Keep 106 Acres of Lake Tuscaloosa Public

UPDATE RESPONSE FROM CITY:

The Planning and Zoning Commission is considering a plat tonight related to the Spillway property and the public infrastructure belonging to the City. The subdivision is a land planning step that to protect that critical infrastructure. That being said, it’s important to note a number of things:

While there have been public discussions related to an RFP for a portion of this property, the City Council has not directed that action take place. The Properties Committee and Council would have to authorize the RFP for any possible sale.
The property is zoned Open Space. If the City Council authorizes RFP and a possible sale is considered, rezoning would be required. Rezonings require a recommendation vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission before the City Council hears and considers it.

The Planning Commission tonight is simply considering the subdivision for critical infrastructure, which will leave two remainder lots – one north of New Watermelon and one south of it. It will remain Open Space, and the only thing that could change that is if the above-mentioned public hearing processes occur.

A Petition to the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission, Mayor Walt Maddox, and the Tuscaloosa City Council:

On Monday, July 20th, the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission will consider Agenda Item S-53-26, a proposal involving the preliminary plat  of approximately 106 acres of city-owned wooded property located on New Watermelon Road near the Lake Tuscaloosa Dam and Spillway.  

We, the undersigned residents of Lake Crest, Lake Ridge and neighboring areas, respectfully urge the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission to recommend against any future sale of this property and ask Mayor Walt Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council to keep this land in public ownership.

We support responsible growth and understand that Tuscaloosa will continue to develop. However, not every piece of land is the same. This 106-acre tract is already owned by the people of Tuscaloosa. Once it is sold, it will almost certainly never again be available for public use.

Why We Oppose the Sale

Traffic and Public Safety. New Watermelon Road already experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during school arrival and dismissal times. A major residential development on this property would add hundreds of additional daily vehicle trips to an already busy corridor, increasing congestion and creating additional safety concerns for residents, students, and emergency responders.

Infrastructure. This area north of the river has experienced substantial residential growth in recent years. Additional development would place greater demands on sewer capacity and other public infrastructure that already serves this rapidly growing part of Tuscaloosa.

School Capacity. Northridge Middle School and Northridge High School are already at or near capacity. At the same time, multiple new neighborhoods are planned or under construction near Sokol Park, and additional residential growth is expected as development expands along the McWright’s Ferry Road corridor. Selling this property for another large residential development would only increase enrollment pressures on our schools.

Protecting Lake Tuscaloosa. This wooded property serves as an important natural buffer along Lake Tuscaloosa. Preserving the forest helps reduce stormwater runoff, erosion, and sediment entering the lake while protecting wildlife habitat and the natural beauty of one of Tuscaloosa’s greatest resources. As our community’s primary drinking water source, Lake Tuscaloosa deserves careful stewardship.

A Better Vision for This Property. This land already belongs to the citizens of Tuscaloosa. While it is not currently open for public use, it represents one of the few remaining opportunities to create meaningful public access to Lake Tuscaloosa in the future.

Instead of selling this unique property for private development, we encourage the City to preserve it as a permanent public asset that could one day include:

• Walking and nature trailsl
• Scenic overlooks
• Picnic areas
• A public swimming beach or swimming dock
• Environmental education opportunities
• Passive recreation and open green space

Very little shoreline around Lake Tuscaloosa is publicly accessible. Once this land is sold into private ownership, the opportunity to create a public lakeside park or recreation area will be lost forever.

A Decision That Will Last for Generations. Growth will continue in northern Tuscaloosa, and we support thoughtful planning for that growth. However, public land is a finite resource. Once it is sold, it cannot be replaced.

This decision is about more than 106 acres. It is about whether we preserve a unique public asset for future generations or permanently give up the possibility of using it for the public good.

We respectfully ask the Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission to recommend against the sale of this property and ask Mayor Walt Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council to keep this 106-acre tract in public ownership for the benefit of all Tuscaloosa residents.

Please sign this petition if you believe this unique piece of city-owned land should remain public and be preserved for future generations.

Link to referred agenda item: https://assets.caboosecms.com/media/15541632_s-53-26-packet.pdf?1784057218