Gardendale Council gets first look at developments
The Gardendale City Council got its first official look at a new development in the city and the revamping of another complex at the meeting on Monday night.
The Plaza II shopping center is already under construction and has a commitment from Shrimp Basket for one of the spaces. Developer Kerry McAdam told the council he had an appointment Tuesday to sign a deal with T-Mobile as well as possible commitments for the other space or spaces in Plaza II.
He said he expects to have all the commitments for the Plaza II development within 45 days and to start “moving dirt” on the planned 31,000-square-foot Plaza III soon.
Shrimp Basket is expected to open in June. Residents present at the meeting questioned McAdams about the parking situation at the building and he said they had a new plan to add additional parking as well as to condense the three Plaza properties into a more accessible shopping center.
The council also heard from Chris Gauldin, who owns the Gardendale Square property at the corner of Fieldstown Road and Odum Road. The property there will begin construction to renovate it in order to house Pet Supermarket and Aspen Dental, who have recently committed to the space.
Gauldin also discussed with the council ways to make the shopping center more accessible to the public, including changing the entrance and raising the lines of the property.
The council approved both development deals.
In other business:
•The Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce presented a check to the city for the Raymond G. Doss Playground of Miracles for $6,179.45. The money was raised by the chamber at their annual banquet and through the sale of chances to win items at the banquet. Modern Woodmen of America also presented a check for the playground, matching $2,500 of the chamber’s donation.
•The council approved an event permit application for North Jefferson Century’s ride through town.
•The council approved the $34,000 winning bid for the library deck.
•The council authorized the purchase of a vehicle for the fire department to use. The cost will be $28,927.
•The council approved an alcohol application for the new owner of the Raceway Convenience Store.
•The council approved the renaming of Civic Complex Drive to Larry York Drive, in honor of the seven-term former city council member.
•The council approved entering into a real estate agreement for the purchase of the property at 760 Tarrant Road.
•The council approved hiring Nick Sandlin as a part-time laborer at the civic center.
•Mayor Stan Hogeland told the council that the police department had received complaints about speeding on Fieldstown Road and would be enforcing posted speed limits more closely.