[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6086264,"mediaKeyId","2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e","parentId",2898169,"title","Developer previews 200,000‑sq‑ft Valleydale retail center; traffic and landscaping changes highlighted","audioSeconds",173,"startMs",1337000,"endMs",1510000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e&start=1337&end=1510","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e/thumbnail_1337000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6086264/Hoover-City/Shelby-County/Alabama/Developer-previews-200000sqft-Valleydale-retail-center-traffic-and-landscaping-changes-highlighted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086264-a70c7a74f9c78c42cf930223db486276/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169706&Signature=ojcS0XMmdBrqMLUIRtq-my~4KCNMc-B7z5b09qqiikKMt9An0D~bLIKZcb~4t6XZP5ghpxXe7DzhKdDSkF9wTLilkRKSFds92m9sg7ift4U~RUtLaSnEwhfsb3DHhnUqEVkGncpIwxF281QppuMt7RSOkLpUydGA56~Bk6IOQuGjOUKAVGg0hn~LlErAqbT9ayTl94pOhaaZo1lViUc4f1J-HWp7lBpBll2IJ3SgxfZ6xOfz6a-YUowS8j5FCuoGuUyVMaJhZ4LjMMZwC8uHINaeD-ilHt3i-jntyDYeb~p8pyNPmRfDut3UMltPH8hR4IDS8Wj~-heGKoDlvdgamg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hoover City, AL","date","2025-04-08T01:46:52Z","article","Keith Owens, managing partner for Alumni Properties, gave a progress update April 7 to the Hoover City Council on a proposed 200,000‑square‑foot mixed‑use retail center at the corner of Valleydale Road and Inverness Center Drive.

The developer said the project has evolved after three years of staff and neighborhood meetings. Owens said the latest site plan removes a proposed fuel facility and liquor store, adds new connections to the adjacent Inverness Plaza, tightens access radiuses to deter truck turns onto Inverness Center Drive, and increases landscaping and screening along rear property lines that back up to nearby neighborhoods.

The revisions were presented as responses to neighborhood concerns about truck traffic and visibility. Owens said truck deliveries for the large anchors will be routed through an improved service drive at Inverness Plaza or via the main entrance, rather than exiting directly onto Inverness Center Drive. He described a raised concrete island and signage to prohibit left‑out movements at one parcel exit and said turn radii were reduced to prevent trucks from using the interior center drive.

Why it matters: the site sits across from Kohl’s and the former Bruno’s/Winn‑Dixie properties and would add roughly 20–25 new businesses to the city, according to Owens. Residents and council members have pressed the project team to limit heavy truck traffic near existing neighborhoods and to improve buffering where the development adjoins single‑family lots.

Details offered by the developer included building elevations with significant brick facing, a village‑style row of smaller shops, and a prime anchor space. Potential tenant categories mentioned were a membership grocery concept, apparel, a bookstore‑café and sit‑down restaurant space, although no tenants were formally announced. Owens said the project team has aimed to match red brick color and architectural cues used elsewhere in the Inverness area.

Approvals and outstanding items: Owens told the council the city has granted site‑plan approval after roughly four submissions and that Shelby County staff approved proposed Valleydale Road improvements and the traffic study. He said ALDOT has issued a permit for median work at U.S. 280 and Valleydale, the Inverness Design Control Committee reviewed and approved the plan, and an ADEM erosion control permit for construction is in hand. He also said the developer has a building permit for the prime anchor and has closed on purchase of the property.

Owens noted two bonds the developer must post before pulling final permits: an erosion‑control bond of $100,000 to protect Lake Heather during construction and a landscape bond to ensure installed plantings are replaced if they die. He said the team has secured an easement with the Inverness Plaza landowner to add the second rear connection for deliveries and customer traffic.

Neighborhood engagement and staff coordination: Owens credited city staff, the mayor and Shelby County engineers for helping revise access patterns. He said the revised layout and traffic controls are reflected in the traffic study and that tenants agreed to the truck routing plan. Council members who spoke complimented the outreach and noted the presentation was informational; the council took no vote that night. The developer agreed to remain after the meeting to take additional questions from residents.

