

According to councilman Rick Wash, the approval of the land will help connect the ongoing Pelham Greenway project, by providing connections to the trail and businesses in the section of the city.

“Not only is it what the mayor described but it is also a major part of the Greenway. It is the only option for crossing U.S. Highway 31 and accessing the Pelham Civic Complex and The Canopy,” Wash explained. “Not only will it serve multifunctional piece of property, but everyone in Pelham will get to enjoy that.”