Council discusses Cahaba Heights development, Sicard Hollow pedestrian tunnel
During a January meeting, the council approved the rezoning of 4325 Dolly Ridge Road from residential to neighborhood-mixed used.
The property is directly adjacent to Cahaba Heights Elementary School and is currently owned by the city. The city and the developer requested a rezoning to create a denser more urban development. The new development will host a dermatology practice and possibly other small scale retail properties, said City Manager Jeff Downes. There will also be a newly constructed street that will connect to the elementary school.
"This development is consistent with the amended Cahaba Heights Community Plan," said Downes.
Also during the January meeting, the council passed a resolution authorizing the city to enter an agreement with Volkert, Inc. for consulting services for the Sicard Hollow pedestrian tunnel. Design services will not exceed $74,300.
In October, the city approved an agreement with ALDOT for the construction of a tunnel to connect pedestrian routes underneath Sicard Hollow Road. The maximum amount for the project is $378,966 and the city will be required to match 20% of the funds. The tunnel will be for both pedestrians and cyclists.
"It can be very dangerous for both walkers and cyclists, so we are looking to change that," said Mayor Butch Zaragoza.
Read about other improvements to Sicard Hollow Park here
In other news, the council:
- Announced the city has been awarded a grant from the Alabama Historical Commission to assist in improvements at Sybil Temple.
- Approved a resolution giving notice of a public hearing for the adoption of the 2015 international fire safety code. The fire chief will present the code at a meeting scheduled for Feb. 9.
- Approved a resolution accepting a request for proposal (RFP) for a 3 year athletic field maintenance agreement. An analysis was done by the Public Services Director, which determined that it was in the best public interest to outsource the city’s specialized athletic field maintenance.
- Approved a resolution declaring property as surplus and authorizing the disposal of the property.
- Approved a resolution changing signatures at Regions Bank on the city’s court bond account.
- Approved a resolution to form a health care authority for the city.