The proposal for senior housing in Birmingham has been rejected against the background of traffic concerns – Alabama’s News Leader

Birmingham, Ala. The development planned for land owned by the First Baptist Church in Birmingham near Lakeshore Parkway had to include 112 units of senior homes, including assisted living houses.

John Chapman of the Farris Properties said: “We are glad to be in front of you tonight to present what we believe is a very necessary and great opportunity for the city and many of our seniors here in the community.”

However, the proposal was met with resistance from homeowners whose properties border on the proposed site. They expressed their concerns at a town hall meeting on Tuesday night. Jason Hopper, a resident of Homevood, said: “When I see this application, when I see the material that is shared with us, it creates this friction in the document, it is whether it is a good idea or not as good as the reviews of our neighbors. “

See also: Alabama Governor Kay Ivy emphasizes education and economic profits at the state address

See also: Father, the other two are found guilty of the death of man overdose in Walker County

Residents have presented eight reasons to reject the proposal, with traffic being a major problem. Stewart Roberts, chairman of the Homevood Planning Commission, acknowledged the issue, especially because of the proximity of the site to Homewood High School. “Between 7:30 and 8 they are driving more quickly at 8 than they were at 7:30, and then the afternoon school drops from 3 to 3:30. I know then people leave. I can understand that it is A problem, “Roberts said.

Despite a traffic study cited by developers claiming minimum impact during peak hours, the Council votes 5-2 against the redirect of the property and the approval of the final plan for development. Hopper noted: “I think every business has the opportunity to present a case and we have been able to do a counter work and let the members of the Council make a decision, which is the best for the community, and we saw that tonight.”

The requests will now move on to the City Council with the recommendation of the planning committee. The Council will have a second public hearing on a later date when resonance and final development are considered.