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Council approves BRE Main Street development deal and rezoning for Watterson Parkway project
Summary
The Trussville City Council unanimously approved a development agreement with BRE Main Street LLC and rezoned three Main Street parcels to Q‑C‑2, authorizing sales tax rebates to the developer capped at $541,000 annually and totaling $8.1 million over 15 years; the city projects $12.3 million in receipts over the same period.
Trussville’s City Council on March 19 approved a development agreement with BRE Main Street LLC and rezoned three properties along Main Street and Watterson Parkway to allow new retail development, voting unanimously on both measures.
The public hearing opened with Mayor Ben Short recognizing developer John Abernathy, who summarized the proposed retail campus and said the project includes infrastructure improvements for the area. Financial consultant Brian Barksdale told the council the parties agreed to split city sales tax revenues 50/50; the deal includes a developer “floor” requiring retail properties to generate at least $250,000, an annual rebate cap for the developer of $541,000, and a total developer rebate of $8.1 million over 15 years. Barksdale said the city’s projection is that Trussville should receive about $12.3 million in city receipts during those same 15 years.
Councilor Brian Jackson introduced a resolution authorizing the development agreement (Resolution No. 2026‑20); Councilor Kimberly Farr seconded the motion and the council approved it unanimously. The council then held a public hearing and voted to rezone 331, 333 and 401 Main Street from I‑1 and PUD to Q‑C‑2 (Ordinance No. 2026‑006‑PZ) after the Planning & Zoning Commission gave a unanimous favorable recommendation. Councilor Jackson moved the ordinance and Councilor Jim Miller seconded; the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call.
Councilor Ben Horton asked whether a proposed Pinchgut greenway trail would be a dedicated easement or a city right of way; Mayor Short and Abernathy said the final trail design was still under consideration, but Abernathy endorsed a trail running along the back of the commercial campus regardless of easement status.
Mayor Short also noted that, without the deal, the subject properties currently generate approximately $30,000 in property taxes. The hearing closed with no public speakers.
The council’s votes clear the way for the developer to proceed with site and infrastructure plans under the terms agreed in the development resolution and the new commercial zoning. Implementation steps—including final design of public improvements, tax‑sharing administration, and any easement/right‑of‑way determinations for trails—will follow standard city permitting and review processes.
