Public hearing on DDB Capital rezoning draws resident opposition; council delays vote to June 9

Derek Distenfield, representing DDB Capital, introduced a rezoning and land-development plan May 12 that would cap detached single‑family homes at 235, set aside roughly 25 acres for a school site and require masonry exteriors and public‑safety road improvements. The City Council opened a public hearing on the proposal and heard multiple residents raise traffic and environmental concerns before delaying final action until June 9.

Why it matters: The rezoning would change the permitted uses and density for properties near Camp Coleman Road and Praytor Road and starts a multi-step process that still requires subdivision approval and other state and city permits before construction. Council members and residents framed the debate around traffic on US Highway 11 and Camp Coleman Road, water quality in adjacent ponds and enforceability of developer commitments and HOA covenants.

Distenfield told the council his plan seeks a residential buildout at about 1.8 units per acre and that the developer has already signed a Statement of Intent. He said the firm expects Tower Homes to build the houses and that several changes will be made to the neighborhood plan in response to resident concerns. “There is no quid‑pro‑quo with the city regarding dedicated school property,” Distenfield said, replying to opposition claims. He also said his team would work with ALDOT and the city on intersection improvements and traffic mitigation.

Residents raised multiple objections. Dr. David Dobbs said having more than 200 new homes would be unacceptable and questioned developers’ verbal commitments. Josh Trimble, whose property borders one of the existing ponds, said the draft neighborhood included 25 houses along two stubbed dead‑ends near his driveway and that he had hired a marine biologist to study pond water; he asked for the developer to revise plans. Jessica Campbell asked whether water and land had been tested for industrial impact; she said the land is from her childhood and should remain undeveloped. Dr. Matthew Pearson cited concerns about the Cahaba River basin and expressed loss of faith in city government; several speakers also opposed homeowner associations and higher density.

Council discussion centered on what items are properly decided at rezoning versus subdivision. Councilor Jim Miller pushed for explicit requirements including state ADEM pond testing and ALDOT permit commitments; Mayor Ben Short and Councilor Brian Jackson responded that subdivision regulations, city ordinances and future Planning & Zoning review cover many of those issues. Jackson, who serves as the council’s liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission, said the subdivision phase requires traffic impact studies and compliance with updated subdivision regulations.

After public comment, President Jaime Melton Anderson closed the hearing and the council agreed to postpone consideration until its June 9 meeting so the Statement of Intent could be rechecked and revised. Mayor Short and City Clerk Dan Weinrib said a courtesy second hearing would likely be appropriate if the document is revised.

What’s next: The council will revisit the rezoning and revised Statement of Intent on June 9; the developer still must submit subdivision plans and secure required ALDOT, Planning & Zoning and other approvals before any construction begins.