On Monday, Broad Metro president William Kadish released a video in which he addressed a recent Hoover City Council meeting in which council president John Lyda brought up Kadish's felony arrest in 2001 as a reason for not going through with plans for an 82-acre, $250 million Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 project.
In the video, Kadish said it was "hard to understand" why Lyda would bring up the developer's past in the meeting.
"Just before a vote was to take place on Stadium Trace Village Phase 2, a project we had been working with the City for over 14 months, Councilman John Lyda chose to resurrect a mistake I made 24 years ago. It's hard to understand why he would choose to do this. I am very appreciative and thankful for the people of Hoover who have reached out to me and all of those residents who apologized on behalf of the City. The feedback received on social media has provided me with reassurance."
"Councilman Lyda may forever be labeled John the Moral Dinosaur. It's hard to understand why a mistake I made over 24 years ago, particularly in light of my extensive engagement with the City of Hoover over the last five years, was brought up in this manner. During this time, my involvement has centered around the development of Stadium Trace Village, which has highly regarded and has significantly contributed to the county, the City of Hoover and the school dsitrict in terms of tax revenue."
Kadish admitted to not being "immune to making mistakes" and discussed getting addicted to opioids after being prescribed and then participating in gambling. He added he had self-reported his problems and was eventually allowed to have his records sealed after proving he had shown "good moral character."
"Unfortunately, at the City Council meeting, I was not allowed the opportunity to respond [to Lyda]," he lamented. "The lack of due process disregards the progress I have made and all the hard work that I put in. It was unbelievably frustrating. I have spent over 20 years of my life trying to make up for the mistake I made in 2001. I would have much rather utilized that time before the council to speak about Stadium Trace Village Phase 2. The community has shown overwhelmingly that they support the project."
Kadish reportedly met with Hoover residents on Monday night to discuss the second phase plans and hear feedback.
The Hoover City Council's next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 15. The council is set to consider the developer's plan during the meeting.
Watch the full video here.
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