School superintendent opposes Cahaba Heights mixed-use development

Vestavia Hills City Schools Superintendent Sheila Phillips has issued a statement in opposition to the controversial Cahaba Heights mixed-use development next to the elementary school in Cahaba Heights.

Phillips noted that she has shared her views on the development but understands there is a legal process the City Council must follow.

“To be clear, I have urged the City Council not to approve this measure due to potential negative impacts related to property supervision, students who walk to and from school, impact on carpool lines, safety and security and future campus design,” Phillips said.

The Board of Education doesn’t own the property, Phillips said, and therefore doesn’t have the authority to approve or stop the development.

“Vestavia Hills has passionate, educated and intelligent citizens who should work together to balance economic development and budgetary growth with our long-held emphasis on schools and sense of community,” Phillips said.

Residents of Cahaba Heights have voiced their opposition to the development since it was first proposed. When the planning commission recommended the mixed-use development proposal in September, residents packed city hall and even stood by in the parking lot.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the development on Monday, Oct. 26, and an even larger crowd is expected to attend that vote. The City Council meeting starts at 5 p.m. at the new city hall.