More housing is coming to Falkville, and the town council is helping pave the way – literally.

The Falkville Town Council authorized Mayor Ken Winkles and city attorney Larry Madison to negotiate with Richard Neese, CEO of Tenax Enterprises, for the paving of a 1,200-foot extension of Sam Gordon Drive.

Prior to the council’s regular meeting Jan. 10, Neese addressed the council during a work session. “We are currently negotiating to buy a 10-acre tract of land in the area,” Neese said, “but we have to have an answer to the street’s extension before we can move forward with plans to develop the property.”

Winkles said the town’s investment in the new homes building project will be returned in sewer tap fees, building permits and gross receipts taxes. “It’s the kind of residential growth that will make a big impact in our community,” he said.

Neese said plans for the project call for the construction of 40 single-family homes ranging in size from 1,100-1,300 square feet.

The council also:

• proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The observance was established in January 2011 to proclaim the equality and freedom of all people, to advocate for legislation, to educate leaders and to encourage public awareness of the various forms of human trafficking.
• approved a contract with Avenu for business license discovery/recovery.
• approved to declare as surplus outdated Code of Alabama books.
• approved a step raise for Danielle Hayes upon completion of the Municipal Magistrate Certification.