Safe routes proposed

Published 11:56 pm Tuesday, May 17, 2011

A proposed 500-yard buffer between schools in Selma and any new businesses selling alcohol appears to have been poured  down the drain. But a new proposal, discussed between members of the Selma Dallas Prevention Collaborative, the Cahaba Center for Mental Health and Selma City Council, just might get a toast from everyone.

During a special called meeting of the council’s public safety committee Monday, the groups met to iron out changes to the city’s ordinance regulating distance between schools, churches and any business selling alcohol. But the proposed 500 yard, or 1,500 feet, barrier proved to be a little much for council members and some business leaders to take.

“That’s a long way; 1,500 feet is a long, long way,” Ward 8 council member and public safety committee chairman Corey Bowie said following the meeting. “I think though that we were able to work out as a group a completely direction from changing the ordinance and came up with something better.”

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The reason for the requested ordinance change, which would have extended the current buffer from 200 yards to 1,500 feet, was an effort on the Collaborative and Center to keep underage children from being exposed to alcohol sales and other influences.

Now, the groups are turning their focus on developing “safe routes” to area schools that will be clearly marked by signs and heavily marketed to parents and the community as the routes most preferred for children to walk to school.

Bowie said these routes — once identified — will be made very public and will receive special attention from the city’s police. He also said the city would ask officials with the Alabama Beverage Control to heavily scrutinize any businesses who sell alcohol along those routes.

“Safety is paramount. The city will play its role and also help make the community more aware of this problem (children acquiring alcohol),” Bowie said. “We also want to serve notice to vendors, letting them know this is a safe route and we will be watching.”

Rev. Corley Chestnut, with the Collaborative, said he was excited about the process of working with city leaders.

“It is a development and to have a collaborative process to make sure Selma embraces an ordinance — a program — that’s going to make a better life for our children is extremely important,” Chestnut said. “And to have the chance to come in and have this sit down conversation with our city leaders is a blessing.”