By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – As the city of Pelham continues to grow, the infrastructure within the city simultaneously continues to improve.

In recent weeks, the city of Pelham has announced various infrastructure improvements to the city. Ainsley Allison, the communications manager for the city of Pelham, gave insight into the overall mission of the various projects.

“All of these projects are budgeted and (are) part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the city’s appeal, functionality and quality of life,” Allison said.

The improvements begin with the city’s green and gold-trimmed water tower on County Road 52. The well-known Pelham landmark is getting a new coat of paint to match with the city’s new branding.

The new paint color is Pelham Pine, which is a dark green that is in Pelham’s official color pallet. The city’s new vertical logo will be prominently displayed in white on the front of the water tower.

The project to improve the water tower was awarded to Robinson & Sons Construction Services by the Pelham City Council, for a bid of $98,000. Work on the project is currently underway.

A major lighting upgrade along Highway 31 and Pelham Parkway is also being implemented by the city. Pelham’s existing wooden pole streetlights will be replaced with decorative LED streetlamps. The project will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase between Amphitheater Road and CR 52. The bid process is underway now, with a contract expected to be awarded in April.

Construction on the project is set to begin in May, with a complete timeline of nine to 12 months.

In the recreation space, the Pelham Tennis Center is getting brand-new fencing. The old fencing is being replaced to enhance safety and improve overall aesthetics at the Tennis Center, creating an improved experience for players and visitors alike.

Andre Bittas, the director of development services and public works for the city of Pelham, gave updates on all three projects, beginning with the water tower.

“The water tower is being repainted as part of routine maintenance required by (the Alabama Department of Environmental Management) to ensure its longevity and structural integrity,” Bittas said. “This project allows us to freshen up its appearance while reinforcing Pelham’s brand and identity.”

Bittas added that the improvements benefit both Pelham residents and visitors to the city.

“A fresh coat of paint will help protect the tower from the elements, extend its lifespan and improve its aesthetic appeal,” Bittas said. “The updated look will contribute to a well-maintained and welcoming cityscape for both residents and visitors.”

Shifting to the new streetlights, Bittas believes the project once again aligns with Pelham’s overall mission.

“The transition to decorative LED lights on U.S. 31 aligns with our commitment to efficiency and public safety,” Bittas said. “LED lighting is more energy-efficient, reduces maintenance costs and provides better illumination for the highway. The new fixtures also enhance the overall aesthetic of the corridor.”

Bittas added that the new fencing at the Pelham Tennis Center will improve the overall experience for players and visitors.

“The new fencing at the Pelham Tennis Center will improve safety and enhance the facility’s visual appeal,” Bittas said. “It’s part of our continued investment in recreational amenities that serve the community and support the city’s reputation as a premier destination for tennis players.”

Along with the infrastructure updates, the business community in Pelham, specifically in the restaurant sector, continues to grow.

The city’s library development site is set to feature Bullet Coffee, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer and Edgar’s Bakery, providing residents and visitors with three distinct dining options complemented by the library.

Bullet Coffee is currently under construction, while Waldo’s has officially broken ground and Edgar’s has submitted plans for review.

Along with the three new dining options near the library, the vacant Burger King near Summer Classics on Pelham Parkway will soon be another installment of the Bojangles franchise. Permits for the restaurant have already been pulled for remodeling.

Bittas believes that all of the new restaurants are another sign of Pelham’s upward trajectory.

“These new businesses are a great sign of Pelham’s economic vitality,” Bittas said. “They bring more dining options for residents, which is another thing we heard from residents in the Citizen Satisfaction Survey. These businesses also create jobs and attract visitors. The library development site, in particular, is designed to be a vibrant gathering space, enhancing Pelham’s sense of community.”

Bittas concluded that all of the projects that Pelham is implementing seek to set Pelham a path apart.

“Pelham continues to invest in smart, forward-thinking infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting economic growth,” Bittas said. “Whether it’s modernizing lighting, improving traffic flow or revitalizing public spaces, our focus is on making Pelham a more attractive place to live, work and visit. These projects are also aligned with areas residents have told us they’d like to see improvements.”

For more information on the city of Pelham, visit Pelhamalabama.gov.