ATHENS, Ala. — The city of Athens has annexed again. This time, it is approximately 115 acres of land near Tanner Crossroads. Conversation for a potential new hospital in the Limestone County community may be on the table as a result of this annexation. FOX54 spoke with the Mayor of Athens who fills us in. Here is what we know so far.
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said a few months ago the Huntsville Hospital Association purchased about 115 acres of land south of Highway 31. "Well, actually, the city of Athens annexed property at the request of Huntsville Hospital Association. If you're traveling on highway 31 south toward tanner, it is to the west side of the approximately 115 acres."
After the Huntsville Hospital Association purchased the land, they then made a request to annex into the city of Athens Mayor Marks continued. "Basically for all the services, including sewer. So we are currently working on getting sewer from in the Buc-ees area up toward Highway 31 and into this area."
So what's expected to be built on this property as a result of the annexation? "It's totally their responsibility as a hospital to lay out the plan. I've seen a draft, but it's changed several times. I don't know what their timeline is, and the city council actually only took charge and responsibility for annexing this property," he explained.
FOX54 reached out to Huntsville Hospital Health System, but they declined to comment at this time. Mayor Marks adds that whatever they do with this property, healthcare is key, and he looks forward to seeing what's to come of the the land next. "I think it's a wonderful location for the citizens of Athens in Limestone County. We're excited to see if they build a new hospital, when they build it, and the capacity of how many beds is there. Health care services is so critical. So we look forward to working with with the Huntsville Hospital Association when they get ready to move."