By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A long-abandoned, overgrown former church building on Simmsville Road in Alabaster likely will be demolished over the next few months, according to city leaders.

During an Oct. 24 work session, City Council members set a Nov. 24 public hearing on the property, which has not been used for several years. The property is on the south side of Simmsville Road, and is about half a mile east of U.S. 31.

The property currently is covered by overgrown trees and vegetation, and the brick building’s roof has partially collapsed.

During the public hearing, which will be held during the council’s Nov. 24 council meeting at 7 p.m. at Alabaster City Hall, residents will have a chance to speak in favor or against tearing the building down.

Council members said it likely will cost between $6,000-$8,000 to demolish the structure, and said the city likely will cover the cost of tearing down the building and then attach the figure as a lien against the property.

“If the property were ever sold, that’s when you would get the money back,” Alabaster City Attorney Jeff Brumlow said of possibly placing a lien against the property.