Some Residents Wary Of Proposed Development In Pelham

PELHAM, AL - The Pelham Planning and Zoning Board is considering a development in the city that would add an apartment complex and some retail space, and some Pelham residents are not completely on board with the idea. The proposal at last week's meeting included some of the concerns of the residents, so a vote was postponed until the board's September 13 meeting.

A report by ABC 33/40 said the Pelham Planning and Zoning Commission is considering rezoning 36 acres of land directly across from the Oak Mountain Amphitheater. If the project is approved, it will bring more than 200 apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail space for restaurants.

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Pelham residents who were present at the meeting said the development would cause an increase in traffic in an already congested area. Others expressed concerns over the existing empty retail spaces in the city and said they were not confident that the new development would be able to fill up with retailers.

On social media, most of the residents opposed to the plan cited traffic and the destruction of green space the development may cause.

"Folks move into Pelham because it’s not like Hoover, Greensprings area," one resident said. "There are plenty of empty spaces in Pelham that need to be rehabbed. The land across from Valley Elementary is already being destroyed."

Another resident said on Facebook, "This is a pivotal decision that will determine if Pelham wants to be a growing family community or an over trafficked, high tax slum lord. That area can’t handle the traffic it has now, the schools can’t handle any more volume and I guarantee the council will have to raise taxes to bear the burden."

Some residents, however were more positive about the idea, saying new apartments would attract young professionals to the area, and some more unique retail options.

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