Samford listened to the community and is changing its plans for the 27-acre mixed-use “Creekside” development plan in bold fashion. Instead of the “village” design with residential and commercial use, the space across from the university’s campus will now become home to another Walmart Supercenter.
Samford is developing the space next to HHS, currently including Samford’s Track and Soccer Complex, a commercial office building and parking. They originally released a plan aiming to foster an environment where the entire community can enjoy retail stores, dining, entertainment and residential units.
However, the university received community backlash from residents with concerns about environmental impact, increased traffic on Lakeshore and proximity to Homewood High School.
One passionate resident, Norma Jergens, expressed her concerns about the project’s effects on traffic and local salamander populations.
“The traffic on Lakeshore is already a death sentence,” Jergens said. “And I have to think about those poor salamanders who rely on the wetlands in that area to survive.”
Reacting to the abundance of similar criticisms, Samford partnered with Walmart to come up with a different plan.
“We heard the complaints, and frankly, we get it,” said Samford construction coordinator Tad Chansley. “So what we’ve come up with instead is another Walmart to meet the needs of our students and community.”
The nearest Walmart to Samford is a lengthy two miles down Lakeshore, with an even less accessible Walmart Neighborhood Market 2.8 miles away at the Palisades.
“Sure, there’s the Target down the road, but instead of just crossing the street, you have to cross the street AND turn left,” Chansley added.
A Samford student who pleaded to remain anonymous due to the swirl of controversy expressed their excitement for the new plans.
“When the original plans came out, I was pretty disappointed,” they said. “We’re kind of in a Walmart desert down here, there was an obvious void to fill that I’m happy they recognized.”
Construction will begin in June, and they hope to have the store open by the beginning of the next school year.
“This can only mean good things for the entire community,” Chansley. “This will funnel so many job opportunities and tax dollars to Homewood and its schools. We’re obviously doing this for the people. It’s what they overwhelmingly want.”
