Walking through the Hills

On a sunny April morning, Cynthia McGough outfitted herself with a daypack and a bottle of water as she set out to walk the entire Vestavia Hills sidewalk system.

“Councilman George Pierce had mentioned that nobody had walked the entire system,” said McGough, a Vestavia Hills resident of 31 years. “So, I said, ‘Why not? I’ll do it.’”

She parked her car at Western Supermarket on Morgan Drive and started up the hill toward Vestavia Hills High School. Six hours and 14 miles later, she returned triumphant with sore feet and a sense of pride. Her journey took her around the city, including all the way to where Rocky Ridge Road meets Shades Crest Road and back toward Canyon Road. McGough said she posted her plans on Facebook that morning and during her journey, she heard three cars honk in support.

An avid walker and jogger, McGough’s sidewalk adventure allowed her to see the city’s progress over the years. She has embraced their addition to the city.

“The addition of sidewalks really enhanced the quality of life in this community,” McGough said, noting that she enjoys seeing shoppers carry groceries from the Western Supermarket.

However, despite the city’s progress in making Vestavia Hills more pedestrian friendly, residents continue to voice their desire to see more sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses.

Structural and financial problems

Sidewalks were a key part of the 2004 Vestavia Hills Comprehensive Master Plan, which identified areas for sidewalk construction and greenway development. 

City Manager Jeff Downes explained that the main problem of constructing sidewalks in certain areas results from an original lack of planning when subdivisions were formed many years ago.

“When trying to retrofit sidewalks, you are dealing with private property, steep slopes, storm water, etc. There are a lot of infrastructure issues,” Downes said. “Building sidewalks in existing subdivisions is challenging on funds and topography.”

Funds for sidewalks come from the federal government, which can lead to strict regulations and, sometimes, longer time frames. Downes referenced four sidewalk projects on Canyon Road, Post Oak Road, Merryvale Road and Willoughby Road that had to be halted because of certain ALDOT regulations.

While these funding issues could be avoided by using general city funds, Downes pointed out that this use could take money away from other important projects.

“If we use general funds, it would affect the city’s ability to do other services,” Downes said. “We have to follow a logical process to grow revenue. We need to grow our sales tax base so we can have extra dollars and invest in quality- of-life issues.”

Moving forward

 Downes mentioned two projects that should be completed within the next three years that are in alliance with the Comprehensive Master Plan.

In February, the city authorized a design service agreement with Neel-Schaffer engineering for road improvements on Massey Road.

“Improvements will include the addition of sidewalks and addressing problem areas on Massey Road between U.S. 31 and Columbiana Road,” Downes said.

Bicycle paths are also planned for the area, which covers a distance of approximately 0.7 miles. The multiphase ALDOT project is federally funded and will cost the city a total of $27,557.60. The design analysis is estimated to take nine months, and construction could begin in less than two years.

Sicard Hollow Road is another area that could soon be seeing pedestrian-friendly changes. In April, the City Council approved a resolution authorizing Downes to apply for a grant as part of an ALDOT Transportation Alternatives Program. The project would involve construction of a tunnel to connect pedestrian routes underneath Sicard Hollow Road.

Downes said the maximum amount for the project would be $400,000, and the city would be required to match 20 percent of the funds. He added that this money could be acquired through private fundraising. The tunnel would be for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“It can be very dangerous for both walkers and cyclists, so we are looking to change that aspect,” said Mayor Butch Zaragoza.

The Parks and Recreation Foundation, along with the city and the Parks and Recreation Board, recently introduced a three-part plan titled the Partners in Healthy Living campaign. Over the next two years, development will occur at Sicard Hollow athletic fields and McCallum Park. Sicard Hollow Community Park will be constructed beside the current athletic complex, which will have 1.5 miles of crushed stone fitness trails and offer residents various workout stations.

Having patience

McGough mentioned several areas where she thinks sidewalks would make a good addition.

 “I think the people on the west side of U.S. 31 would enjoy sidewalks as well as those living on Rocky Ridge and Cahaba Heights,” McGough said.

Business owners in Cahaba Heights are concerned about the lack of pedestrian accessibility surrounding the village.

“Accessibility means return customers,” Cahaba Heights business owner Jennifer Cummings said. “I would like to see sidewalks down Cahaba Heights Road, but don’t know if that’s a possibility.”

Downes noted that the need for more sidewalks is a fundamental part of the development process for Cahaba Heights. The Cahaba Heights Community Plan specifically calls for sidewalks at the intersection of Dolly Ridge Road and Cahaba Heights Road, a central gateway to the community.

“The plan does address this desire for pedestrian-friendly streets,” Downes said. “There are certain segments that have great opportunity.”

Ultimately, Downes hopes residents will realistically think about funding and topography for sidewalks and recognize that the city has their best interests in mind.

“We do have a plan in place,” Downes said. “Our message to citizens is to just be patient.”

To view the sidewalk master plan, residents can stop by City Hall. To view the 2004 Final Comprehensive Plan, visit vhal.org.