Hoover, Alabama, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Islamic Academy of Alabama has submitted a new application to change zoning in order to relocate from Homewood to Meadowbrook Corporate Park. This decision will be reviewed by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on October 6. The application aims to convert an existing office building into a K-12 school and community center, which includes a playground. Concerns from the community, highlighted by a Change.org petition with 585 signatures, emphasize the need for consultation before any zoning alterations are made.
Hoover, Alabama – Islamic Academy of Alabama Resubmits Zoning Change Application
The Islamic Academy of Alabama has resubmitted its application for a zoning change to relocate from Homewood to Meadowbrook Corporate Park. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission is set to consider this application on October 6 at 6 p.m.
Originally submitted in May, the zoning change application seeks to convert an existing office building into a school and community center that would include a playground. The Academy serves as a K-12 institution with 240 enrolled students and 38 staff members.
The initial application was scheduled for review on June 9; however, it was withdrawn just before the commission’s vote. The Planning and Zoning Board members involved in this process include Chair Mike Wood, Vice-Chair Jennifer Peace, and several other members.
Recent discussions regarding the proposed zoning change took place during a Hoover City Council candidate forum hosted by the Birmingham Islamic Society. City candidates expressed that they would take into account community and resident feedback when evaluating the zoning application. However, the Birmingham Islamic Society did not allow video recording of the forum, which led to the absence of a record for the candidates’ comprehensive responses.
In response to concerns about the relocation, a Change.org petition was initiated against the proposal, accumulating 585 signatures. The petition emphasizes the necessity of community consultation before any zoning changes are approved, underlining the significance of maintaining the specialized function of the corporate park.
The Islamic Academy’s current property in Homewood was listed for sale in April by the North American Islamic Trust. Once the Planning and Zoning Board reviews the application, their recommendations will be forwarded to the city council for a subsequent vote.
Meadowbrook Corporate Park, located along the Highway 280 corridor, spans 175 acres and is described as a master-planned corporate campus. The park boasts landscaped areas, lakes, fountains, walking trails, and a variety of Class A and B office buildings.
The Islamic Academy of Alabama has been an educational establishment for over 25 years, claiming a 100% university admission rate for its graduates.
Background Context
The discussion surrounding the Islamic Academy’s proposed relocation highlights the tension between community needs and the expansion of educational institutions within corporate zones. Residents and city officials are faced with the challenge of balancing the operational goals of the Academy with the intended purpose of Meadowbrook Corporate Park as a professional and corporate environment.
Application Timeline
- Initial Application Submitted: May
- Initial Review Scheduled: June 9 (Withdrawn)
- New Review Scheduled: October 6 at 6 p.m.
Key Features of Meadowbrook Corporate Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Area | 175 acres |
| Location | Along Highway 280 corridor |
| Environment | Landscaping, lakes, fountains, walking trails |
| Buildings | Class A and B office spaces |
Islamic Academy of Alabama Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | K-12 Institution |
| Students | 240 |
| Staff | 38 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% university admission rate |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 1819 News: Islamic Academy of Alabama Resubmits Zoning Application
- Google Search: Islamic Academy of Alabama
- WVTM 13: Hoover to Consider Request for Islamic Academy
- Wikipedia: Hoover, Alabama
- 1819 News: Residents Concerned About Zoning Changes
- Google News: Islamic Academy Hoover
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
