Council approves new small-cell poles, hears update on projects
The Vestavia Hills City Council, in December meetings, heard an update on several projects and approved new poles to host small-cell technology.
The council voted at the Dec. 19 meeting to allow the installation of multiple poles to host small-cell nodes that power 5G cell phone networks, much to the chagrin of multiple residents.
New poles will be installed at the following locations: 1445 Linda Vista Lane, 2604 Kingswood Road, 2733 Southview Drive and 2857 Vestavia Forest Drive. After a homeowner near a proposed location at 1829 Forest Haven Lane said Alabama Power was removing their devices from their pole at that location, a representative from Crown Castle agreed to table that request as the company would prefer to use an existing pole. Alabama Power would move their power underground.
Several residents opposed the moves, arguing poles should not be placed in front yards. The Crown Castle representative said rear-yard power poles are main power structures and not suitable for the nodes, and those installing such devices are not legally allowed to place the nodes on the poles.
Vestavia Hills City Manager Jeff Downes updated the council about several projects at the Dec. 12 meeting.
The city recently held a series of meetings with residents to discuss stormwater issues on upper U.S. 31 and Shades Crest Road. Downes said they were well-attended and the input gathered at the meeting will now be used by the city’s design and engineering departments to present recommendations during the city’s strategic planning session early next year.
Downes also gave an update on a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Pump House Road and Sicard Hollow Road. The city currently has half of the project’s drawings and expects to receive a full set of drawings in early 2023. The existing estimate for the project is roughly $2 million. Jefferson County previously committed to paying $1 million. Downes said if everything goes well, the city may be able to go to bid for the project by the spring of 2023.