Leah Ingram Eagle
State of Our Communities luncheon 2019
Chelsea City Council member Casey Morris speaks at the Shelby County Chamber State of Our Communities luncheon on Feb. 27, 2019.
Mayors from cities throughout Shelby County took part in the State of Our Communities Luncheon, presented by the Shelby County Chamber on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Pelham Civic Complex.
Chamber President Kirk Mancer introduced the program where “all municipalities in Shelby County were invited to share their thoughts on their respective communities.”
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato shared about the city’s comprehensive plan in partnership with the planning and zoning commission that will be finalized in the next few months. The $80 million project around the Hoover Met is about to come to fruition, with the opening of five more fields for soccer, lacrosse and football being added to the 16 tennis courts, baseball and softball fields already in place.
The SEC baseball tournament will continue to be played at The Met through 2021 and Brocato said they’d do everything they can to keep it there.
Brocato said he is “very proud” of the upcoming inclusive playground. The $2 million project was a cooperation between state and county leaders and private businesses.
“I have not seen [a playground] like this in Alabama or even in the Southeast that will allow children with various disabilities, both physical and mental, to be able to play along with kids without disabilities,” he said. The playground will also allow parents in wheelchairs to play with their kids. It will also include a splash pad and zipline. It’s good for the entire metro area and I’m excited about it.”
He also spoke about the development happening in Tattersall Park, off U.S. 280 and Alabama 119, which includes the already-open Cavender’s Western Wear, Walk-On’s Restaurant and a new Publix. Off Alabama 150 and U.S. 459, Stadium Trace Village has two developments in the works. Aldi has already opened and Duluth Trading Company and new upscale restaurant, Tre Luna, are in the works.
Brocato said Hoover Schools have been named the safest in Alabama and the fifth safest in the country, and he believes that people move to Hoover because of their schools. A $4 million police training center will also begin construction in a few months. Hoover and Pelham are joining their fleet departments for the police and fire departments to be worked on in the same shop.
Although Brocato didn’t specifically mention the shooting at the Galleria and resulting protests around the holidays, he added, “we went through a difficult Thanksgiving and Christmas but believe overall we were able to react to that very well and learn a lot about the city.” He said this was an opportunity to look inward and make sure everyone who comes into Hoover feels welcome.
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer wasn’t able to attend after having knee replacement surgery two days prior, but City Council Member Casey Morris spoke about the $12.8 million capital campaign approved in October, which over the next four years includes construction of a new multi-purpose building for the athletic program, community center updates, a splash pad and all-inclusive playground and archery park. The city also recently reached an agreement with SWWC for sewer services that will benefit both parties.
The city recently purchased a new fire truck and the fire station on Highway 51 is undergoing a renovation.
Morris also shared that two new restaurants are almost nearing their openings: Station 31 Kitchen, a spinoff of Main Street Tavern in Montevallo, and the newest location of Cajun Boys & Our Po Boys.
The mayors of other Shelby County cities also shared updates, from roadwork and new amenities under construction to businesses coming to the area and future plans.