Every public hearing on Samford University's proposed Creekside development fared the same way: overwhelming opposition from everyone except the university and its development partner. Now, just days before the Homewood City Council was to take up the plan, it has been pulled.
According to the Homewood Star, "Samford University, Landmark Development and Johnson Controls announced today that they are withdrawing the rezoning applications and development plans pending before the Homewood City Council for the Creekside West and East projects and will focus their efforts on current and planned construction on Samford’s campus."
“Samford will continue to focus on its multi-phase master development plan for campus improvements to enhance campus lifestyle and promote an environment for academic and personal success which are essential to keeping Samford mission-focused and competitive,” Samford president Beck Taylor said in a press release. “The work we do to keep Samford on its positive trajectory benefits all of Homewood, and we are proud of our relationship with the Homewood community.”
The massive plan, which would have called for construction over a seven to 10 year period, caught residents off guard, with every public meeting including speaker after speaker stating concerns that ranged from noise and light pollution, traffic and safety impacts on Lakeshore Drive, worries about the econmic incentives and even the challenges that the development would have for the neighborhoring high school.
Supporters of Samford University told 1819 News that their concerns went beyond those of the residents and to the heart of who Samford is and wants to be in the future.
Taylor told the Samford Crimson, "The current development plan would very likely include restaurants that would sell beer and wine."
"The hotel would probably also sell alcohol," he added. "Our board of trustees have approved some amendments to our alcohol policy to allow for (this)."
1819 News has requested a copy of the policy changes referenced in Taylor's statement and comment on whether the university sees the change in alcohol policy as a cultural shift away from the school's more traditional Baptist background.
A spokesman for the university declined to comment on the changes but provided what he called the "most current and up to date information in reference to Samford’s alcohol policy."
The policy does state that "Samford Campus" is defined as "Property owned or leased by Samford University wherever located (including, but not limited to, property both North of Lakeshore Drive and South of Lakeshore Drive)"
RELATED: Homewood residents start petition opposing Samford University's planned Creekside development
“There is no timetable for revisiting Creekside, and our team’s focus right now is on the current and planned projects on Samford’s campus,” Landmark Development president Bob Dunn said in the release, according to the Hoover Star.
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