Bill passes legislature, could annex land into city jurisdiction

The Alabama State House passed a bill Tuesday to annex pockets of Jefferson County lands to the City of Homewood. If Gov. Robert Bentley signs the bill into law, Homewood will be able to bring six pockets of land under its jurisdiction.

Rep. David Faulkner worked with Rep. John Rogers to help move the bill through the House and said the bill will help the city of Homewood. 

“Anytime that you have property completely surrounded by one city, it is probably better to go ahead and take that property, get that property within your city because you have issues come up, such as the sign, that do not comply with city ordinances,” Faulkner said.

In addition to the state of these areas of land, Faulkner said the unanimous request submitted by the Homewood City Council is another reason he wanted to help the bill pass.

Fred Hawkins, Ward 2 Representative on the City Council, said this is the second time a bill to annex pockets of land has gone through the legislature. The first time it failed, but conversation surrounding an electronic billboard helped restart the conversation.

Having islands of land with different rules can be confusing for residents, Faulkner said, especially if they see projects that go against city regulations.

“Your citizens live all around these properties and expect these properties are a part of Homewood, and yet when it turns out they are complying with a different set of regulations, it causes a problem,” he said.

The bill faced limited time in the legislature’s special session, moving through the House in a matter of days. Amid other topics and bills discussed in the special session, Faulkner said the bill was a positive experience.

“This bill has been one of the bright spots of the special session, so I’m glad we’ve been able to take care of this for the citizens of Homewood,” he said.