University of Montevallo’s Environmental Club is turning its attention to a new development for Ebenezer Swamp.

Last week, the club hosted a “teach-in” at the Center for the Arts on campus. The event focused on splitting into small groups while members of the club taught participants about the swamp.

Dr.Caplow, an associate professor of Environmental Studies, encouraged the group to continue their support for the swamp.

Caplow invited everyone to attend an Alabaster City Hall meeting the following Monday to discuss the newest proposed development in the swamp’s watershed. 

While the group was well aware of the planned residential community known as Walker Springs, there are now plans to move forward with a commercial development. 

Jessica Snow is an Alabaster resident and an avid leader within the group against the developments on the swampland. Following the meeting, she sent out a newsletter explaining the “commercial development as it was introduced at the city council meeting on Sept 12,2022 as a proposed ordinance.” 

Her newsletter goes on to explain that “As proposed, this commercial development consists of 45 acres that will provide self-storage units, warehouse/office spaces and restaurants. This development proposes another road to be constructed and will be accessed via a redlight at Mission Hills Rd and Hwy 119.”

At the meeting, a spokesperson from the Bruno Development Company reiterated their commitment to the city saying, “Our goal is to make this property something the city can be very proud of. First of all, our concept is to go along with the 119 Overlay project.”

He was the only one who spoke in favor of the development.

Afterward, the floor was opened for those against the plans. Several Alabaster residents took the opportunity to share their disdain for the plans. Including, former University of Montevallo professor, Dr. Mike Hardig. 

Hardig’s remarks focused on the impervious surfaces the construction will create and their effects on the swamp.

The University of Delaware’s Agricultural website describes these as “impermeable/impervious surfaces are solid surfaces that don’t allow water to penetrate, forcing it to run off.”

Hardig went on to explain that an increase in the surface area of impermeable land will create access runoff and flooding in the area. 

“The possible solutions for this are less parking areas, fewer structures and use of pervious surface materials,” he said. 

Several other Alabaster residents spoke about concerns including current vacant commercial structures, traffic and the lack of need for the development.

An infographic from concerned Alabaster citizens. Courtesy of Jessica Snow.

While the Bruno development is still in its early stages compared to the already approved Walker Springs development, the Environmental Club is taking it very seriously. 

“I think what was really disappointing about the city council’s perspective is that I’m hoping they’ll work this us,” said Caplow. She reiterated that while they hope the development doesn’t happen at all if it does happen that it is done correctly. 

“I see such an opportunity if they do want to develop in these spaces, to do to it in a way that is new, different and sustainable,” she said. With the two developments at play, work has increased for those wanting to protect the swamp.

“Transitioning from one to two creates a lot more work for us as we are trying to address this from multiple angles by working with community members, trying to amend the plans to be more friendly to the swamp and asking the council member to speak with us,” she said. 
The club is encouraging those interested to attend the public hearing for the residential development on Monday, Nov 14 at 7:00 PM in the Alabaster Council Chambers. There is also information available on their Instagram account.