PELHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Pelham City Council is expected weigh in Monday night on a zoning request that would allow for the development of 167 acres along Highway 11 near the Grey Oaks subdivision by 68 Ventures.
But not everyone is in favor of the project moving forward until what they consider “safety” issues are addressed.
CBS 42 News spoke with Wade Belcher, the chairman of the Property Owner’s Association for Grey Oaks. He said the group is not opposed to 68 Venture’s plan to develop the property but wants to see concerns over traffic addressed first.
The Pelham City Council is scheduled to consider a request by 68 Ventures to rezone property along Highway 11 in Pelham from a “general business district” to a “mixed-used neighborhood district.”
Plans include developing 167 acres into 310 residential lots along with three acres of retail, walking trails, picnic areas and parks.
“The concern is not about development," Belcher said. "It's not about the future of adding more people, but it’s the current issue of the traffic and the safety.”
“We have young drivers driving out of our subdivision every day, every morning," Belcher continued. "Traffic is horrendous.”
Belcher said he would like to see a light at Grey Oaks Parkway and Highway 11, and the Property Owner’s Association for Grey Oaks is asking for the city’s help.
CBS 42 reached out to the engineer for Shelby County, David Willingham, who said there was a traffic study done last month, and the amount of traffic did not warrant a traffic signal being put in at that location. It came close, however. The city council Monday evening will vote on a proposal to conduct another traffic study next September.
CBS 42 reached out to 68 Ventures to ask about its rezoning request, but it told us it was traveling to get to Pelham and would not be able to talk before the meeting.