City updates

City Hall is experiencing a great deal of activity right now with preparations for our 2014 fiscal year budget and as we move further into the process of closing on our future property at Food World and Joe’s Ranch House.

With regard to the fiscal year budget, that process is going very well, and we expect to remain on target for it to be presented for City Council approval by the first regularly scheduled Council meeting in September.

Before the month is out, we expect to close on the future site of our City Hall at the aforementioned Food World and Joe’s Ranch House property. We also have hired Williams Blackstock Architects to help us with our evaluation and plans for the space. If all goes as planned, we expect to take occupancy in August or September of 2015.

On a related note, we have movement regarding occupancy for the former library. We do have a contract at this time and are working to bring it to fruition. 

This process is just one of the more recent examples of economic development progress for the City of Vestavia Hills. Under the leadership of Econoic Development Director Fred Baughman, residents soon will be able to enjoy the addition of four new businesses to our community, including: The Egg & I, which is moving into the former Frio en La Paz at Vestavia City Center; Issis & Sons, moving into the building formerly occupied by Greenbriar Furniture; FoodBar, an upscale restaurant moving into the former Yankee Pizzeria in Heights Village; and T. Wayne’s BBQ Smokehouse, which will occupy the former Chris’ BBQ at Dolly Ridge Station. All businesses are expected to open in November. 

In terms of equipment upgrades, our fire department recently received two new fire trucks and a new transport unit. This new equipment replaces vehicles that have served the community for many years and are nearing the end of their service lives. Read  more details about how these vehicles will serve Vestavia Hills for years to come in the story to the right.

Sincerely,

Butch Zaragoza