Rezoning hearing for mixed-use development next to Cahaba Heights school postponed again -- until January

A rezoning hearing concerning a controversial mixed-use development next to Vestavia Hills Cahaba Heights Elementary School has been postponed once again – to Jan. 25 instead of Dec. 14, Mayor Butch Zaragoza announced tonight.

The developer, BREC Development, asked for the extension so as not to interfere with people’s Christmas holiday plans, Zaragoza said.

BREC Development is proposing to build a mixed-use development that includes apartments and retail space between Dolly Ridge Road and Oakview Lane.

The proposal drew intense opposition from residents and school officials alike, but it was approved by the Vestavia Hills Planning Commission in September. Complaints have included concerns about increased traffic flow, additional students at the elementary school and safety for children.

The developer at first proposed a four-story building that included 150 apartments and retail space. It required special “conditional use” approval because of the height of the building. However, BREC Development amended its proposal, reducing it to three stories with 81 apartments and more retail.

The Jan. 25 rezoning hearing is now set to take place at the new Vestavia Hills city hall at 1032 Montgomery Highway at 5 p.m.