BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Photos courtesy of Ann Harper, Millbrook Economic Development Director
Two years ago the City of Millbrook annexed and rezoned 90 acres of land at the owner’s request into city limits that runs along I-65 from the Circle K (former Entec) north along Interstate 65. The city also approved the purchase of 60-foot wide piece of land off Highway 14 that would allow for an entrance to any future development.
The city might want to start planning on a roadway, after signs are now appearing that the land is currently being handled by a land developer and will be available for commercial and multi-purpose use, to include some residential.
Joneslanglasalle.com is the website associated with the number on the signs. From their website in the “About” section, it reads, “We’re a world leader in real estate services, powered by an entrepreneurial spirit. We want the most ambitious clients to work with us, and the most ambitious people to work for us. It’s as simple as that.
“We buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing and technology.”
As for Millbrook Mayor All Kelley and members of the City Council, they were all smiles as the announcement was made during the regular City Council meeting Tuesday.
“When you go by Taco Bell … I want you to look at the sign that went up today. This council two years ago approved zoning on that 90-acre tract of land. This council approved and bought a 60-foot wide section to build a road. What is it? A road to nowhere right now. Now there is a sign on that property and another on the interstate that says that 90 acres will be developed into multi-purpose use. All of the retail will be on the side along I-65. Picture it … you have Jack’s, then the 60-foot tract we bought, then Popeye’s which starts construction next month, and Taco Bell which is just about built.”
“If you get in your car and head north on I-65 I want you to look at that 90-acre property on your right. It is all interstate property,” Mayor Kelley said. “It is going to be huge. This council saw fit to do this thing a couple of years ago and I want to thank them for doing that. The signs just went up today. Economic Development Director Ann Harper has been working with the developer that has done big projects in Alabaster and Pelham, so we are looking forward to that. Huge developments. It will be mixed use development (with commercial and some residential as well.)”
Council President Michael Gay said that any development on the 90-acres will include green space. “We will work with the developers to make sure there is ample green space for the surrounding area. The developers will respect the neighborhoods in that area and ensure they have their privacy and are taken care of.”
We will have more on this developing story with updates when available.
This announcement comes just after another big one last week, concerning the “17 Springs” Multi-plex area that will be adjacent to the Grandview YMCA property, with portions along Hwy. 14 and Dismukes Road. It will be done in three phases, and will contain tennis courts, Pickle Ball courts, multiple multi-purpose fields, a new football stadium and competitive track, field and Soccer stadium and potentially much more. Mayor Kelley said that the overall plan is established, but other areas within could be developed based on community interest.
The projected cost of the project is around $35 million that grew from an original $22 million estimate as more planning and ideas came along. The cost will be shared by five entities including the City of Millbrook, Elmore County Board of Education, the Elmore County Economic Development Association, and the Grandview YMCA which will handle management of programs. Work has also begun to gather grants and potential corporate sponsorships.
“I have heard people say they would like to see a Splash Pad, and a dog park,” Mayor Kelley said last week. “We will take all of into consideration. This will be huge for quality of life and recreational tourism.”
This new development will relieve pressure on the Mill Creek Sports Complex behind Village Green and Memorial Parks. A decision will be made to determine how much of the old park remains, or is developed into other projects.
