Samford University is making major changes to its proposed Creekside development south of campus across from Lakeshore Parkway that will protect salamander habitat and the Shades Creek watershed.

The announcement was made jointly today by Samford University President Beck A. Taylor and Bob Dunn with Landmark Development, the developer of the project.

The new revised proposal moves the track and soccer facility originally planned for the property east of Homewood High School to a portion of the Homewood Soccer Park property off of South Lakeshore Drive, about a mile to the west.

This change effectively protects the vulnerable salamander habitat and the watershed around it.

Samford stakeholder group helps create better plan

Birmingham — Spotted Salamander near Shades Creek (Fresh Water Land Trust)

According to President Taylor, the convening of the Creekside Development Advisory Group, a committee of Homewood residents and stakeholders helped Samford and Landmark develop a better plan.

“Like any large development, we needed to hear the feedback of our community and the citizens of Homewood. The largest concern that was voiced was ecological damage, not just the salamanders but also the watershed and other related issues.

We considered the concerns of our community and we went back to the drawing board. We tried to find an equally attractive opportunity or alternative. We found it. In fact, I would argue that it’s a much better alternative for us.”

President Beck A. Taylor, Samford University

Several conservationists and local Homewood residents attended the press conference. They were overjoyed when the announcement was made.

Homewood resident and UAB biology professor Megan Gibbons told Bham Now:

“I am ecstatic. I’ve been extremely anxious about this whole process. We are very happy the developer and Samford listened to the concerns of the Homewood residents.”

Now that the property is safe Gibbons and local residents hope the salamander habitat can be enhanced to support the salamanders, whose population in the area has been declining.

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