Homewood committee advances revised Piggly Wiggly redevelopment to public hearing

Homewood City’s finance committee moved a tax‑incentive request tied to a revised Piggly Wiggly redevelopment to a public hearing after developers presented a smaller building footprint, added green space and changes intended to improve pedestrian access.

Developers told the committee the new configuration locates the new building on the current store footprint, creates green space between the building and a nearby pedestrian tunnel to improve student access, and retains the loading dock in approximately its current location. The applicants said the revised building reduces construction cost and retail square footage compared with earlier proposals and asked council to approve a reduced incentive of $3,000,000 (previously $3.5 million).

Committee members asked for clarification on parking and size. Presenters said the plan will remove some front parking but add more spaces elsewhere on the consolidated parcel and that basement storage will allow more retail space on the main level. The file includes conceptual elevations and images of an interior and exterior treatment the team said the store will match.

A motion from Councilor Waltney, seconded by Councilor Almon, forwarded item 15‑08‑25 to a public hearing and moved the matter out of committee without recommendation; the committee recorded the motion as approved. The public hearing date was confirmed for the council meeting noted by staff.

The committee did not take a final vote on the incentive agreement and will consider the item again after the public hearing.