NEWS

WHAT’S NEW IN 2022?

A Lot, According to Mountain Brook and Hoover Officials

By Ally Morrison

From wrapping up work on sidewalks to narrowing in on plans to build a full performing arts center, there are many projects and plans on the books this year in Mountain Brook and Hoover. City officials with both areas speak on their plans for the year. In our Jan. 27 issue we’ll highlight Homewood and Vestavia Hills.

Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, who has been in that position for 29 years, said the city has started several improvements that will be continued into next year.

“We’re finishing up a lot of athletic improvements, and hopefully in about two months we will have a totally new athletic complex at Mountain Brook High School,” Gaston said. “The complex was built in the late ‘80s and over time has gotten outdated. It will be a total makeover for our very active sports programs.”

The plans for the complex include new restrooms, a new concession stand, playground equipment, security cameras and walkways.

Birmingham-based Fairway Investments and Atlanta-based Pope & Land Enterprises purchased a bulk of Brookwood Village Mall in August 2021 with plans to transform the struggling mall.

“We are working very closely with the city of Homewood, talking as one unit and one voice to ensure the new development is conducive to both of our cities.” Gaston said.

Gaston said three bridges in the Mountain Brook area also will be restored. The Caldwell Mill Road bridge and the Old Brook Trail bridge will be replaced, and the Canterbury Road bridge will be rehabilitated.

Gaston attributes every accomplishment he has had in his years with the city to the team he has been able to build.

“We’ve built a wonderful staff here in the city of Mountain Brook.” Gaston said. “When you hire good people and take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. It’s all about the team, and we have a great team.”

Journal photo by Jordan Wald

‘We are working very closely with the city of Homewood, talking as one unit and one voice to ensure the new development [Brookwood Village Mall property] is conducive to both of our cities.’

MOUNTAIN BROOK CITY MANAGER SAM GASTON

Hoover

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato was elected in 2016 after having previously served with the Hoover Fire Department.

“I served with the fire department for 42 years, and every day of my career was different. Not much changed when I became mayor,” Brocato said. “My most notable achievement has been the impact we have made on people’s lives, serving the people of Hoover.”

Brocato’s plans for the new year include the development of a state-ofthe-art performing arts center. The goal for the development is to showcase Broadway shows and musical and entertainment acts. Some of the locations being considered include the Patton Creek Shopping Venue and the Riverchase Galleria Mall.

“We do very well with our sports and recreation; however, I see a need for this performing arts center to address the aspect of art. We need a place for our children to perform.” Brocato said.

In addition to the construction of a new performing arts center, the city of Hoover is working hard with owners of the Galleria on plans for redevelopment of the mall.

“We do know that, as shopping patterns change, the Galleria will one day look like a mixed-use type of campus,” Brocato said.

In the past year, the city of Hoover opened a new training center for the Hoover Police Department.

“Police are being scrutinized all around the country, but we’ve had the opportunity to open this facility. It’s important for how they police in our community,” Brocato said.

The city also is continuing to work on making the city more walkable. The installation of many sidewalks and trails will allow residents to walk to coffee shops, retail areas and restaurants.

As 2021 comes to a close, Mountain Brook and Hoover officials say they will continue actively working to improve each community by prioritizing the needs of their citizens.

‘We do know that, as shopping patterns change, the Galleria will one day look like a mixed-use type of campus.’ Hoover Unveils Marketing Campaign, “Love to Live in Hoover”

By Ally Morrison

The city of Hoover has launched a celebratory marketing campaign, “Love to Live in Hoover,” after being named “The Best Place to Live in Alabama” by news and commentary website 24/7 Wall St. during the summer.

“I’ve always thought Hoover was the best place to live in our beloved state for many, many years,” Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato said. “But to have a publication that studies cities and states deem that same sentiment — it is an honor.”

According to a press release from the city, the campaign was revealed during a Dec. 17 news conference in which Brocato was joined by Hoover City Council President John Lydia, Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens and Shelby County Commissioner Lindsey Allison.

“It’s truly a great day for the city of Hoover. Today didn’t happen by accident. It required leadership both past and present,” Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens said.

“It didn’t come by chance. It came by hard work, cooperation, good governance. But most importantly, it came with a sense of community,” he said. “If you don’t have that and working together, it’s all for naught.”

The marketing campaign was created by Content Logistix, a Hoover-based marketing company. The campaign includes a video highlighting various sites around Hoover, interstate banners over I-459 at the Lorna Road Bridge and banners at the Alford Avenue exit.

In addition, the campaign features three 8-foot hearts placed at City Hall, along U.S. 280 and along Alabama 150.

The campaign also includes more than 30 3-foot hearts placed in many significant locations around the city, including Veterans Park, Moss Rock Preserve, Aldridge Gardens, Spain Park and Hoover high schools, Tip Top and the Hoover Folklore Center.

Residents of Hoover are invited to take photos with the installments and post to social media by scanning the QR code found on the hearts. This QR code will direct residents to post their personal photo on the campaign Facebook and Instagram pages, both titled “Love to Live in Hoover.”

“This is a reflection of the wonderful people who live here, the amazing businesses that choose to operate in our city, our amazing school district and our dedicated city employees,” Brocato said.

“As mayor, I could not be more proud of who we are as Hoover. I can honestly say – I love to live in Hoover.”