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.

Beginning April 1—no, this isn’t an April Fools' joke—Homewood’s 911 call center will officially switch over to Shelby County 911. But don’t worry, calling 911 will still work the same way! If you have an emergency and need police, fire, or an ambulance, dial 911 , and help will come just like it always has. The only difference is that calls will now be handled by Shelby County’s system, which will help first responders get to people even faster. The City of Homewood will still have its non-emergency number, 205-332-6200 . Plus, the fire department will now share a dispatch center with nearby cities, which means they can work together better when there’s a big fire. The new system can handle lots of calls at once, so during big storms or major events, more people can get help quickly. So yes, this change starts on April Fools’ Day, but it’s no prank—just a better way to keep Homewood safe!

Council Meeting Highlights, March 31, 2025 Item 06.02.25: Council approved a request for consideration of an unsolicited proposal regarding the old Police Headquarters. Developer Mike Mouron presented the idea of turning the site into a steakhouse, surrounded by a walkable, family-friendly park. This approval now means plans will move forward on this development. There will be rezoning development plans that will still have to come before the city to be approved. Te property has been vacant for a long time, and that not only is this developer offering to do this with no incentives, he will also foot the bill to build the park that will remain city property. Item 04.03.25: The council approved allowing the mayor to sign a contract with EDT, Inc. for design services to plan a new crosswalk and parking layout at the main downtown intersection. The city will also replace the blinking lights with stop signs. Item 06.03.25: Council approved an Ordinance to prevent parking at the Saulter pocket park for non-park visitors. There will now be a time limit you can be parked there and it will be enforceable for police. 19.03.25 Council approved a request to hire an Executive Assistant Position (Administrative Analyst) to assist Glen Adams, the new city manager. This will be funded through the general fund Agenda: https://bit.ly/4lbE9n5 Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Heads up! As part of the stormwater project currently in-progress, Kenilworth Drive at Ridge Road will be closed for about two weeks, tentatively starting around March 31 . During this time, if you're heading up the hill on Kenilworth, you'll have to turn left onto Ridge Road. Only the folks in the first two houses on Crest Drive can access Kenilworth, and anyone coming from Ridge Road must turn right onto Kenilworth. Be sure to plan your route accordingly!

Finance Highlights 03/17/25 Item 06.02.25: Committee approved a request for consideration of an unsolicited proposal regarding the old Police Headquarters. Developer Mike Mouron has floated the idea of turning the site into a steakhouse, surrounded by a walkable, family-friendly park. There was a lot of discussion about whether or not other entities should be allowed to offer a design or solution for this piece of land. Mayor Wyatt explained how the property has been vacant for a long time, and that not only is this developer offering to do this with no incentives, he will also foot the bill to build the park that will remain city property. The council will now discuss this at the next council meeting March 31, 2025 at 6:00pm. Item 04.03.25: The committee approved allowing the mayor to sign a contract with EDT, Inc. for design services to plan a new crosswalk and parking layout at the main downtown intersection. The city will also replace the blinking lights with stop signs. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4kyKxVc 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.

Traffic Alert! Starting Tuesday, March 18, Lakeshore Blvd, in front of Brookwood Mall, will have daily lane closures from 9am to 3pm for about a week . Crews will be upgrading light signal loop detectors. Plan your commute accordingly.

Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) Meeting Highlights: March 12, 2025 Items 250301 & 250302: BZA members approved two sign variances for a new development in West Homewood. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3XQodMT Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Council Meeting Highlights, March 10, 2025 Item 20.02.25: Council approved a request to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Trane through the end of fiscal year 2025 to cover maintenance. It does not require additional budget funding. Since replacing the old chiller—original to the building—City Hall has reduced annual electricity use by over 14%. The previous system was outdated and inefficient, struggling to keep up with demand. The new chiller, installed by crane, has significantly improved performance and energy efficiency. Since May 2024, the City has saved over $40,000 in energy costs. Despite a 6% increase in electricity rates, annual electricity costs have dropped by more than 8%. The updated control systems provide better management of heating and cooling, allowing for more precise adjustments by zone and time of day. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3FheybT Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.