BhamRealEstate Blog

As our neighborhood coalition was gearing up for another round with the JeffCo Planning & Zoning Commission on June 11th, prepping the signs and flyers, getting ready to turn out another show of support, Gary Westbrook got what we’ve all been waiting for.  In answer to his request for clarification of the notice he received via e-mail, he received the following from a source in the County offices:

“That is correct…nothing will happen with this property on June 11.  As far as next steps…there really aren’t any, until there is another plan for development of that property on the table.  If the property becomes subject of either a rezoning or a subdivision case – there will be another public hearing on the case, and notices will be mailed (as well as a sign placed on the property).  [The County is] also required to place a notice in the Birmingham News.”

That’s right folks — we have been victorious . . . for now.  If we get notice of another re-zoning request, we’ll re-group for another fight, but until then, it has been a pleasure working with everyone to oppose the zoning change.  We’ve got some great, hard-working neighbors along the Rocky Ridge Road corridor and surrounding areas, who care about our community and those who are served by it.  It has certainly been a pleasure to take part in this effort and have it go so well.

Victory celebration, anyone?

Thanks to all who turned out for the meeting yesterday!  We had a room-full!  The Jefferson County P & Z Commission meeting room was standing-room-only before things got underway.  We don’t have an accurate count, but we estimate there were over 100 people present for the opposition.  Due to the turn-out they addressed the Cruzan Drive parcel re-zoning hearing first.  The proceedings took about a half-hour, with five speakers on behalf of denial of the re-zoning request.  Each side was given 15 minutes to present arguments, including rebuttals.

The developer was given a chance to present his case first, but was absent, being on vacation in Florida.  (The developer had asked the Commission for a continuance prior to the hearing, but was denied, since the notices had already been given to the surrounding residents, and signage placed at the property site announcing the hearing.)  His business partner attended in his place, but was apparently uninformed about any of the details.  He only asked the Commission to grant a continuance due to the developer’s absence.

The opposition presentation was led by Gary Westbrook who prefaced the other speakers’ remarks.  He was followed by Ray Harris who addressed the basics of the zoning ordinances and the current land-use plans already in place with the County, as well as the City of Vestavia Hills.  Next to speak was Mae Coshatt who provided information regarding the impact on traffic issues along Rocky Ridge Road, followed by this writer, presenting information about the detrimental effect on surrounding property values.  Finally, we heard from Dr. Elaine Britt whose property adjoins the southern border of the Cruzan Drive parcel beyond the creek.  She and her family had apparently made several attempts to purchase the property from the original owner, whose heirs are now trying to sell to the developer.  She told that the original owner, a widow, I believe, had been insistent that the property never be developed, but remain a bird sanctuary.

The developer was given an opportunity to rebut the presentation by concerned residents in oppostion to the re-zoning, however he declined, and again asked the Commission to grant a continuance.  The Commission president then mentioned that the mayor of Vestavia Hills had submitted a letter in opposition to the proposed development.  He then asked the Commission to vote on the continuance.  There being no further comment, the vote was taken and resulted in a tally of 5 members voting for, and 4 against granting the continuance.

Given that result, we are set to ramp up the opposition once again when the Commission meets to hear the developer’s plans.  We suspect this will take place on THURSDAY, JUNE 11th.  Please make plans to attend!  We are resolved to fight this as long as it takes, and we hope you will lend your support.

As a footnote, this writer was among the last to leave, but did not get out of the foyer before being caught by the WIAT CBS 42 news crew.  They presented a 20-second segment which aired at the 10:00 broadcast just prior to the weather, and I believe they presented our case in a favorable light.

View Flyer

Welcome to the source for information in the opposition to the re-zoning of the 20 or so acres of property surrounding Cruzan Drive. For those of you who are not aware, this parcel is an island of unincorporated Jefferson County surrounded by the city of Vestavia that fronts on Rocky Ridge Road. It has been for sale for a few months now, and the seller(s) apparently have an offer from a developer, contingent on the property being re-zoned from “E-2″ estate lots to “R-T” or townhomes. The developer’s current plan is to put 126 townhomes on the property. Such high density occupancy is incompatible with the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the County’s and City of Vestavia Hills’ land use plans. (Aerial Photo)

With the possibility of another 200 to 300 automobiles entering Rocky Ridge Road so close to several major intersections, it is evident the impact of additional traffic congestion alone will be intolerable for all who travel Rocky Ridge Road, especially at peak traffic times. If constructed, the heavy equipment access to the site will also create the potential for significant traffic hazards. Once constructed, there is nothing to stop investors from buying one or more individual units and turning them into rental income properties, i.e. apartments.

Already, we have support from our neighbors in seventeen different subdivisions along Rocky Ridge Road, with almost 750 names on petitions already submitted to the County Planning and Zoning Commission. If you feel as we do that this proposed development will be a detriment to our neighborhoods and our city, there is something you can do to help stop this before it gets started. Take some time to review the information and resources given here, then join us at the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, set for Thursday, May 14th, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 270 at the Jefferson County Courthouse downtown.

Yes, it is downtown, the middle of the day, and parking can be problematic, much less taking off from work or daily responsibilities to be there. However, if we can stop the rezoning now, it may be well worth the investment of your time. This issue is already on the agenda for the meeting. It is item number Z-09-017, the second issue of 15 issues to be considered. It should not take long for the Commission to deal with it.

Remember, you have the ability this week to affect your quality of life, your family’s safety and your property value for years to come! Please make plans to attend, and bring along any others who may have an interest. There is power in numbers! (Carpooling helps with parking!) It is our understanding that the presence of so many in opposition to the re-zoning will make a very positive statement to the Commission to keep the zoning as it is, within the parameters of existing land use plans already in place.

We will be updating this blog over the next few days to keep you informed. Stay tuned for updates!

Welcome to the BhamRealEstate.com Blog!

This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in the Birmingham and Central Alabama Area, as well as selected vacation home markets.  We’ll be adding on an intermittent basis, information to help you understand the ins and outs of property ownership.  We’ll be reporting on other items of interest to us as well, and we hope you’ll find this a worthwhile effort.  Please comment, whether good or not-so, and share your thoughts with us.   We’d love to hear from you!