According to notices sent out in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of Hoover, the Islamic Academy of Alabama has resubmitted its application for a zoning change to allow it to relocate from Homewood to Meadowbrook Corporate Park. The issue will be taken up by the Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission on October 6, at 6 p.m.
The original zoning application submitted in May requested the city grant a zoning variance to "convert the existing office building into a school and community center with a playground."
SEE: Residents concerned about zoning changes to allow Islamic Academy of Alabama to relocate to Hoover
RELATED: Islamic Academy of Alabama pulls zoning application to relocate to Hoover
The school is K-12 and currently has 240 students, with 38 staff members on its payroll.
The City's Planning and Zoning Board was scheduled to address the issue on Monday, June 9; however, the application was withdrawn just days before the vote.
Board members include:
- Mike Wood, Chair
- Jennifer Peace, Vice-Chair
- Khristi Driver, Council Liaison
- Greg Knighton
- Jason Lovoy
- Nathan Reed
- Ben Wieseman
- Becky White
- Mike White
The proposed school and zoning change was discussed during a Hoover City Council candidate forum hosted by the Birmingham Islamic Society (BIS), with candidates reportedly stating that they would evaluate the situation based on all relevant factors, including community and resident feedback. Despite protests from several candidates, the BIS would not allow video recording of the forum, resulting in no record of their full responses.
A Change.org petition was started when the zoning change was first announced for consideration and has gathered 585 signatures.
The petition states, "It is critical that the residents and businesses of Meadowbrook and surrounding areas are considered and consulted before such changes are approved. While diversity and the growth of educational opportunities are important, the specific location for such development must be thoughtfully considered. Corporate parks have a specialized function that must be preserved to maintain the economic health of local business environments."
The Birmingham Business Journal reported that the school's current property in Homewood, owned by the North American Islamic Trust, was listed for sale in April.
The Zoning meeting will take place on October 6 at 6 p.m. The board's recommendation will then be sent to the whole city council for a vote.
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