Calera City planning staff: developers to fund turn lanes, signal as multiple projects move forward

A staff member told the Calera City Planning Commission that a cluster of residential and commercial projects in Calera City are advancing and that traffic studies have produced specific, developer-funded roadwork requirements.

The staff member listed multiple construction updates, saying Camden Park is in phase five with phase six nearing completion, Emer Ridge is in phase four, Shallow Creek is in phase two sector 4, Coslin in phase three and Aberdine in early phases; Aberdine’s configuration includes a 1A and a smaller 1B section and the staff member said a final plat is likely next month. "I insisted on a traffic study," the staff member said, adding that the developer originally used Skipper & Associates and the city obtained an independent third-party review.

Why it matters: With scarce large tracts zoned for apartments in the city, the projects discussed — including an estimated 30–35 acre apartment site — could reshape traffic patterns and demand new infrastructure. The staff member emphasized that the studies produced agreed improvements that the developers will fund rather than the city’s taxpayers bearing the full cost.

The staff member described several project- and site-specific details. Timberline is building in phase six and will split phase seven into 7A and 7B with a likely final plat for 7A next month; Seth Gardens appears to have exterior work finished with paving and landscaping remaining; Melpoint continues earthwork and utility installation; and Jordan Apartments submitted revised plans addressing prior review comments. Commercial items noted included a comfort-inn site with earthmoving under way, an Aan Express convenience store in progress, a convenience store at the 42/70 intersection, and two Dollar General proposals under review (one with a parking variance scheduled for the next night).

On traffic, the staff member said the reviews identified the need for turn lanes on Highway 22, a signalized intersection at 22 and George Roy Parkway, and improvements on the north end of George Roy Parkway tied to the development. "You’re going to see turn lanes on 22. You’re going to see a signalized intersection on 22 and George Roy Parkway," the staff member said. The speaker added that two traffic-engineering firms reviewed the impacts and agreed on improvements, reiterating that the developer is responsible for those costs.

The staff member gave basic site-access details for the large apartment project: two entrances both on the frontage road north of Bonnie, with traffic flowing onto county roads near the airport. When asked by a commissioner how many apartments would be built, the staff member described an eight-building phased layout with a central courtyard and a large recreational building and said a precise unit count would be provided next month.

Regional context also came up: a speaker estimated substantial I‑65 bridge work and widenings will continue for approximately two years, noting broader interchange improvements are ongoing in Shelby County.

Next steps: staff will circulate resubmittal results and an apartment unit count at the next meeting or via email; several final plats and a parking-variance hearing were noted as upcoming items.