Moody council approves redevelopment agreement with Moody LP after public hearing

Moody — After a public hearing on May 12, 2025, the Moody City Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution R2025-05-12, authorizing a Reimbursement Redevelopment Agreement among the City of Moody, St. Clair County and Moody LP, LLC.

Stan Pate of Moody LP, LLC, described the project as a "very large project that will take Moody to the level in retail," said he expects demolition of some existing buildings and new retail development, and pledged to work with current tenants on relocation. City Attorney Kyle Barrentine reviewed the agreement and confirmed the legal notice was published in the St. Clair Times on May 1, 2025.

During public comment, residents pressed the developer and city officials on environmental and traffic impacts. Margaret Goodwin asked whether the project would harm the Little Cahaba River; Pate said the development will include an approved drainage plan, and Karen Bareford of the Cahaba River Society asked to be involved in planning to protect the river. Craig Martin raised safety concerns about the intersection of Blue Ridge Drive and Highway 411; Pate said a traffic-control plan will be prepared and agreed that a traffic light at that intersection is needed.

Questions about tax treatment and public notice emerged. Dixon Stracener asked how the tax abatement would be paid and whether sales taxes would increase; Pate said the tax abatement would be paid "from new taxes only." Attorney John Rae stated that "this agreement has no City sales tax included, and at this time, the city is not looking to increase taxes," and explained the required legal posting under the 772 Act. Rae also said the agreement provides that the first $50,000 of income each year will come to the city.

Supporters also spoke: Bill Morris praised Pate's reputation as a developer. Some business owners, including Michael Ray of Frogg's, asked how relocations would be handled; Pate said he would honor existing leases and work with individual businesses.

On the motion to adopt Resolution R2025-05-12, Council Member Lynn Taylor moved to approve and Council Member Ellis Key seconded; all present voted AYE and the resolution passed unanimously. Mayor Joe Lee presided. The approval at this meeting authorized the reimbursement agreement and tax-abatement mechanism; specific building approvals, engineering, site plans and permitting will be handled later by the Planning Commission and relevant city and state authorities.