Sept. 27 Recap Post

 Thank you to everyone who came out last night!

The planning and zoning hearing to accept the amended plan from developers was a packed house last night! Thank you to everyone who showed support for the swamp, and thank you to the committee for hearing our comments. 

While the frustration was palpable, the committee did hear many comments from different stakeholders regarding this project. Overall, the planning and zoning committee voted to accept the amended plan, with one member- Councilwoman Kerri Pate, abstaining from the vote. This means that the amended plan will replace the current master plan going forward. 

The developers still have yet to receive feedback from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and could have to amend their plan again, and then the committee will have to vote to accept another amended plan yet again. 

Overall, the developers claimed to have reduced impervious surfaces on the amended plan. The committee heard comments that:

-This does not necessarily also imply better storm water management or consideration of groundwater recharge. 

-The lack of information as to the actual footprint of the amended plan is a concern. Taking out roads, but increasing lot sizes and including a parking lot and larger commercial lot does not mean an overall decrease of impervious surfaces was accomplished.

-The development as a whole is in direct violation of the both the Alabaster Forward and Shelby County's comprehensive plan for future land use and strategic planning. 

-There is distrust with the developer's ability to follow environmental regulations. 

-Regardless of the amendments made to this plan, the amended plan still undoubtedly will damage the swamp and upset the hydrology of the area which will worsen flooding and risk of sinkholes in the surrounding areas downstream.

We are including some of the comments in our other posts, also, stay tuned as there is a hearing to rezone 40 acres to build a strip plaza and warehouses across from Veteran's Park, directly north of the houses in the walker springs plan. This hearing will be October 24th at city hall.

 

 

 

 

 

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