Next steps: Owens said the team is finalizing tenant lease items and will submit formal applications and requests for any permits that remain pending. When a formal application is filed, the council will have the opportunity to schedule public hearings and votes as required by ordinance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Keith Owens, managing partner for Alumni Properties, gave a progress update April 7 to the Hoover City Council on a proposed 200,000‑square‑foot mixed‑use retail center at the corner of Valleydale Road and Inverness Center Drive.","taxTitle","Hoover City, Shelby County, Alabama","taxId",4364,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086258,"Council reallocates 2023 bond proceeds to address urgent sewer repairs, places remainder under Performing Arts Center restriction",4776,4165000,8941000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e&start=4165&end=8941","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e/thumbnail_4165000.jpg","/articles/6086258/Hoover-City/Shelby-County/Alabama/Council-reallocates-2023-bond-proceeds-to-address-urgent-sewer-repairs-places-remainder-under-Performing-Arts-Center-restriction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086258-a685a954c27067b7f61d30918e3ecee4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169706&Signature=kFK1m1sPapHg0efwf1hQgJ72kz5uQGgA5yEYQKmZwPiolmathBXT0stuTi-27SGP3NHppbFuJ5nRnVQr7Z9kweME0O4LDxfmnC6PBuzT3InHWfFatFHAOvizqm1wJ-fWtB8xItDXYlgcNR79FyRtnJNm~g4CteAOy~7msWevlGcOWxj5fs5MjLPQMexkIp22fDXFn~f5csxWloe79ssp5nAo4RSbkS8Id5p3ppfrNM~gspXvs9Nno7KjDb34NReArJ3f-qgwKra~7XRk8aRR59KuA4XWaDdgdii5n4e6FIOqz8pKx1wW45IQNlsgv-PwJCp8E5-mx1EFTPFdbyzpBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hoover City Council on April 7 approved a set of linked budget amendments and allocations that reassign portions of the city’s 2023 bond proceeds to address immediate sewer infrastructure needs while preserving remaining bond proceeds for a planned performing arts center (PAC).

Council action and vote: The council voted to approve the staff‑proposed reallocation and related housekeeping resolutions after detailed presentations from Mayor Frank B. Brocato and Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Cornett. The motions carried by voice vote; the public record shows affirmative votes and no roll‑call tally provided during the meeting.

Why it matters: City officials said the change responds to two legal and operational pressures — IRS rules that require a reasonable expectation of spending tax‑exempt bond proceeds within a set timeframe and urgent, identified capital failures at the city’s wastewater treatment facilities. The reallocation aims to (a) use bond proceeds for qualifying capital projects now and thereby preserve the $17 million originally set aside for a PAC from expiring IRS timelines, and (b) immediately fund $6.1 million of critical sewer repairs identified by the city’s wastewater consultant.

What the council approved: According to presentations and staff language at the meeting, the council adopted a budget amendment and related resolutions to treat certain previously approved capital projects as paid by bond proceeds. Under the approach explained by CFO Jennifer Cornett, that creates $17 million of bond‑eligible capacity the city can assign as follows: about $6.1 million to immediate, critical wastewater treatment facility improvements and the remaining roughly $10.9–11.0 million to be restricted for PAC use and preserved from the bond spending deadline.

Officials’ rationale and constraints: Mayor Frank B. Brocato framed the move as preserving the PAC opportunity rather than abandoning it. He told the council the 2023 bond issue totaled approximately $90.3 million, of which roughly $61 million funded the 459 interchange and $15 million funded the Hoover Met renovation, leaving $17 million intended for the PAC. With the city lacking a finalized site and construction plan for the PAC within the IRS window, bond counsel advised reallocating qualifying capital projects so the city would meet the tax‑exempt spending timeline while keeping PAC funds reserved for future use.

Sewer needs and options: City staff and consultants (Clearwater Solutions and internal wastewater staff) told the council they have identified $6.1 million in critical capital needs that have reached the end of their useful life and require replacement to avoid service failures and regulatory exposure. Staff reiterated that the wastewater system serves less than 15% of the city’s population, carries dedicated bond debt and, if sold to an outside operator, might reduce the city’s capital obligations; council members asked staff to explore sale options consistent with legal and regulatory protections for ratepayers.

Council debate and follow‑up: Council members pressed for a plan to make the PAC fund whole and discussed options to replenish the PAC designation from other city reserves or maturing investments. Multiple council members said they would support amending the city’s reserve policy or identifying replacement funding and committed to returning to council on April 21 with a formal recommendation. CFO Cornett agreed to provide a reserve‑policy recommendation for the next meeting and staff said it would prepare the necessary follow‑up paperwork to allocate FY‑2024 expenditures appropriately.

Public comments: Dozens of residents addressed the council urging protection of the PAC fund and investment in the arts; others urged prioritizing infrastructure repairs including sewer and stormwater. Speakers ranged from arts advocates, local artists and parents to residents citing documented sewer overflows at Lake Heather and elsewhere.

What was not decided: The council did not set a specific PAC site or a comprehensive financing plan to reach a full project budget beyond holding the restricted funds. Council members repeatedly said they intend to make the PAC fund whole and to develop a strategy with community stakeholders and the Arts Council, but that work remains to occur in coming weeks.

