Residents press Pelham leaders on Highway 261 timeline and urge limits on traffic-camera enforcement

PELHAM, Ala. — Two residents used public comment on Dec. 1 to press Pelham leaders on the Highway 261 widening project and the city’s use of traffic cameras.

Vince Catone said a sign advertising an upcoming meeting on the U.S. 261 widening project prompted questions about who was hosting the meeting and whether the work was for Pelham or a neighboring jurisdiction. “There’s a sign on 261s proclaiming that there is gonna be a meeting here in the city council on the 11th on the 261 widening project. Does anybody comment or know anything about this meeting or what's gonna go on or why?” Catone asked.

City Manager Gretchen said the project is moving forward and that Pelham has acquired the properties it needed. She said the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) agreed to split a larger project so Pelham could begin utility relocation without waiting for neighboring Hoover, and that residents should expect utility work but not paving in 2026.

Tom Robinson urged the council to keep the city’s traffic-camera program limited to improving traffic flow and to avoid turning it into a ‘‘remote ticketing operation.’’ Robinson also asked for an accounting of funds set aside for a local ‘‘flower project’’ and suggested using those reserves to reduce city debt if projects stall.

No formal council action on traffic cameras or the flower project funds was taken at the meeting. Council members noted the comments and said staff would follow up with requested information.