Hoover planners approve Everly Phase 4C and other subdivisions after residents raise tree and drainage concerns
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Summary
The Hoover Planning and Zoning Board approved multiple subdivision plats on Nov. 4, including Everly Phase 4C, after residents raised concerns that wooded land shown on earlier maps might be cleared and increase stormwater runoff.
The Hoover Planning and Zoning Board approved multiple subdivision cases on Nov. 4, including Everly Phase 4C, after residents pressed the board about possible tree removal and stormwater impacts. Staff recommended approval of the Everly final map contingent on a performance guarantee of $197,300; the board approved the subdivision cases by a single block motion and voice vote.
Why it matters: Residents said a wooded area behind several homes had once been labeled “future development” on earlier maps and worried that removal of trees would increase runoff and reduce privacy and property values. Neighbors urged the board to preserve the canopy; developers and staff said the final map now identifies the land as a future common area to be conveyed to the homeowners association (HOA) and that major land disturbance or new structures would require permits and separate review.
During public comment, resident Bethany Zagorski of 138 Keller Road SE in Bessemer asked, “what's gonna happen to those woods,” saying earlier maps showed the area as future development. Bob Easley of Alabama Engineering, representing the developer, replied: “The first version of this map did say future development. We changed it, corrected, and now it says future common area. … We don't have any plans for development.”
Planning staff explained the limits of city oversight once common area is conveyed to an HOA, and how permits would apply to any improvements. A staff member summarized the regulatory requirement for stormwater: “As part of the permitting process ... the engineer does address ... road control concerns during construction and provide stormwater detention in accordance with the city code” and that post-development runoff must not exceed current runoff.
Neighbor Victor Zagorski said a creek already forms when it rains and asked how homeowners could seek help if changes increase runoff; staff said residents should contact the city, which would investigate and expect the developer and project engineer to address valid construction-related issues. Bluff Park resident Jeff McLeod called preserving the deep woods a priority, saying loss of canopy would be “a nightmare” for adjacent homeowners.
Board action: Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to approve all subdivision cases heard that evening (including Everly Phase 4C); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The chair confirmed the motion carried. Earlier in the meeting the chair had announced four other cases that were continued to the Dec. 1 meeting at 6:00 p.m., including a proposed K–12 school at 2500 Corporate Drive, a final resurvey in Shades Cliff, the Yates addition lot-line adjustment at 232 Caliente Drive in Martinwood Estates, and Black Ridge Commercial Lots.
What happens next: Everly’s common area is intended to be conveyed to the HOA when right-of-way issues (for Maxwell Road) are resolved; routine walking-trail work may not require a building permit, but any work requiring permits or major land disturbance must return to the city for civil-plan review and permitting. The board approved the subdivision contingent on staff conditions, including the $197,300 guarantee.
Adjournment: After the zoning case later on the agenda was approved, the chair adjourned the meeting.