Next steps: CFO Jennifer Cornett will present recommendations on the reserve policy and any technical reallocations at the April 21 council meeting; staff will complete the allocation paperwork and provide more detailed cost breakdowns for the identified sewer repairs. Council also directed staff to continue exploring long‑term options for the sewer system, including potential sale, and to ensure any purchaser would be regulated to protect ratepayers.","The Hoover City Council on April 7 approved budget amendments to reassign portions of the 2023 bond proceeds so about $6.1 million will fund critical wastewater repairs and roughly $10.9–11.0 million will be restricted for the Performing Arts Center (PAC).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6086253,"Engineering department gives annual stormwater update; MS4 permit reissued and GIS inventory work under way",612,2870000,3482000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e&start=2870&end=3482","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2898169-c9b9840db9c694e0e2a93cc53607480e/thumbnail_2870000.jpg","/articles/6086253/Hoover-City/Shelby-County/Alabama/Engineering-department-gives-annual-stormwater-update-MS4-permit-reissued-and-GIS-inventory-work-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086253-47e34ab0f4fe2db35436b288eb8a664e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169706&Signature=KTi~tmx-FUA6xfRvqrR7BDRZkUy-b5DCwDgPIP8hXu3BIEM2MjDMiPGmxOvuKh4vbEz8bKkLr1nHg5mnhBRTLk0mjhgQH3LTwbYOSS4Zd0E0YzyrzKocqPUt06WKzwLcSEQF~cWjKz~qo0WhBOf-IVFhgy8pKWCMaAr7RUbV1Z5fntRO6rf24ymCQs~XwaBjtkVjIue8pfZvfXWBtCvaO4f7rEbAvWHStM2X5s8N8hyJ5JonUhI-9aDv6Kva5KIjOOkWOQDLpJpfR5Om372WBqFYUQinmblb6uX6qogzEZ-STViJi9cVZ6TSqd9bNYfyBTh-3wyxwL2V-qxyS-3x9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City engineering staff presented the annual stormwater report to the Hoover City Council on April 7, outlining program activity, fees, budget allocations and regulatory compliance work.

Presentation highlights: City engineer Chris Reeves (presenting the update) said stormwater is a cross‑departmental responsibility and summarized call volumes, staffing changes and project work over the last year. Reeves told the council the city processed 147 stormwater calls in 2024 and about 81 calls so far in 2025; staff noted a lower call volume in 2024 was likely tied to dry weather during part of that year.

Fees, budget and spending: Reeves reviewed the city’s stormwater user fee that supports operations and capital projects: $10 annually per residential property and a commercial rate of one‑half cent per square foot, capped at $3,000 per parcel. He said the combined annual fees from Jefferson and Shelby County properties average about $600,000. The engineering department’s operating and capital allocations for 2024 and 2025 were presented together, with total allocations shown at roughly $2.877 million across capital projects, bridge maintenance and drainage maintenance categories.

Projects and inventory work: Reeves said the department has completed multiple projects in neighborhoods across the city and reported roughly $1.289 million in project expenditures during the previous year. He summarized a Greystone stormwater inventory and condition assessment funded in FY2023 (approved at $80,000) that produced a GIS database with locations, pipe types and condition ratings for Zone 1. Funding for Zone 2 inventory was approved via a budget amendment on March 17, Reeves said, and staff intends to complete additional zones over time to inform a 10‑year stormwater capital improvement master plan.

Regulatory developments: Staff reminded council members that the city’s MS4 permit under ADEM was reissued on Oct. 28, 2024, and that the city submitted the 2024 annual report to ADEM in January 2025. Reeves said the stormwater management plan is being updated to reflect new permit conditions and will be posted on the city website; staff invited public comment on the draft plan before submission to ADEM.

Operations and staffing: Reeves introduced recent additions to the engineering team, including Assistant City Engineer Rosemary (hired from the City of Mobile), civil engineer Hillary Hughes and engineering technician David Largent. Dwayne Smith of Hydro Engineering, the city’s MS4 consultant, was present and answered a council question clarifying that ADEM’s permit references a three‑quarter‑inch rainfall benchmark for the city’s construction standards.

Next steps: Staff will continue the GIS inventory and present a construction request for a priority project in the FY2026 budget as design work completes. Reeves told council the department will present an updated erosion and sediment control ordinance for council review in a forthcoming meeting and will provide follow‑up answers to technical questions raised by council members.","City engineering staff presented the annual stormwater report at the April 7 council meeting, reviewing stormwater fees, recent projects, MS4 permit status and an ongoing GIS inventory of city‑maintained stormwater infrastructure; staff said Zone 1 inventory is complete and Zone 2 was funded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developer previews 200,000‑sq‑ft Valleydale retail center; traffic and landscaping changes highlighted

Council reallocates 2023 bond proceeds to address urgent sewer repairs, places remainder under Performing Arts Center restriction

Engineering department gives annual stormwater update; MS4 permit reissued and GIS inventory work under way