Mayor Stan Hogeland gives update on state of Gardendale. 

Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland discussed the State of the City last week at the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Among his points were the fact that real estate agents are telling him there is a shortage of houses to be sold in the area, even with approximately 400 homes under construction and development.

Among the business developments, Hogeland once again touted the new UAB medical and emergency facility as a “game changer” for the city, pointing to the under construction Brookwood Baptist facility at the corner of Mt. Olive Road and Fieldstown Road (the old BP location), the potential development of the additional land that will be adjacent to Buffalo Wild Wings and the UAB site and the planned development of the land between Interstate 65 and Odum Road, where houses are already being cleared.

Hogeland also said that business such as Joel’s, which is a “meat and three” restaurant are looking at site in the city, including the old Ryan’s building.

With Moe’s Southwest set to open in late May and the possibility of other restaurants and stores in the two other proposed developments, Hogeland said he has not turned a deaf ear to other complaints, such as the lack of entertainment and eyesores, like the former K-mart building, and he and the city council are working to find development opportunities for those as well.

Hogeland also addressed the failed city school action, recognizing the county board members who attended and renewing the city’s pledge to work with the county to improve the schools in Gardendale.