Withdrawal of Controversial Creekside Development Proposal

The contentious development proposal in Homewood has officially come to an end. On Thursday, representatives from Samford University, alongside Landmark Development and Johnson Control, announced their decision to withdraw all rezoning applications and development plans for the intended Creekside West and East projects.

The Creekside proposal, which aimed to create a mixed-use development on university-owned land along Lakeshore Drive, received significant attention and pushback from locals, environmental advocates, and city officials. The plans included various features like residential housing, high-rise hotels, retail spaces, and facilities intended for shared use.

Dr. Beck A. Taylor from Samford University stated that the focus will now shift towards projects located on existing campuses. He highlighted the importance of the Multiphase Master Development Plan, which aims to enhance campus life and foster an environment conducive to both academic and personal success. According to Taylor, this initiative is vital for Samford to remain competitive while benefiting the broader Homewood community.

From the onset, the Creekside Project raised concerns among local residents. Many expressed worries about the size and density of the proposed buildings, especially the hotels and apartments. Some residents opposed the plan to convert Homewood Football Park into university and shared facilities, fearing a loss of vital public recreational areas.

Environmental organizations also voiced their concerns. Henry Hughes, the executive director of Friends of Shade Creek, had warned that the development near protected salamander habitats could jeopardize local wildlife and the ecological balance of the area.

Moreover, at a public meeting held on May 19, Landmark Development disclosed that over the past 20 years, Homewood had sought a $26 million tax incentive. This would have reallocated various tax revenues to the project, leaving only the funds designated for Homewood City Schools untouched. Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt noted that this proposal represented the most extensive incentive package the city had ever considered, raising further alarms among council members and residents.

In response to the backlash, a petition against the development amassed hundreds of signatures by mid-May, and several public information sessions were organized to address community concerns.

The announcement to withdraw the proposal appears to effectively put an end to Creekside discussions for the foreseeable future. Bob Dunn, president of Landmark Development, mentioned that the advancement of such projects relies on genuine public-private partnerships that yield benefits for the entire community, including its residents and educational institutions. He added that there is no current timetable for revisiting Creekside, emphasizing that focus would remain on ongoing and planned initiatives at Samford’s campus.

This decision concludes months of discussion filled with heightened emotions on all sides. While Samford University continues to focus on internal growth, residents of Homewood can now move forward, relieved that the proposed development will not threaten the character of their community.