Sydney Cromwell
Rocky Ridge Shopping Center
The Rocky Ridge district will be one of the first areas to receive the new signs as part of the city’s rebranding project.
Entertainment districts could soon liven up areas of Vestavia Hills.
In May, the State House of Representatives passed HB 446, which allows the cities of Vestavia Hills and Hoover to establish up to three entertainment districts. Consumption of alcoholic beverages outside of licensed restaurants would be allowed within the designated districts.
Alabama state representative Jack Williams sponsored the bill. Entertainment districts have the potential to bring economic benefits to cities.
“People approached me asking for this legislation for the purpose of designating a place for large festivals and gatherings,” Williams said.
While he did not designate any specific areas in either city for these districts, Vestavia Hills Mayor Butch Zaragoza said the city is currently looking to establish its first entertainment district in the Rocky Ridge Shopping Center area.
“We are currently laying out borders and looking at boundaries,” Zaragoza said. “We hope to move forward with establishing an ordinance. The sooner, the better.”
Once an ordinance is established, Zaragoza said the city will look into planning special events in the Rocky Ridge area. While Rocky Ridge is the only area that the city is currently looking into, he says future entertainment districts could be located in Cahaba Heights or along U.S. 31 near city hall.
“There are certain requirements that have to be met and we don’t have those just yet,” Zaragoza said.
