PELHAM – The Pelham City Council at a meeting on Monday, Oct. 1, had its first reading and the first of two public hearings for an ordinance to rezone a portion of Amphitheatre Road to accommodate a proposed development.

During the public hearing, developers Jordy Henson and John Brenner outlined plans for a mixed-use retail, commercial and residential project that if approved will be located on Amphitheatre Road across from the Pelham Civic Complex.

At a meeting on Sept. 13, the Planning Commission voted to approve an amendment changing the present zoning from A-1 (agricultural district) and O&I (office and institutional) to R-A (apartment dwelling district) and B-2 (general business district) for applicant John Brenner, with Birmingham-based Genrev Development.

The project is now in the hands of the City Council as the rezoning request must be approved by the council in order for the project to move forward.

Genrev Development would like to invest more than $50 million into the construction of an apartment complex, retail stores and fast casual eateries on about 38 acres of land across from the Pelham Civic Complex. Brenner said the goal is to revitalize Amphitheater Road and to make it more attractive.

The retail area would consist of 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of destination eateries and shops. The residential component would consist of about 240 apartment units.

Brenner said Oak Mountain State Park is the driving factor behind the development and that walkability is a major draw for young professionals.

“We will use as many local contractors and vendors as possible to create buy-in from the community,” Brenner said.

Henson said there’s a positive economic impact that mixed use projects bring to a city in addition to vibrancy, promoting retail stores and strong tax contributions to the city and school system.

Planning Commissioner Kim Speorl said she appreciates Henson and Brenner for taking the time to answer questions from the Commission and residents concerning the project.

“We began this process in August and we had some questions, so they came back in September to answer questions and address concerns from the Commission and residents,” Speorl said. “We appreciate them doing their homework and the Commission does support this project.”

Councilwoman Mildred Lanier, council liaison to the Planning Commission, said the Commission engaged in an in-depth review of what was proposed and she has no doubt that if the project is approved they will be highly professional in making sure that project is done right.

Council President Rick Hayes said one more public hearing will be held before the council votes on the matter.