City discusses U.S. 31 development, new restaurant on Rocky Ridge Road

October 13, 2014 7:57 PM

Projects along U.S. 31 in Vestavia Hills are moving forward. During Monday's meeting, the city council approved several resolutions concerning developments and improvements along the corridor.

Traffic signal improvements

The council previously approved a resolution authorizing a special economic development agreement for a planned retail shopping center at 1099 Montgomery Highway, the site of the former Ruby Tuesday and Pizza Hut.

During tonight's meeting and in correlation with this retail development, the council approved an agreement with ALDOT for traffic signal equipment upgrades at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Old Montgomery Highway/Vestavia Hills Plaza. City Manager Jeff Downes said the project has a late October closing date.

Chick-fil-A

In March, the City Council authorized an agreement for the sale of the current City Hall property at 513 Montgomery Highway to Chick-fil-A. During a period of due diligence, necessary site improvements in order to construct the building were found approximately $500,000 in excess of original budgets. In addition, ALDOT has mandated certain traffic improvements around the site to cost approximately $100,000.00. The purchaser is now asking the price be reduced from $1,500,000 to $1,377,695.

"Upon investigation, there were issues found regarding retaining walls, etc." said Downes. "There will also need to be extended turn lanes and entry points. They will be moving into the permit phase over the next few months."

America's First Federal Credit Union

Previously, the city entered into a due diligence period with America's First Federal Credit Union at 1112 Montgomery Highway, the site of the former library. The main challenges that have been identified during the due diligence inspection period have to do with the site topography and presence of unsuitable soils and subterranean rock.

America’s First Federal Credit Union estimated that the necessary site improvements in order to construct the building on the former library property amounts to approximately $335,116. In addition, ALDOT has mandated certain improvements which estimates an additional amount of approximately $175,714. Therefore, the the bank is asking to reduce the $950,000 selling price to $850,000.

"We've agreed that they will close their diligence period and move to immediate closure within the next 30 days," said Downes.

In other news, the council approved an alcohol license for Jacquelins Inc. allowing for the on- premise sale of retail liquor at Cajun Seafood House at 2531 Rocky Ridge Road. The restaurant, owned by Maria Esperanza Adan, is slated to open the second week of November.

The council also:

Approved a resolution vacating a portion of Mayland Lane near where the new city hall is being constructed.
Approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with ALDOT for the Sicard Hollow Road pedestrian tunnel.
Approved a resolution accepting a bid for gateway improvements at Interstate 65 and U.S. 31.
Approved a resolution for agreement with Alabama Power for electrical improvements on parking lot adjacent to the Library In The Forest.
Approved a resolution authorizing ALTA surveys for the new medical parcel and the new independent living parcel at Patchwork Farms.

The next city council meeting will be held on Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.