Development projects discussed at Chamber luncheon
At the February Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce luncheon, City Manager Jeff Downes and Mayor Butch Zaragoza discussed development projects currently underway.
Downes elaborated on the difficulty of bringing retailers into the city, a challenge he is happy to accept as city manager.
"The strength of this community is enticing. We've just got to get retailers to the table," Downes said. "I can definitely say I love Vestavia Hills and have been truly welcomed by this community."
Downes led a presentation on tools needed for economic development, which are based on his experience as city planner in Montgomery. Downes said that a quality city thrives in an environment that is unique and pedestrian oriented, has long term value and focuses on natural resources.
"I've spent a lot of time looking at the U.S. 31 study, but there is so much more to Vestavia Hills than just that," Downes said, citing areas such as Rocky Ridge, Liberty Park and Cahaba Heights.
Following Downes' presentation, Zaragoza announced three development projects currently underway in Vestavia Hills.
Design of a Southern gateway
Zaragoza noted the city's current gateways such as the Sibyl Temple help make a great first impression for visitors. However, he noted that the intersection of Interstate 65 and U.S. 31 needs improvement. The city has hired engineering firm Goodwyn Mills & Cawood to redesign the the space with landscaping expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Patchwork Farms development agreement
Zaragoza announced that the City has entered into a master development agreement with Daniel Cooperation for Patchwork Farms development. Patchwork Farms is located between Cahaba River and Caldwell Mill Roads off U.S. 280. In December, Vestavia Hills held a three-day planning charrette, a type of collaborative session to design a solution, for the 87-acre site purchased by the City in 2007 for $11 million.
"This is the starting point of an economic base in Vestavia Hills," Zaragoza said. "We are looking at a two year turnaround time."
New City Hall
Zaragoza showed renderings of the new city hall, which is located on the former Food World and Joe's Ranch House site on U.S. 31. The multi-story facility will be approximately 50,000 to 60,000 square feet and rest on 3.6 acres of land at the back end of the Plaza. It will primarily include a Council Chamber that seats 120 people, a courtroom also seating 120 and departmental offices for the city, police and fire administrations, as well as the clerk, finance, public services, building safety and IT offices.
Zaragoza emphasized there will be ample green space in front of the facility and an amphitheater will allow for concerts and other events. A boulevard lined with trees will lead up to the buildings allowing for maximum visibility.
"Our goal is to break ground in March, begin construction in May and be in it by August 2015," Zaragoza said of the new facility.
The next Chamber luncheon will be held on Mar. 11 with guest speaker David Proctor, federal judge for the Northern Alabama district. For luncheon tickets, visit vestaviahills.org