Erica Techo
Jeff Downes discusses a potential development in Cahaba Heights at a community meeting on July 6.
Development has recently been a popular discussion in the Cahaba Heights area.
Around 100 members of the community gathered in July to discuss a potential development near the elementary school.
Developer Steven Hydinger, a managing member of the property’s management company, BREC Development, presented plans for a 150-unit apartment complex between Dolly Ridge Road and Oakview Lane and stated how it would benefit the community. Community members expressed concerns about the complex such as crime and sexual predators and stated that the plan would not fit into a mixed-use walkable community.
In the same week, during a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Hydinger withdrew his application for the proposed complex with plans to go back to the drawing board.
Abby Brady, who has lived in Cahaba Heights for 12 years, believes walkability is a key component of the community.
“I think there is a misconception that this community does not want change,” said Abby Brady. “We do want growth and to evolve into the beautiful, walkable village that has been envisioned for years. This is simply not the right development for this space.”
Resident Julie Crigler hopes that community members will continue to stay involved as future developments are proposed in the area.
“We are passionate about finding something that fits into the nature of our city,” Crigler said.
In other development news, a portion of a road as well as the reconstruction of parking places near the elementary school in Cahaba Heights is planned to be complete by the start of school this month. City Engineer Christopher Brady said Phase 1A of the Cahaba Heights road project includes about 300 feet of roadway and 10 on-street shared parking spots near the elementary school.
“These are shared for school use, baseball field use and the new office building being constructed at the corner,” said Brady.
Also included in the project are a new access drive from the elementary school parking lot and reconstruction of about 39 parking spaces in the school’s lot in front of the school. Brady said this is a net gain of 14 spaces on school property. Preliminary work began in early July, and it is anticipated this portion of the project will be complete on or around Aug. 7.
Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights Principal Kay Cooper stated she did not expect the work to interfere with school activities since it is anticipated to be complete before the school year begins.
Last August, the City Council approved the agreement with Sain Associates for the new roadway. The scope of the entire Cahaba Heights road project includes grading and storm drainage installation, underground utilities and construction of up to 850 feet of asphalt roadway with curb and gutters and paint striping.
“There will be tangible benefits to this project such as property and sales tax,” said City Manager Jeff Downes.
Downes said the project is part of a supplement to the Cahaba Heights Village Plan. The plan calls for the addition of on-street parking with adjacent sidewalks as well as creating safer ways to walk and bike to and from the elementary school.
In January, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to adopt and approve the Cahaba Heights Village Plan to supplement the Cahaba Heights Community Plan in the planning and development of the Dolly Ridge Road/Cahaba Heights Road/Oakview Lane areas of Cahaba Heights.
“There is no timeline identified yet for the later phases. The Phase 1B portion is needed to allow more parking and better access to the baseball field area and the rear delivery area to the school,” said Brady.
To view the updated Cahaba Heights Village plan, visit vhal.org.
