Recap of city-wide upgrades and improvements

Dear neighbors,

Vestavia Hills is experiencing an exciting chapter in its growth. As such, it is fitting that at this time we also welcome a comprehensive, hyper-local publication to our community, the Vestavia Voice.

While my office uses all communication avenues available to us to share City Hall news, I also recognize that these are busy times. Please look to this column for a monthly recap of major news of interest from your city administration. Current highlights include:

– Upgrades and retrofits to various athletic facilities. The City has entered into an agreement with Trane to replace athletic field lights at Vestavia Hills Elementary School-East and Central, Wald Park, Liberty Park and Cahaba Heights, as well as the tennis court lighting at Wald Park and the High School.

This is a performance-based contract worth approximately $4.1 million that will be paid with the savings from the newest technology in high-efficiency lighting. We received low-interest financing through the State of Alabama with a Qualified Energy Conservation Bond. The lighting systems will be similar to the new one at Sicard Hollow Athletic Fields. All projects are expected to be completed by calendar end 2013.

– Roadway improvements. The City has received federal funding to assist with Massey Road roadway improvements from U.S. 31 near Mark’s Outdoor Sports to Columbiana Road, which will include shoulder widening, stabilization, and the addition of sidewalk and bicycle access. To initiate this project, the City has entered into an agreement with ALDOT to fund $133,120 to provide preliminary engineering services for its design. We anticipate this being a three- to four-year project from design to the end of construction. The City has been awarded a $3.7 million grant from the State for repaving Rocky Ridge Road and portions of Columbiana, Tyler and Overton Roads.

– Additional public green space. The Parks and Recreation Foundation is currently in a capital campaign partnership with the City to expand and develop parks throughout the City. In addition to expanding and creating a park next to the Sicard Hollow Athletic Fields, McCallum Park and Greenway is a focus for this partnership.

We received two grants for $50,000 each toward a bridge across Little Shades Creek and trail expansion throughout the property along the creek. We are currently in the design phase of both the bridge and the trail and are working with Greg Hansen, who helped design the original construction of McCallum Park. These improvements should take place during the next 12 months.

Thank you for being an engaged, invested community. It is a pleasure to serve as your mayor.

Sincerely,

Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza