Bonifay vacates alleyway, renews attorney

BONIFAY – Two public hearings for ordinances were held prior to Bonifay City Council meeting in regular session on June 28.  

The first ordinance was approved to vacate the alleyway on Kansas Avenue between Magnolia and Hubbard Streets. The alleyway was vacated to Joshua White as its runs through his driveway and butts up next to his property. The city has not maintained that portion for many years, which has left it to grow into a wood line area. 

The second ordinance concerned a land use change from low density residential to high density residential. The council was asked about what was proposed to be built on the site, but the council was unclear if it would be townhomes or single family homes and whether or not it would be low income or medium to high income. In light of this, the council tabled the issue in order to see a copy of the proposed plans for the property before approving the change. 

Councilman Roger Brooks requested that Florida Department of Transportation be asked to complete a traffic study on Highway 79 from north of town to the interstate to conclude if another traffic signal could be placed. Traffic has increased due to the widening of the road which makes daily travel for residents coming off of side roads difficult. Mayor James “Eddie” Sims said he would speak with FDOT himself this week. 

City Attorney Michelle Jordan was once again hired to be counsel for the council after she was the lone applicant for the position. JordanÂ’s contract will be up for renewal every year for the next three years with the position being advertised for rebid after the third year. 

Bonifay City Council will meet again in regular session at 6 p.m. on July 12.