Republican candidates for House District 11 Heath Allbright and Don Fallin have spoken out against legislation allowing the annexation of community development districts.
Senate Bill 322 by State Sens. J.T. Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) would allow municipalities to annex certain types of community development districts and provide further specifications on their establishment.
The bill defines a community development district as "a private residential development that ... is a size of at least 250 acres of contiguous land area; has at least 100 residential sites, platted and recorded in the probate office of the county as a residential subdivision; has streets that were or will be built with private funds;.. is located in a dry county that has one or more wet municipalities, but outside the corporate limits of any municipality; and has a social club" that meets specific requirements.
After a "careful review" of the bill, Allbright said he believed it "fails to align with the values and needs of District 11's citizens," several of whom have expressed concern online that the bill could mean Cullman could annex non-contiguous parts of Smith Lake and elsewhere.
"While economic development is important, this bill raises significant concerns about local control, community input, and questions about proper infrastructure, zoning, and community planning," he said in a Facebook statement. "...The annexation provisions in SB322 could allow external municipal governments to absorb community development districts without ensuring that the voices of current or future local residents are heard or respected. Furthermore, any bill that potentially alters the character of our region without adequate public consent, is not a bill I can support."
Allbright said the bill bypassed the "critical need for transparent, community-driven decision-making."
"Instead of empowering developers or the government, we should focus on fostering economic growth in ways that honor local traditions, protect community autonomy, and ensure that every citizen has a voice in shaping our future," he continued. "I urge those supporting this bill to pause their efforts and work with local citizens to craft solutions that truly serve the best interests of District 11 and all of our region. As your representative, I will always listen to you and fight for policies that put our people first."
Fallin, who is running against Allbright in the HD11 special election GOP primary, has also criticized SB322.
"Under SB 322, all it takes is a petition from the development board and approval from the city council. No vote is needed from the people who actually live in the area," he told 1819 News. "If this bill passes, Montgomery politicians and big developers could force your community into a municipality, which would bring in city taxes and zoning changes without your consent."
He continued, "I have made it clear in my campaign that I would stand up to Montgomery. I believe local communities should have the final say when it comes to annexation, not suit-and-tie boardrooms and out-of-town officials.
Fallin said, if elected, he would fight against annexation without a proper voting process.
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