Proposed Development in Hoover Sparks Resident Concerns
Hoover, AL – A new development proposal by EBSCO is drawing attention in the Hoover community. The company aims to rezone an approximately 18-acre parcel of land located along Alabama Highway 119, near the intersection with U.S. Highway 280, from its current commercial use to include a residential component. This plan, if approved, would introduce high-density housing to the already developing Tattersall Park area.
The Hoover City Council President, John Lyda, shared that the proposal, which is set to be considered during the upcoming meeting of the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on October 14, seeks to allow for mixed-use development on the site. This change is necessary as the current zoning permits retail and hotel development without any further approval.
“EBSCO is currently working on revisions to their plan, which might be presented for discussion at the meeting,” Lyda noted. As a part of this mixed-use development proposal, EBSCO is looking to integrate a residential component, something that has sparked concern among local residents.
Community Response
Opposition is mounting against the proposal, with nearby residents initiating a petition on Change.org expressing their desire for a “community-based entertainment district” instead of more high-density housing. Many believe the area already accommodates enough multi-family units, particularly with the recent completion of the Whitby luxury apartments, which includes over 320 units, located just across the street in Birmingham.
“I think what is concerning the residents is how many multifamily units are already concentrated in this region,” explained Lyda. This sentiment reflects worries that the continued push for high-density housing may disrupt community life while overwhelming existing infrastructure.
Existing Zoning and Development History
The land in question was previously intended for commercial development, having been rezoned in 2016 for similar purposes by the Hoover Zoning Board. The established Tattersall Park nearby comprises an array of retail shops, restaurants, and even a Publix grocery store over an adjacent 78-acre property.
Opponents of the project argue that adding more residential units could misalign with the city’s overall community vision. The petition, started by Ashley Lovell, claims, “The development is incompatible with our community’s lifestyle and values. Current zoning regulations ensure balance between residential peace and functional community structures. The requested changes do not uphold that balance and could lead to overpopulation and other related issues.”
The Real Estate Trend
Despite resident concerns, the trend of mixed-use developments continues to gain traction across industries, a point Lyda acknowledged. “There are hardly any proposals that come before us that don’t include some kind of residential aspect to it,” he said. This suggests a growing demand for living spaces in areas that offer convenient access to shopping and services.
However, Lyda pointed out the paradox that frequently arises in such proposals: “Everybody always wants the mom-and-pop retail, but they don’t want the mom-and-pop that come with it.”
Next Steps
As the community prepares for the upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, questions remain about how this proposal will reshape the landscape of Hoover. EBSCO, the development company, has not provided comments regarding the ongoing debates or the revised plans.
This development is sure to be a topic of interest well beyond October 14, as the residents of Hoover weigh the need for new community amenities against their vision for the future of their neighborhoods.
