Proposed Community Development Sparks Mixed Reactions in Hoover
HOOVER — A recent proposal by EBSCO Income Properties LLC for an 18-acre site in Tattersall Park has stirred conversations within the community. The plan includes a mix of residential options, a hotel, and commercial space, bringing both hopes for growth and concerns about overpopulation.
What’s in the Proposal?
According to the rezoning application submitted to the city on September 13, and amended on a subsequent date, EBSCO’s plan is to develop a “village center” at Tattersall Park. This village center would feature:
- 170 units of senior housing
- 137 units of affordable multifamily housing
- A 125-room hotel
- 45,000 square feet of commercial and retail space
The proposal is set to be considered by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission at their upcoming meeting on October 14. Currently, the land is zoned for commercial use, which already permits developments like hotels and retail spaces. However, the rezoning would allow for the proposed residential components.
Details of the Housing Plan
The amended application indicates that approximately 47% of the multifamily housing would consist of one-bedroom units, while 50% would be two-bedroom, and the remaining 3% would be three bedrooms or more. The residential buildings could rise up to five stories.
Community Concerns
While the proposal has the potential to enhance the area, it has also faced pushback from local residents. A petition on Change.org initiated by a resident named Ashley Lovell expresses opposition to the zoning change. Lovell argues that Hoover already has sufficient high-density housing and that the area would be better suited for a “community-based entertainment district”.
The petition states, “The development is incompatible with our community’s lifestyle and values,” emphasizing the belief that the current zoning regulations maintain a balance between residential tranquility and commercial functionality. Residents worry that additional housing could lead to problems related to overpopulation.
Developer’s Perspective
John Lyda, the Hoover City Council President, addresses the concerns voiced by residents. He notes, “There are hardly any proposals that come before us that don’t include some kind of residential aspect to it anymore.” He acknowledges that while there is a desire for local retail, residents may be hesitant about the multifamily options that often accompany such developments.
Lyda further points out that the existing zoning already accommodates the commercial aspects of the plan, indicating that the hotel and retail development does not require additional approval. He remarks, “I think what is concerning the residents nearby is how many multifamily units there already are around there.”
A Glimpse at the Neighborhood
The area surrounding Tattersall Park features several multifamily housing options, including the newly completed luxury apartments at The Whitby Birmingham, which added over 320 apartments across a nearby 14-acre site. It’s worth noting that much of the land surrounding this proposed development falls under the jurisdiction of the city of Birmingham.
Originally zoned for commercial use in 2016, Tattersall Park has developed into a locale for retail and dining, complete with a Publix as an anchor tenant. The current proposal aims to work alongside existing developments, though local developer Richard Yielding from RBY Retail declined to comment on the matter, and EBSCO has also not provided statements regarding the proposal.
Looking Ahead
As the October 14 meeting approaches, the Hoover community finds itself at a crossroads, weighing the potential benefits of growth and development against the cherished values of their neighborhood. The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for future developments in the area, making it an important point of discussion for locals.
