Mayor announces ‘Future Hoover’ effort

Published 1:53 pm Thursday, June 22, 2017

HOOVER – Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato announced the development of a roadmap to carry the city forward.

Brocato, in a presentation to the Hoover City Council at its meeting on Monday, June 19, said “Future Hoover” will be a comprehensive plan addressing the city’s economic, transportation, education, public service and public safety needs.

“I think the time has come for us to think about some things,” Brocato said. “Here at our 50th anniversary, it’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve come from, where we are and where we want to go.”

Brocato said new residents and businesses will continue to locate in Hoover, and the growth must be managed.

“I don’t think you can get any better compliment than that,” he said. “We want to maintain civic involvement and we want to maintain this great quality of life that we all enjoy.”

Brocato called the city’s school system a “crown jewel,” and said he is committed to working with school officials to make sure the system has the resources it needs.

The mayor also said an “aggressive economic development program” is needed.

“We’re ready to explode, and we just need to look ahead and prepare for those things,” Brocato said.

The project initially will entail identifying capital and operational needs and potential sources of revenue. Then, a survey of residents will dictate areas of focus, Brocato said.

Brocato said he plans to present recommendations to the council by January 2018.

Councilman Derrick Murphy commended Brocato for his “foresight.”

“If you’re stagnant, a lot of times you’re behind because you’re in competition,” Murphy said.

In other business, the council:

-Approved the annexation of a seven-acre parcel, called the “Hand” property, and a 24-acre parcel, called the “Carmichael” property, that are surrounded by and will become part of the Blackridge PUD.

-Approved the annexation of Phase 1 of Flemming Parcels 1 and 2, about 211 acres, located adjacent to and to become part of the Trace Crossings PUD.

-Heard a first reading of an ordinance for annexation of Phase 2 of Flemming Parcels 1 and 2. A second reading and consideration for adoption will be at the Monday, July 3 meeting.

-Heard a first reading of an amendment to the city’s municipal code that would change the meeting time of the Board of Zoning Adjustments from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. A second reading and consideration for adoption will be at the Monday, July 3 meeting.

-Heard a first reading of an amendment to the city’s municipal code that would establish the Hoover Metropolitan Complex Advisory Committee. A second reading and consideration for adoption will be at the Monday, July 3 meeting.

-Set public hearings for 6 p.m. on July 17 for requests that come forward with positive recommendations from the June 12 Planning and Zoning meeting, including a request from John LaBreche for conditional use approval for Covenant Classical School daycare to be located on Greystone Way in the Tattersall Park subdivision. Covenant Classical School is the property owner, and the property is zoned C-2 Community Business District.