Pre-Council Meeting - June 22, 2026
The biggest discussion from this Pre-Council meeting centered on a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center applications. The pause would give the city time to study potential impacts and develop zoning guidelines before considering any future projects. Officials emphasized there are currently no pending data center applications in Homewood.
They also reviewed funding for the U.S. 31 access management project, which includes safety improvements, reduced conflict points, pedestrian upgrades, and could unlock a separate ALDOT resurfacing project along the corridor.
The city is moving forward with the renovation of the parking lot at 185 Oxmoor Road, with construction expected to take approximately 60 working days once underway.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/4oCjyu7
Details
Waterworks Budget Transfer; Council received no update on the previously discussed budget transfer related to a past Homewood Police Department construction project and agreed to continue the item for future consideration. Carried Over.
Property Rezoning Near Lee Center; Council reviewed a request to rezone a small portion of property previously transferred to a neighboring homeowner so the zoning classification matches surrounding property. Officials described the request as a housekeeping measure and said a public hearing will be scheduled before final action is considered. Added to the Council Meeting.
Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive Intersection; Council discussed adding yield signs and pavement markings at the intersection after a resident raised concerns that the current layout is confusing for drivers. Officials said the improvements would clarify right-of-way rules and improve safety but require a future ordinance before installation. Added to the Council Meeting.
Data Center Moratorium; Council reviewed a proposed temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center applications while the city studies potential impacts and develops zoning regulations specific to data centers. Officials emphasized there are currently no pending applications and said the pause would give the city time to establish clear standards before considering future proposals. Added to the Council Meeting.
Woodvale Lane Public Nuisance Property; Council discussed beginning the process to declare a property on Woodvale Lane a public nuisance and set a public hearing. Officials noted the goal is for the property owner to correct the issues before council action becomes necessary. Added to the Council Meeting.
Surplus Vehicles and Equipment; Council reviewed a request to declare several city vehicles, furniture items, and outdated fire department equipment as surplus because they are no longer needed or have been replaced. Added to the Council Meeting.
U.S. 31 Access Management Project; Council reviewed a funding request required by ALDOT to move forward with the U.S. 31 safety improvement project. Officials said the project includes access management changes, pedestrian improvements, and will also trigger a state-funded resurfacing project along the corridor, providing significant additional value to the city. Added to the Council Meeting.
185 Oxmoor Road Parking Lot Improvements; Council reviewed a proposed construction agreement for parking lot improvements at 185 Oxmoor Road. This is the old Waffle House location. Nearby business owners have been coordinating parking arrangements during construction and expect the work to take approximately 60 working days. Added to the Council Meeting.
Council Meeting - June 22, 2026
The City Council approved a temporary moratorium on new large scale data center applications, giving the city time to study the issue and develop zoning and development standards before any projects are considered. Council also approved funding and concurrence for the US 31 access management project with ALDOT and moved forward with a rezoning request tied to the Provision Studio project. Two public hearings were held on requests to vacate unused alley right of way areas, with both receiving neighborhood support and scheduled for a final vote on July 13.
Agenda:
https://bit.ly/3QQ5CQT
Details
Provision Studio Rezoning; Council approved rezoning property at 2773 and 2777 18th Street South from C-2 to C-4 Central Business District to support the proposed Provision Studio project. Approved.
Virginia Drive Alley Vacation Request; Residents requested that a portion of an alley adjacent to their property be vacated, explaining it has long functioned as part of their yard and is no longer usable as an alley because of stormwater infrastructure improvements. Multiple neighbors spoke in support, and council will consider final action at its July meeting. Carried Over.
Morris Boulevard Alley Vacation Request; Property owners requested vacation of an unmaintained alley between 115 and 117 Morris Boulevard that has functioned as a driveway for many years. The request would allow the property boundaries to better match the existing use of the land, and council will consider final action in July. Carried Over.
Money Measures Ordinance Repeal; Council received the first reading of an ordinance repealing outdated provisions that required certain money-related measures to be delayed under the city's former committee structure. The change reflects Homewood's current form of government and meeting process. Carried Over.
Budget Change Ordinance; Council received the first reading of an ordinance requiring future municipal budget changes to be approved by ordinance, providing additional transparency and documentation for budget amendments. Carried Over.
Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance Updates; Council reviewed changes to the Historic Preservation Commission ordinance to reflect the city's new government structure, update appointment procedures, clarify terms, and define the role of council and staff liaisons. Carried Over.
Oxmoor Road Tree Planting Agreement; Council approved indemnification agreements allowing property owners at 101, 102, 103, and 105 Oxmoor Road to plant trees within the public right-of-way landscaping strip. Approved.
Data Center Moratorium; Council approved a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center applications and expansions while the city studies potential impacts and develops zoning and development standards. Officials emphasized that there are currently no pending data center applications and that the moratorium is intended to provide time for planning rather than permanently prohibit data centers. Approved.
City Vouchers; Council approved payment of vouchers covering the period from June 9 through June 22. Approved.
Woodvale Lane Public Nuisance Hearing; Council scheduled a public hearing for July 27 to consider declaring the property at 405 Woodvale Lane a public nuisance. Approved.
U.S. 31 Access Management Project; Council approved a concurrence agreement and related budget amendment for the U.S. 31 access management project. Officials said the funding commitment is needed to meet an Alabama Department of Transportation deadline and will support roadway improvements and paving along the corridor. Approved.
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