The Gadsden City Council on Sept. 23 approved a cluster of measures to move the South Eleventh Street partial realignment and resurfacing project forward.

Council members adopted a resolution donating 0.751 acres of city‑owned property (identified as Tract Number 5) that will allow a slight realignment of the roadway and removal of a small S‑curve. Councilman Wilson said the change will provide an uninterrupted sidewalk connection from South Gadsden into the downtown historic district and improve pedestrian access past neighborhood landmarks.

The council also approved purchasing required mitigation credits from Westervelt Ecological Services LLC for $32,450. Council discussion noted federal and state permitting — specifically Army Corps of Engineers requirements — obligate compensatory mitigation when construction affects marshland or other regulated wetlands.

To clear the way for construction, council members approved a non‑reimbursable agreement with Spire Alabama for utility relocation in the project’s public right of way. The engineering department and legal staff will prepare conveyance and agreement documents for recording and implementation.

All three measures passed unanimously by voice vote. The city engineer and project staff were directed to execute contracts, purchase mitigation credits and coordinate utility relocations before construction begins.