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The Demopolis City Council held a public hearing as part of its regular meeting Thursday for the rezoning of property on Hwy. 80 East.

The property owner requested a change from business light industry to agriculture for the purpose of building a house. The property is located approximately 1 mile east of Old Springhill Road.

After hearing from Building Inspector Julius Rember, who told the council that the city’s planning commission had approved the plan and that the request was in line with city plans, the council moved forward with approving the zoning change.

Other items discussed by the council included:

• approving to sell property to ALDOT along Hwy. 43 South. The property will be condemned as part of a roads project. The city agreed to sell the property for $55,000.

• approving the placement of speed bumps on Chickasaw Street. Councilman Cleveland Cole stated residents of that area are concerned with speeding vehicles, especially considering its proximity to a school and vehicles that park along the street.

• heard a request from Latoya Witherspoon of the Marengo County Community in Action who requested a city contribution of $1,000 to help fund expenses involved with an upcoming event at the Demopolis Civic Center. She also requested use of the civic center, which was approved.

• continuing discussion on the intersection of Washington and Main streets. After a traffic light failed there, the city implemented a four-way stop. The council is discussing leaving it as a four-way stop, but are currently gathering feedback from residents.

• Street Department Superintendent Mike Baker said he has spoken with engineers on a design and cost for repairing a ditch on Decatur Street. He said the discussion is ongoing.

• Building Inspector Julius Rembert reported that he has spoken to the owner of the Rosenbush Warehouse where a wall collapsed recently. He reported that the owner is working to stabilize the building.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, May 23 issue of the Demopolis Times.)