A community not forgotten

Cahaba Heights residents may be wondering what is next for them.

Over the last few months, city discussions have centered on Patchwork Farms and U.S. 31 development. However, six years after an official Cahaba Heights Community Plan was made, the city is taking concrete steps forward with improvements.

 “We keep hearing from residents, ‘you have forgotten about us,’” Councilman Steve Ammons said. “We want you to know that we are working on this every day.” 

Cahaba Heights was annexed into Vestavia Hills in 2002. In November 2008, Vestavia Hills introduced the Cahaba Heights Community Plan, a focused section of the city’s comprehensive plan. The 60-page document proposes improvements to the community’s entryways, transportation flow, commercial centers, community facilities and neighborhoods.

In the early stages of the plan, community workshops were held where more than 200 residents, business people and property owners discussed both the assets and concerns of Cahaba Heights. Assets included the unique village atmosphere, friendly people, and ample shopping and employment opportunities within the community. The group raised concerns that there were too few sidewalks, no park, no community library annex, and lack of clear gateways and community focus.

“To see this plan finally becoming a reality is wonderful,” said resident Deloye Burrell, who was head of the Cahaba Heights Steering Committee that developed the 2008 community plan. “Jeff Downes came in and dusted it off and got to work.”

Developments highlighted by the city are listed below.

Neighborhood park

A 2.5-acre neighborhood park/constructed wetland is planned near Meadowlawn Drive and Dolly Ridge. The park would have a small youth field for recreational activities. The current area is occupied by four residential homes and prone to heavy flooding. The city plans to demolish the homes and build the park, which is expected to significantly decrease the flooding. Downes said an estimated timeframe could have construction starting as early as this spring.

Study of sidewalks

Sidewalks were a crucial part of the 2008 plan. The city has approved a study of sidewalks, which will include additions in the Cahaba Heights area. The sidewalks will be funded by developers.

Winn Dixie remodel

The city recently approved an incentive agreement for the Winn-Dixie in Cahaba Heights. The transformation will include landscaping, interior design work and the addition of 40 new employees. 

“This is a great investment for the city and will serve as a catalyst for other projects throughout Cahaba Heights,” Downes said.

Zaxby’s

The council approved the rezoning of a portion of 3207 Bearden Court from a residential to a business district. Zaxby’s, a franchised chain of fast casual restaurants offering chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches and salads, is currently planned for the site.

“I think this restaurant matches well with the Cahaba Heights long range plan,” said Councilman Jim Sharp.

The mayor and city council encourage residents to come to them with both negative and positive feedback about potential plans.

“This community is a diamond in the rough,” said Ammons. “In a few years, this area is going to explode.”