Council discusses development for Cahaba Heights
As discussions center on areas such as Patchwork Farms and U.S. 31 development, Cahaba Heights residents may be wondering what is in store for them.
Tonight, the city assured residents they don't need to wonder anymore.
During a community meeting held on Monday, Sept. 15, in the New Merkle Community Center, City Manager Jeffrey Downes and fellow city employees addressed a near full house and discussed several developments and opportunities happening in Cahaba Heights.
"We keep hearing residents tell us 'you have forgotten about us,'" Councilman Steve Ammons said. "We want you to know that we are working on things for this community every day."
Cahaba Heights was annexed into Vestavia Hills in 2002 and 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. Concerns included few sidewalks, no park, no community library annex and lack of clear gateways/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."
Downes told guests that he wanted to make Cahaba Heights a "pedestrian-orientated" area that has quality of place. Below are some of the opportunities mentioned in the meeting.
- Downes discussed the construction of a 2.5 acre neighborhood park near Meadowlawn Drive and Dolly Ridge, which would have a small youth field for recreational activities. He said an estimated timeframe could have construction starting as early as this spring.
- Downes said that city has approved a study of sidewalks as well as a paving program for the city of Vestavia Hills which will include areas in Cahaba Heights.
- 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.
The mayor and city council members thanked residents for showing up to the meeting and encouraged them to come to them with both negative and positive feedback.
"This community is a diamond in the rough," said Ammons. "In a few years, this area is going to explode."
To view the Cahaba Heights Community Plan, click here