Homewood council resets public hearing for Sanford 'Bulldog District' after parcel typo

The Homewood City Council on June 23 set a new public hearing for July 28 to consider an amended development plan from Sanford University for a ‘Bulldog District’ student housing project that would build two residential villages and three residence halls near the football stadium.

Councilor Smith said staff and the university found a typo in the parcel ID for the Stadium Village parcel and recommended re-advertising to ensure the legal description is correct. “We feel like it's the safest thing to advertise it correctly over the next 4 weeks,” Councilor Smith said. The council voted 10-0 to reset the public hearing.

The project would include student residence halls, parking facilities, courtyards and landscaping; a planning commission vote of 6-0 was reported in favor of the amended plan. During the hearing, neighbor Brooke Gibson asked about buffers and building height, saying the buildings closest to her home are now two stories and expressing concern about taller construction overlooking nearby residences. Gibson asked whether questions should wait until the July 28 hearing; councilors replied that the project will be heard again then and staff will provide additional materials.

Councilors repeatedly framed the action on June 23 as procedural: to reopen public notice so anyone wishing to speak may do so at the new hearing. Councilor Andrus moved to reset the hearing and Councilor Hardin seconded; the motion passed 10-0. Councilors and staff said the corrected legal description will allow the city to accept further public comment at the later date.

The council did not take a final zoning vote on June 23. City staff and the applicant indicated they will provide corrected legal descriptions and additional project materials before the July 28 hearing so neighbors and council members can review them in advance.