Zoning board approves after‑school youth center at Foster’s Ferry with engineering review condition

The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception for Fork and Road Foundation to operate a supervised youth development center at 2518 Fosters Ferry Road, with conditions.

Staff described the requested private‑club/lodge classification for the use and said the applicant expects daily attendance of 40–60 youth ages 8–19, will staff the center with six employees and provide van transportation, and will operate weekdays (after‑school hours) and an expanded summer schedule. "This would be for the use of a community center," staff said, explaining that the code’s private‑club category can encompass youth centers.

Applicant Corey Stewart told the board he plans STEM programming and mentorship and that the building—currently configured like a daycare—will require renovations, permitting and engineering review before opening. One nearby resident, Renea Abernathy, said she was initially worried about the property becoming a private club but was reassured by Stewart and voiced support. "I'm excited about what it is going to bring to that side of town," she said.

Board members repeatedly emphasized traffic and sight‑distance concerns at the site and asked that engineering, fire and permitting reviews take place. After discussion the board approved the special exception conditioned on a favorable review by the city engineer and included a stipulation that the use be limited to a youth center only.

What happens next: The approval allows the applicant to pursue architectural and site plans and the city’s permitting process; the project must satisfy engineering and fire department requirements before operating.