As part of the process for developing and implementing a city plan, the South Central Alabama Development Commission (SCADC), represented by Tracy Delaney and consultant Darrell Skipper, presented the progress of the undertaking to the Brundidge City Council Tuesday.

“I think we’re on the right track,” said Delaney, who noted she hadn’t received any negative feedback on the plan so far.

City council member Lawrence Bowden like the ideas, but asked about the cities ability to fund them.

“I think it is a great concept,” he said, “but is it practical?”

“I think the short-term strategy is practical,” answered Skipper who has worked extensively with Delaney and the SCADC.

Part of that short-term plan is a proposed truck route that would eliminate 18-wheeler traffic through downtown Brundidge. The topic has been at the forefront of the comprehensive plan since the planners and the community began the project.

“The transportation and circulation is really a driving force in future development (for Brundidge),” Delaney said.

With the support that trucking lends to the economy, city council members want to ensure the route would be convenient.

“They want to accommodate the best way possible,” Delaney said.

Skipper shared the cities concerns and said a re-route could be beneficial for big-rig operators as well as residents.

“If I was a trucker, the last thing I would want is to do is turn at that intersection,” he said of the Main Street and Highway 10 crossing.”

Skipper said he thought a reasonable alternative would make things easier and safer for both the community and truck drivers.

The next phase of the comprehensive plan will be a come-and-go open house presentation on June 3, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The entire community is invited to get a closer look and offer their opinions on what could be some changes, and hopefully improvements, for the City of Brundidge.