Jefferson County Commission

JeffCo Commission Delays Decision on High-Density Development, Wants New Rules in Place First

Jason Wilson spoke to Jefferson County commissioners on behalf of K&K Properties LLC. (Photo by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.)

Jason Wilson might think he deserves his own parking place at the Jefferson County Courthouse after his fifth visit with the County Commission in pursuit of a zoning change for a development on Eastern Valley Road in McCalla.

And his latest visit today won’t be his last after commissioners agreed to pass on the matter for 90 days as revisions to zoning rules are made. But Wilson, who represents K&K Properties LLC, is undeterred.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” he said after this morning’s meeting. “Whatever we can do for the commission and Planning and Zoning. We’re working with both of them as well as the Homeowners Association of Birmingham to see what we can do to provide solutions.”

On a previous visit, Wilson and K&K sought to change A-1 agricultural property to RG for garden homes. That plan was revised to the current request for an R-3 two-family, single-family residential subdivision.

During the meeting, commissioners complimented the applicant for making changes to make the proposed development more amenable to preexisting residents.

“We purchased this property earlier this year, knowing that there are so many jobs coming to this area,” Wilson told the commission. “We’re really looking to provide housing for 45 families, quality homes that are very close to the high school there at McAdory.”

Joe Knight said he appreciates Wilson having visited several times, tweaking his request in pursuit of approval.

“You have worked with us and I really appreciate that,” he said, “but I’m not comfortable with that 50-foot (wide) lot. I hate to do it to you, Mr. Wilson, but I move that we pass (delay) this one more time to give our team a chance to look wholistically because I don’t want to do something now where we make some changes to make some uniform guidelines. Then (other applicants) will say you did it for him, do it for us. I think we’re close on you.”