By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — Highpointe Properties, LLC, is preparing to start construction on the Hamilton property, off Highway 11. There are still several approvals needed, but developer David Stovall said a preliminary plat has already been approved by Trussville’s Planning and Zoning Committee.
“Last I talked to the owner, he is getting ready to start construction in the next couple of weeks,” said Stovall.
The next steps involve approvals by the Alabama Department of Transportation, for access plans, and Jefferson County Environmental Services, for sewer plans.
The development of the park area is already underway. Plans include an acre and a half detention pond, which will also serve as a beautification point. A tree buffer between the park and the Dew Gardens neighborhood, which is directly behind the development, is included in current plans.
“Some people that we talked to said they wanted it cleared all the way to their property lines, so that could change,” said Stovall. “I think the neighbors are waiting to see if the park is something they are going to want to look at.”
Site planning map.
Cheryl Hamilton, a resident of Dew Gardens, said she hopes some of the trees are left alone or that new trees are planted in between her property and the park. Overall, she’s pleased with the current plans.
“I’m super happy that the developers did agree to some compromises,” said Hamilton. “A lot of people who live in this neighborhood have lived here for a very long time and so it’s hard to accept that kind of change.”
Hamilton lead the effort to stop the development. In the end, the developer decided to make a compromise and removed a plan to rezone part of the property for residential garden homes.
“We were able to get them to remove the houses from the plan, so this is better than that,” said Hamilton.
Stovall believes once the development of the property is complete, everyone will be pleased.
“At the end of the day, I believe this is going to be something that the city of Trussville is very proud to have,” Stovall said. “I am going to be shocked if there are people that aren’t happy that it’s here.”
Land clearing for The Park at Hamilton Place.
Land clearing for The Park at Hamilton Place.
As for the residents in the area, Stovall said the developers listened to their concerns.
“I think they’re happy to see the park is coming and that the restrictions that have been put on the zoning will at least mandate the architecture and the appearance of what’s going to be out here,” he said.
Hamilton, who has lived in the area for 24 years, said she has a positive outlook on the park, pond and walking trails going in behind her home, although she still has some concerns.
“Mostly, I’m worried about the noise,” she said. “The sound of them coming in and getting the dumpsters from these commercial buildings. That will be noisy in the mornings. I’m worried about them putting in a restaurant because of the smells.”
Hamilton said she hopes the businesses that come to the property will benefit the residents of Trussville.
“If you’ve got fast food back there, or something like that, you’ve got employees who are coming in who probably aren’t living in Trussville, who are probably not doing business in Trussville,” said Hamilton. “Whereas, if you’ve got office space back there, you have office workers back there, you’ve probably got people who are going out to lunch at all these great new restaurants, maybe staying after work to go to Ferus and Slagheap.”
Hamilton said she will always stand up for what’s best for the residents of Trussville. Her next idea is for the city to add a playground to the park area of the development.
Stovall said construction on a planned gas station could take time. After permits are granted, he said it could take six to eight months for vertical construction to begin. The city of Trussville recently approved a land swap with the developer for the new Trussville City Schools Board of Education building on the property. Four other lots that could be divided are also available for commercial development. Stovall said there are no commitments for those parcels, at this time.
Highpointe Properties, LLC, will have to go back to the Planning and Zoning Committee after the plat construction is complete and before the vertical construction begins.
