SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Motorists traveling along U.S. 72 might mistakenly believe the burgeoning Clift Farm development lies within Madison city limits. However, as Madison Mayor Paul Finley clarified, only the Publix grocery store is within Madison, with the rest of the development remaining in the county.
“All else is in the county,” stated Mayor Finley, indicating that the city limits are just across the highway.
Efforts are underway to change this. On June 5, resident Preston Taylor initiated a petition to annex the Clift Farm neighborhood into Madison. By June 11, the petition had garnered 63 signatures.
Finley explained that the number of homes affected by the annexation would depend on property owners, who must initiate the process with the city.
Breland Companies president Joey Ceci commented, “I haven’t seen the petition, but I think most people who have moved there understand they are not in Madison and are fine with that.”
Clift Farm is projected to include around 1,300 apartments, 300 townhomes, and about 500 to 600 single-family detached homes upon full build-out, Ceci told The Huntsville Times in an earlier interview.
While some homes are complete, Ceci estimates that the residential portion will take five to ten years to finish. Lennar Homes of Alabama is constructing several homes and townhomes within the development.
The Appeal of Madison
According to Taylor, the primary motivation for annexation is the Madison city school system. He stated in the petition, “The City of Madison is known for its excellent schools, which are some of the best in the state. By annexing into Madison, our kids will have access to top-notch educational resources and programs, setting them up for a brighter future.”
Madison was ranked as the top school district in the state last year by Niche.com, and it holds the second spot this year. In contrast, Madison County, where Clift Farm is currently zoned, did not make the top 25.
Clift Farm is presently zoned for Sparkman High School, Madison County Schools spokesman Carter Watkins said.
However, a significant influx of students from Clift Farm could impact Madison City Schools’ expansion plans. Superintendent Ed Nichols recently announced the construction of a new elementary school in the Limestone County portion of Madison, with potential additions to other schools and future expansions to the city’s high schools, James Clemens and Bob Jones. The district, which currently has about 13,000 students, is projected to grow to between 14,500 and 15,000 students by 2030.
Nichols highlighted that Town Madison, another Breland Companies development, contributes to the district’s growth. In a 2022 interview with The Huntsville Times, Mayor Finley emphasized efforts to control the town’s growth to avoid overwhelming the school system.
Infrastructure and Services
Taylor also pointed to the advantages of improved infrastructure and services. “We’ve all seen the gaps in infrastructure provided by Madison County,” he noted. “The City of Madison, however, has the funding and resources to maintain and improve our roads, utilities, and public services. Better infrastructure means a higher quality of life and increased property values.”
Developers typically provide initial infrastructure in new developments, with maintenance responsibilities eventually shifting to the municipality or county.
Additionally, Taylor argued that annexation would enhance safety and security and provide further economic opportunities. “Madison offers more frequent police patrols, faster emergency responses, and better fire protection. Our families will be safer, and our streets will be better lit and maintained, reducing crime and accidents,” he wrote.
He also praised Madison’s local government for its transparency and accountability, asserting that joining Madison would give residents a stronger voice in community decisions.
Lastly, Taylor highlighted the numerous community programs, events, and recreational opportunities that Madison offers, which he believes would enhance the quality of life for Clift Farm residents.
