News

7/19/2005 - Bill moves forward despite discrimination allegations by Patels

While Alexander City's annexation plan was introduced during the first day of the special session of the Alabama legislature Tuesday, some business owners continue to disagree with the plan, now calling it a personal attack against them.

In a letter sent to State Rep. Betty Carol Graham and Sen. Ted Little on behalf of Chris and Narendra Patel, Alexander City attorney Derrick Blythe expressed opposition to the proposed annexation approved by the city council calling it "unconstitutional, unjust, inequitable and a form of racial discrimination."

The Patels own property along U.S. Highway 280, where they operate a growing number of businesses, including AmeriMart. This property, while well within Alexander City is not within the city limits - a fact the planned annexation would change.

"We take this as a direct attack against them by the city," Blythe said. "This is another form of Jim Crowe racial discrimination."

According to Blythe, the only property in the proposed annexation plan is property owned by the Patels.

"They have made it clear that this is not the only property that will be annexed, they are just taking it one step at a time because they feel it is easier to fight one person at a time," Blythe said.

Alexander City Mayor Barbara Young, however, dispels Blythe's accusations of attacking the Patels.

"I am amazed and outraged at the same time," Young said. "I am not quite sure how Derrick Blythe is saying that this is a racial issue. AmeriMart is not the only business that is being annexed. Under this plan Russell Retail and the Cancer Center at Russell Medical Center are also included.

"His credibility in this issue is suspect and he has nothing to stand on as far as the racial issue is concerned."

A copy of the letter was not sent to Young, but rather to the two minority members of the city council, Lottie Wyckoff and Gwen Coley. A letter was also sent to council president Glenn Thomas and The Outlook.

While Wyckoff refused to comment on the situation, Coley said Blythe's comments are off base.

"I think he [Patel] has been treated from day one," Coley said. "I think that this is just an excuse to cause more controversy."

Initially the city wanted to annex more than just the property along 280, but revised the plan, removing residential areas to the east and west of the city limits. Now the plan involves contiguous land on U.S. 280.

"The (U.S.) 280 corridor has become a major retail catalyst and the revenue generated from the businesses located along this stretch of roadway is extremely important to supporting city services such as police and fire protection," Thomas said. "The services are relying on the tax revenue and I am disappointed and fail to understand why the Patels do not wish to freely become a part of the city of Alexander City."

According to Blythe's letter, the Patels do not object to being annexed into the city limits as long as all other local industries like Russell Corp., Avondale, Robinson Iron, Calpine and Russell Medical Center are also annexed into the city limits.

"We take this as a direct attack against him [the Patels] by the city," Blythe said. "If it is about sales tax, why not annex in those major industries, the revenue from property taxes and license fees alone would be more than what Mr. Patel's little convenience store would generate."

The city, however, disagrees with Blythe's logic.

"He continually mentions Russell and Avondale being annexed, but that is really comparing apples to oranges," Young said. "Those industries have supported the community in numerous ways over the years. Derrick Blythe mentioned that his clients would have to carry the 'burden.' Well our citizens have been carrying the 'burden' for many years to pay for services that they have."

Blythe contends his clients have also contributed to the community since coming to the area, but with the annexation plan, his clients feel alienated by the political leaders of this city.

"If they want to run someone off, they are doing a good job," Blythe said. "This was the choice that was made by our city leaders and all they have done is successfully alienate the Patels from being involved in city activities."

What's next

Graham and Little introduced the annexation legislation in the special session of the legislature Tuesday after receiving Blythe's letter.

"I would think that unless there is some unpredictable happening that the bill would pass," Little said. "I have received Mr. Blythe's letter and extend an invitation to him and his client the opportunity to come down to Montgomery while we are in special session."

Little echoed the council members sentiments concerning the discrimination issue.

"I differ with Mr. Blythe's opinion that there has been any racial discrimination," he said. "I think that we are taking a fair approach on this measure."

While Graham had not read the letter by deadline, she did feel the process has been a fair one.

"I feel like the city council and the legislative delegation followed every procedure to be fair to all parties as far as annexation is concerned," Graham said.

If the annexation plan passes, Blythe said his clients will have to evaluate the situation when it happens.

Source: The Alexander City Outlook
By Kelly Caldwell

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