Council approves new street light, four-way stop

The Homewood City Council approved two public safety projects at its Monday, Feb. 8 meeting.

The public safety committee had voted 5-0 to recommend installing a street light at or near 209 Clermont Drive because that is a dark area, said public safety committee chairperson Patrick McClusky. Walter Jones, chairperson from the finance committee, said the committee recommended appropriating funds for the street light.

The council also approved installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of 28th Avenue South, Montessori Way and Woodfern Court. McClusky said the public safety committee received a report from Homewood Police Chief Tim Ross and voted 5-0 to recommend approval.

A public hearing was held in regard to a sign ordinance variance at 1922 19th Ave. S., the future home of fast-casual restaurant Real & Rosemary. The request was for an additional blade sign that sticks out from the building.

Jennifer Mims, owner of Real & Rosemary, said they requested the variance so that the sign can be seen as people drive by the restaurant. There were no comments from the public.

“I personally think it looks fantastic,” said council member Barry Smith.

Mims said the restaurant will serve soups, salads and sandwiches and will be a family-friendly environment. She said they hope to open by the end of the month.

The council moved to approve the variance.

Also at the Feb. 8 meeting, the council:

• Approved the consent agenda, which included dropping discussion on the coyote problem, following a recommendation by the public safety committee, and dropping consideration of a change order for the West Homewood Project, per recommendation from the finance committee.
• Continued a public hearing for sign ordinance variances at 800, 804 and 808 Green Springs Highway. The hearing was previously continued from the Jan. 11 meeting and will be continued to the Feb. 22 meeting.
• Set a public hearing for a sign ordinance variance at 4100 Montgomery Highway,
• Approved to use West Homewood Phase I money to add fencing and seating at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Raleigh Avenue.
• Set a public hearing for consideration of a front yard fence variance to the fence ordinance for a property at 1732 Wellington Road.
• Approved a restaurant retail liquor application for Taco Mama Edgewood. Will Haver, president of Taco Mama, said they hope to have their liquor license in hand by Monday or Tuesday of next week.
• Accepted a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $34,220.89. The grant will be used to purchase capital equipment for the fire department. The council also approved an amendment to the grants fund budget reflecting the grant.
• Council member Fred Hawkins noted that proposals for Patriot Park lot were due by Feb. 15. He said he plans to carry those proposals over from the Feb. 22 committee meeting and not have discussion that night.

Committee meetings will be Feb. 22 with special issues at 5 p.m., public safety at 5:15 p.m. and finance at 5:30 p.m.