Homewood, AL, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The redevelopment plans for the Piggly Wiggly store in Homewood have been revised in response to community concerns regarding traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The new design includes enhanced features like green space and an improved entrance for local students, ensuring a safer shopping experience. Additionally, the tax incentive request has been reduced from $3.5 million to $3 million. A public hearing is scheduled for August 25 to further discuss these changes.
Homewood’s Piggly Wiggly Redevelopment Plans Revised to Address Community Concerns
The redevelopment plan for the Piggly Wiggly store in Homewood has been significantly revised to address the concerns of local citizens and businesses. The store is situated on Montgomery Highway directly across from Shades Cahaba Elementary School, which has heightened community interest in the redevelopment process over the past couple of years.
Recent discussions have focused on numerous issues, including traffic flow, loading docks, and pedestrian safety. In response to these concerns, the developers have revisited their plans and introduced a new design that aims to be more accommodating to the community’s needs.
The updated plan retains the store’s prominent position at a key intersection in the city and features an enhanced entrance to the pedestrian tunnel used by students from Shades Cahaba. In addition to improving safety, the redesign incorporates green space, providing a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Overall, the new store design will be larger than the existing layout and includes ample parking facilities to accommodate customers better. In the wake of these revisions, Homewood’s Finance Committee has also reviewed and adjusted the previous tax incentive agreement related to the project. The tax incentive request has been reduced from $3.5 million to $3 million, reflecting the cost savings and changes associated with the revised, slightly smaller plan.
The Finance Committee has voted to advance the updated tax incentive agreement to the full Council, with a public hearing scheduled for August 25 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Mayor Alex Wyatt has expressed optimism that these changes will satisfactorily address the community’s concerns.
Construction of the new store will necessitate a temporary closure of the current Piggly Wiggly, but developers have pledged to work on improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety during the redesign. The overarching goal of the project is to enhance the shopping experience and visual appeal for customers.
Developer Murray Legg indicated that the redesigned store would appear completely new, both externally and internally. The Finance Committee meeting also addressed other significant issues, such as bids for the Green Springs Phase 2 project and funding for the Lakeshore Drive/I-65 transportation project.
Key Features of the New Redevelopment Plan
- Maintains prominent location on Montgomery Highway
- Improved entrance for Shades Cahaba students
- Integration of green space
- Larger store size with more parking
- Reduced tax incentive request: $3 million
Upcoming Public Hearing
The public is invited to discuss the revised tax incentive agreement on August 25, where further insights regarding the redevelopment plan will be shared. This meeting is an important step in ensuring community involvement in the process.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of Homewood’s Piggly Wiggly is a significant project aimed at revitalizing the area while considering the concerns of local residents and businesses. The changes implemented in the revised plan reflect a commitment to enhancing the community’s safety, aesthetic appeal, and overall shopping experience.
FAQs
What is being planned for the Piggly Wiggly store in Homewood?
The Piggly Wiggly store is undergoing a redevelopment, which includes a larger layout, improved parking, and enhanced pedestrian safety measures.
When will the public hearing on the tax incentive agreement take place?
The public hearing is scheduled for August 25 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.
How will traffic and pedestrian safety be improved in the new design?
The new design includes an improved entrance for students using the pedestrian tunnel and plans to enhance traffic flow around the store during and after construction.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Prominent intersection on Montgomery Highway |
| Store Size | Larger than current store layout |
| Parking | Increased parking availability |
| Green Space | Integrated into the new design |
| Tax Incentive | Reduced request to $3 million |
| Public Hearing | Scheduled for August 25 at 6 p.m. |
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Homewood’s Piggly Wiggly Redevelopment
- WBRC: Homewood Piggly Wiggly Redevelopment Plans
- The Homewood Star: Piggly Wiggly Redevelopment Plan Advances
- Google Search: Homewood Piggly Wiggly redevelopment
- Wikipedia: Urban redevelopment
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