Council approves annexation of Freshwater Land Trust property

During tonight's meeting, the city council approved the annexation of 74 acres adjacent to the Cahaba River. The property is owned by the Freshwater Land Trust. The area, indicated in green in the above map, is planned to remain a natural area.

The Fresh­wa­ter Land Trust is a non­profit orga­ni­za­tion whose mis­sion is the acqui­si­tion and stew­ard­ship of lands that enhance water qual­ity and pre­serve open space.The organzation is based in Birm­ing­ham and works to pre­serve the places in Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jef­fer­son, Shelby, St. Clair, Walker and Tuscaloosa coun­ties.

In other news, City Manager Jeff Downes said plans for the park on a portion of the Altadena Valley Country Club property are moving forward and that the city is carefully examining issues such as flooding and traffic concerns. In the coming months, there will be public hearings concerning the property.

"We are making sure we plan the highest and best use for the area," Downes said.

Also, the city council:

• Approved an employment contract for City Manager Jeff Downes.
• Approved an ordinance granting a one year extension for conditional use approval for construction of a 120’ stealth monopole at 2062 Columbiana Road.
• Approved an ordinance granting conditional use approval for a home occupation at 7024 Lake Run Drive; David And Sandra Redden, owners.
• Approved an ordinance granting conditional use approval for a home occupation at 917 Vestlake Hollow Circle; Regan Goldberg, owner.
• Approved an alcohol license for the first Annual Crawfish Boil Event; Jacquelins, Inc., for a 140 – Special Events Retail License In The Parking Lot Of 2531 Rocky Ridge Road (The Shops At Oak Park); Maria Adan, executive.
• Declared personal property as surplus and directed the disposal of said property.