Meet Sophie Martin of Ward 1
We talked to Ward 1 City Councilor Sophie Martin about the new budget holds for Ward 1 and about the upcoming holidays!
Alabaster Connection: What items included in the budget this year will directly affect Ward 1 residents?
Sophie Martin: The repair and repaving of Alabaster Boulevard is a project that I’ve been working towards for several years now. I sincerely appreciate the support of the mayor and council for supporting this major improvement project. This will definitely improve the safety and travel for the hundreds of drivers who use Alabaster Boulevard every day.
AC: What other projects happening this year are you excited about?
SM: The amphitheater at the green space at City Hall is going to be a fantastic addition to Alabaster. This will open up a whole new door for entertainment and family activities. We are in the early stages of development, but the final product is going to be one that will exceed expectations. I’m also excited about the work and enhancements planned for several of our parks around the city. Our parks are used now more than ever, and we want them to impress our visitors and be the absolute best for our residents. Major upgrades to our sewer system are also planned. We want our sewer system to function at the highest level. Need I say more?
AC: What issues in Alabaster are you paying particular attention to right now, and what are you looking forward to in 2023?
SM: Many residents in Ward 1 still walk Hwy. 11, so adding sidewalks will definitely be an improvement as far as keeping them safe. Since this is a county road, it will take partnering with the county and other resources to make this happen. For our city, we need to continue to focus on economic growth and bringing new businesses to our area. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in 2023 as far as growth!
AC: As we approach the holidays, does your family have special holiday traditions that you’re looking forward to?
SM: For us, it’s all about family and being together. We’ve tried traveling a few times close to Christmas, but we all realize that we just enjoy being at home together during the holidays. On Christmas Eve it is our tradition to walk to the Santa stop and greet Santa on the fire truck—this has been and still is a major event for my kids even if they are grown! We also watch Christmas Vacation at least once a day—it never gets old.
AC: What Alabaster holiday events do you love every year or anything new you’re looking forward to this year?
SM: The Alabaster Christmas Parade is iconic not only in our city but our state. Some of my best memories are from riding in the parade with my family, the council, mayor, and their families. It’s a blessing to see thousands of Alabaster residents line the streets of the parade route to see the floats and catch some candy! The lighting of our water tower is a new tradition that continues to grow, and this year we are looking forward to our new event, The Festival of the Trees. It’s a beautiful time of year to live in Alabaster!