Homewood planning commission recommends rezoning 2917 Linden Avenue to allow Full Circle

Jenny Allen, the long-time owner of 2917 Linden Avenue, asked the Homewood Planning Commission in June 2024 to rezone her property from C-1 (office) to C-4A (retail/shopping) so it would be more consistent with neighboring uses and attractive to potential buyers, including Full Circle.

"The C-1 is office district, whereas the C-4A is retail shopping," Allen said, adding that demand for office space has declined and that nearby properties have already converted to retail. She listed adjacent property owners who wrote letters of support, including Chase Stracener and Mark Westfall, and said the change would fit the street’s emerging retail character.

A representative for Full Circle, identified in the meeting as Leslie McDonnell, told commissioners the store is donations-only, employs and trains people with special needs and partners with local high schools for student training. "We employ and train individuals with special needs," McDonnell said, describing the organization’s work with Mountain Brook High School, Homewood and Vestavia High School and its reliance on volunteers.

After the applicant’s presentation and a brief public hearing that produced no speakers, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the rezoning. The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call voice vote; the chair stated the application will go forward with a positive recommendation to City Council.

What happens next: the commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for its consideration; the City Council retains final authority on any zoning change.

Quotes and attributions in this article are drawn from the planning commission transcript for the June 2024 meeting.