The diverging diamond would have drivers temporarily cross to opposite lanes in order to keep traffic at the interchange flowing more smoothly. Design courtesy of Volkert Engineers

Council Meeting Highlights, April 14, 2025 17.03.25 Council approved a request to de-annex 310 Happy Lane from the City of Homewood. A property owner who bought land 23 years ago to develop it into townhomes needs fire access. After failing to get necessary easements and facing road access issues, he asked to de-annex the land from Homewood and return it to Jefferson County to build a single-family home with county fire protection. With no current development plans, he hopes the land may be redeveloped in the future. 16.03.25 Council approved a request for consideration for an ordinance to prohibit parking on the west side of Mamie Foster 18th Place between 28th Ave and 27th Ave. This is to be sure there is space for emergency vehicles to travel that road without being blocked by parked cars. 20.04.25 Council approved a new agreement with ALDOT to move forward with long-discussed improvements to the I-65/Lakeshore Parkway interchange. The project, featuring a Diverging Diamond design, aims to ease traffic congestion that has plagued the area for decades. While council members expressed strong support, some raised concerns about cost overruns beyond the $23 million cap, especially since the city would bear all extra expenses. They agreed to monitor the bid, expected in July, and possibly set a ceiling for acceptable overages. This resolution marks a major step toward modernizing the interchange. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4lrK2Nb Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Walking the Walk: The City’s Ground Game for Better Sidewalks The City of Homewood is committed to maintaining safe, walkable neighborhoods—and our sidewalks play a vital role in that effort. With an annual investment of $75k-$100k, the Public Works Department is working diligently to ensure sidewalks across the city are in great condition and accessible for all residents. And we’re not only fixing what’s already there—we’re also looking ahead. The city has a “Complete Streets” committee working on filling in the gaps where sidewalks are missing.

There are a lot of events happening around our city over the next week, ways to get involved, and ways to give back to our community:

Finance Highlights April 7, 2025 14.03.25 Committee approved a request to fund change order for the City Hall and parking garage restoration project. This item will now go before the full council for a vote at the next council meeting April 14, 2025 at 6:00pm. 24.03.25 Committee carried over a property issue at 1832 25th Court South, where a house was found to be built, in the 1920's, 11 feet into city-owned land. This discovery came during a survey done as part of a sale process. Officials debated possible solutions, including an easement or selling part of the land, but there was concern about setting a precedent with any snap decision. Some emphasized the city’s limited land and the risk of similar issues emerging elsewhere. The mayor and others agreed no decision should be made until a proper survey defines property lines clearly, making that the next necessary step. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4j2rMIA Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) Highlights April 3, 2025 SV-25-04-01: 857 Sylvia Drive, a request for a variance to reduce the required side setback along the left-side property line from 10-feet to 8.1-feet for a total reduction of 1.9-feet to construct a second story addition to an existing, nonconforming primary structure. This item was approved. SV-25-04-02: 2919 Parkridge Drive, (a) was a request for a variance to reduce the required side setback from 10-feet to 7.9-feet for a total reduction of 2.1-feet to construct an addition to the rear of the existing primary structure. This part of this item was approved. (b) A request for a variance in order to reduce the setback along the left-side property line from 5-feet to 2-feet, for a total reduction of 3-feet in order to construct an open deck. This part of this item was denied. SV-25-04-03: 105 Knoll Crest Drive, a request for a variance to reduce the required setback along the right-side property line from 10-feet to 9.6-feet for a total reduction of 0.4- feet in order to construct a rear addition to the existing, nonconforming primary structure. This item was approved. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iVHogL Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

The proposed Creekside development, located south of Lakeshore Drive near Samford University’s campus, took a step forward at the April 1 Planning Commission meeting. The project, designed to create a walkable, town square-style community, received positive recommendations for rezoning. The next step will be a review by the full council. Earlier discussions about Creekside drew significant public interest, with many residents voicing concerns about the impact of the development. At a previous Planning Commission meeting, Colin Coyne, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Samford University, addressed these concerns directly. He acknowledged past tensions between the university and the surrounding community but assured attendees that Samford has made meaningful changes in recent years. Coyne emphasized the university’s commitment to open dialogue, stating he would meet with residents as long as needed to address their concerns. With a background in environmental management, he also underscored Samford’s responsibility to address traffic and sustainability issues, particularly related to watershed management along Shades Creek. Commission members previously advised the applicant, Landmark Development, to engage more deeply with the public before moving forward. Landmark responded by postponing the rezoning request and hosting three public meetings to gather input from residents. Among the most pressing concerns are the potential impact on salamander habitats in the area and the height of a proposed hotel, which could be as tall as 10 stories. These issues remain a focal point for local residents as the project progresses. See more information HERE

UPDATE: From Jailhouse to Steakhouse? A New Vision for an Old Space! On Monday, March 31, the city council approved a proposal for a potential high-end steakhouse surrounded by a walkable, family-friendly park, at the long-empty police HQ and jail downtown. This approval means the project can start moving forward, though rezoning, design, and development plans still need city approval. There are no incentives for this project and the developer, Mike Mouron, is covering the cost of building the park, which will stay public property. Proceeds from the sale of the space that the steakhouse would sit on would be placed in escrow to fund improvements to the city-owned space that would become the park, with the developer covering any costs beyond the escrow amount.

Planning Commission Highlights April 1, 2025 Case 25.03.02-05: These items are requests for rezoning to accommodate a new community, Creekside, south of Lakeshore Drive near Samford University's campus. The development aims to create a livable, town square-style environment. All items were given positive approvals and now will be considered by the full council. Case RS 24.04.02: This is a request for approval of a Resurvey to re-plat a 1.6-acre subdivision at 1040 Green Springs Highway, comprising five undeveloped lots, which are impacted by topographic and environmental constraints, in order to reduce the width of three of the existing lots from 70 ft. to 55 ft. to facilitate the construction of new, single-family housing. This item received a unanimous positive vote by members and will now be considered by the full council. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4l3ZMpg Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.