Council discusses new paving, economic development options
A new paving system to reduce water runoff received favorable views from the special issues committee at its Sept. 21 meeting.
David Pitre and David Agee gave a presentation on permeable concrete pavers, which are designed to allow water to seep between the pavers and collect in underground reservoirs, rather than creating puddles or running off into streams. These pavers have a higher initial cost than concrete or asphalt paving, but Pitre said they cause less longterm damage to storm water drainage systems and erosion.
Pitre said the filtration system in permeable pavers reduces the pollutants and minerals in the water before it reaches a stream or pond.
The presentation was originally focused on allowing permeable pavers in residential driveways, as they are currently not an allowed material. However, committee members said the material could have uses on commercial properties, especially parking lots, and they discussed incentivizing use of the pavers.
Greg Cobb, the director of engineering, planning and zoning, supported a new city ordinance encouraging the use of permeable pavers. He said he will bring recommendations to the next committee meeting.
Following this, the finance committee heard from Scott Walls of Alabama Power about an economic development program. Walls said the program works with cities at no cost to identify gaps in retail offerings and find ways to bring more commercial development into the city.
Walls said both the city and power company will benefit from the extra revenue of new retailers, and Alabama Power has the connections with developers and retail companies to encourage this growth. They also have access to demographics and other data for analysis.
"Y’all have got something that people want," Walls said of Homewood.
Committee members discussed possible developments that they would like to see in Homewood, including a movie theater or a sporting goods store. Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said he would like to put emphasis on the Wildwood development for new retail, especially with the new interchange coming.
“It is the big ticket items out there. It is critically important,” he said.
Walls noted that the Lakeshore Drive exit of I-65 has a comparable traffic count to parts of U.S. 280, making it appealing to new commercial properties.
Wright, along with Ward 1 Representative Britt Thames and Ward 4 Representative Alex Wyatt formed a sub-committee to discuss what they want to gain out of a partnership with Alabama Power. They will meet again with Walls once they have these goals in place.
“If there’s something you want to go after, let’s go after. I’ll help you go after it,” Walls said.
Other committee business included:
- Sending the 2016 fiscal year budget to the full council for approval. The finance committee also sent an employee bonus structure that starts at $350 net bonus for employees of the city for 1-3 years, and increasing to $2,000 for those who have worked with the city 20 years or more.
- Setting a public hearing for Sept. 28 for a sign variance request. The H & R Block at 1934 28th Ave. S. is expanding into a neighboring suite, formerly a nail salon, and wants a sign that is 16 square feet larger than the allowed size.
- Tabling discussion of tree issues along 18th Street South until they receive a report from the Environmental Commission.
- Sending a request to the council to close Oak Grove Road on Oct. 23 from 4 to 10 p.m. for a party celebrating the completion of the Oak Grove paving project.
- Sending a request to the council to spend $1,000 on a Fan Guide sponsorship for the Birmingham Bowl. This would come out of the city's 2016 fiscal year advertising budget.
The council will meet Monday, Sept. 28.