Having lived in the Saraland and Satsuma area for nearly 40 years, I have seen its landscape and community evolve through the years. I care deeply about the decisions we make today and how they will shape our community for generations to come. This is why I am urging you to oppose the re-zoning of a property in our community to R-3 Multifamily.  This property is located on Baldwin Street, just down from Saraland Middle School. (see aerial photo)

Re-zoning this property to R-3 Multifamily will allow a developer to build anything from high-density single-family homes (tiny homes on tiny lots) to apartments or townhouses, duplexes are also an option.  A development of this size in a small residential area comes with a lot of negative impacts, some of which are increased traffic, noise, and additional strain on our emergency services, as well as environmental impacts that can lead to drainage issues and potential flooding.

Anyone living in our area knows all too well that Saraland has already outgrown its infrastructure.  If you drive down Celeste Road in the morning or afternoon, you see the impacts of growing the population without improving infrastructure.  I personally drive Hwy 43 and Celeste Road every morning and afternoon for work, and I wait at the light at Hwy 43 at least 3-4 times every morning before I can turn onto Celeste Road.  It is the same coming home trying to get from Celeste Road to Hwy 43, which is nothing compared to how bad traffic backs up on Celeste Road in the afternoons trying to get to I-65.  I've seen it routinely back up all the way to Rouses.  R-3 developments will only compound this problem.

Multi-family properties often require extended infrastructure that can weigh heavily on the community. New roads, utility lines, and public facilities construction can become a financial burden, resulting in higher taxes or reduced funding for essential services.

The Saraland Master Plan, that was developed through a rigorous process involving hundreds of Saraland citizens, specifically states that the city does not want more R-3 properties. Deviating from this plan would be in direct conflict to what Saraland residents really want. 

Through this petition, let's urge the Saraland City Council and Planning Board to support the city and the Master Plan.  Let's stick to the plan and focus on smart growth, instead of growth without consideration of how it affects the community today and into the future.

I am asking that anyone who feels the same please sign this petition to let the Saraland City Council know.  Also, please consider joining me at the next Saraland City Council meeting on January 22nd to express your concerns in-person.