Samford University is getting into the alcohol, hotel and entertainment business — that's the plan, at least.
The Christian college is seeking a zoning change to build a mixed-use development on property it owns in Homewood.. This proposal has upset local Homewood residents and signals what one student journalist at the Samford Crimson called a "culture shift in the school's priorities."
The Creekside project includes multiple phases that will be built over the next several years with construction potentially starting as soon as 2026.
According to the university website, the development is: "Based on the university's strategic plan, Fidelitas, the first phase of the campus master plan, Samford Horizons: A Blueprint for Tomorrow, was approved by Samford's board of trustees in December 2023."
University president Beck 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)"
As of this academic school year, the student honor code and student handbook expressly prohibit alcohol consumption.
The student handbook includes 28 references to alcohol and the school's current prohibition, with sections saying:
"It is the policy of Samford University that the use of illicit drugs or alcohol by faculty, staff, and students on campus or in connection with or affecting any school-related activity is strictly prohibited. Violations of this policy will result in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination of faculty and staff, and expulsion of students."
"Samford prohibits the use of tobacco, alcohol, or any other intoxicant while on campus grounds. Failure to meet these expectations can lead to guest removal from campus and/or being held liable for violations."
"Samford is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free campus."
Before the hotel, restaurants and housing can be built, the project still has to work its way through the City of Homewood's zoning process, one that has been fraught with opposition in its initial stages.
During a contentious Homewood Planning Commission meeting on March 4, over two hours were devoted to the project, and frustration was evident, with residents lining up to air their concerns.
Robert Dunn of Landmark Development presented the proposal on behalf of the developer and Samford. Dunn told the commission that the proposed pavilion with restaurants and dining would be "the heart and soul" of the development. He hoped that it would become something that Samford is known for, saying it's for students and the community at large.
"If done right, there should be activation on that plaza nearly all day every day," he advised.
Following his presentation, residents lined up to express their concerns. Steve Kampwerth, a Vestavia resident whose property is adjacent to the current property, said that Samford isn't a great neighbor.
He voiced his concerns, stating that he and his neighbor currently experience noise and light pollution, with field lights shining into his residence for days at a time and music playing at all hours, beginning and ending at irregular times.
He pointed out that he "watched the rebirth of Brookwood Mall," which is located just down the street from the proposed development. He noted that the renditions presented by Samford reminded him of the early designs there. Currently, the location features "empty stores, empty restaurants, and closed properties."
Several of Kampwerth's neighbors also spoke, reiterating his concerns.
One resident complained that they didn't get notice, with one saying she learned about it just the day before and voiced her concern, repeatedly saying she is "shocked" by how little attention was being given to Homewood High School.
Colin Coyne, vice president for Finance, Business Affairs, and Strategy with Samford, eventually got up and acknowledged the residents' concerns, saying, "Historically, Samford has not been the best neighbor. That's a fair and valid criticism of Samford." He went on to claim that the university has worked to fix that in recent years, a fact disputed by residents.
Following the large-scale opposition to the project and council members saying they could not vote to advance the plan if a vote was taken, the developers opted to table the vote and bring it up the following month.
Ironically, the plan moved forward on April Fool's Day, with the planning commission recommending the project go to council in a 6-3 vote.
The Samford Crimson reported on that meeting, quoting Gigi Canale, a Samford sophomore who attended the meeting, who said, "I think the long and short of it is that I'm really frustrated with the direction Samford is going. From watching the citizens of Homewood walk out of that meeting, they were very angry."
At a Homewood City Council meeting last week, the project moved closer to a full council vote.
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