Samford University Halts Creekside Development Plan, Resolving Homewood Controversy – Yellowhammer News

A controversial development in Homewood has come to an end. Samford University, along with its partners, Landmark Development and Johnson Controls, has decided to withdraw all plans for the Creekside West and East projects.

This mixed-use development was proposed on university-owned land along Lakeshore Drive. It aimed to include residential housing, a hotel, retail spaces, and a shared athletic facility. However, many local residents, environmental groups, and city officials strongly opposed it. They felt the project was too large and out of place in the neighborhood.

Dr. Beck A. Taylor, president of Samford University, stated that the university will shift its focus to improving its existing campus. He emphasized the importance of promoting a positive environment that supports both academic and personal success, suggesting that ongoing campus projects will benefit the entire Homewood community.

From the outset, residents voiced their concerns. Many were worried about the height and density of the proposed hotel and apartments. There was significant objection to the plan to convert the Homewood Soccer Park into a facility shared with Samford, as it raised fears of losing essential public recreational space.

Environmental issues were also a major concern. Henry Hughes, executive director of Friends of Shades Creek, highlighted potential harm to local wildlife due to construction near a protected salamander pond. Such developments could disrupt the area’s ecological balance.

At a public meeting, Landmark Development requested $26 million in tax incentives from the city over two decades. This proposal raised eyebrows, as it would redirect tax revenues that would otherwise support Homewood City Schools. Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt described this as one of the most significant incentive packages in the city’s history, which only fueled local apprehensions.

Community reaction was strong. An online petition against the project quickly gathered hundreds of signatures, while officials held several meetings to address concerns.

With the withdrawal of the Creekside proposal, it appears this debate has reached a conclusion for now. Bob Dunn, president of Landmark Development, mentioned that future projects would require robust public-private partnerships to genuinely benefit the community. There is currently no plan to revisit the Creekside project.

In summary, this development sparked strong opposition, highlighting the importance of community involvement in local planning. With Samford refocusing on its campus, Homewood can proceed with its vision intact, avoiding what many felt was a significant threat to the neighborhood’s character.

For further insights into urban development and community planning, you might find this report by the Urban Land Institute helpful.

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