Revised Homewood Piggly Wiggly redevelopment a ‘win-win’ adds green space

The much-anticipated Piggly Wiggly redevelopment in Homewood has been revised. 

For a couple of years plans to redevelop the Piggly Wiggly located on Montgomery Highway across from Shades Cahaba Elementary School has been a hot topic in Homewood. 

Concerns were raised by local citizens and businesses about traffic, loading docks and pedestrian safety. After months of discussion, the developers recently changed the redevelopment proposal and returned to the Homewood City Council with a new more community friendly design. 

“After working on the Piggly Wiggly plan for quite a while now, we have had a plan presented that checks all the boxes, making it a win-win for the city, the community, the Pig and the citizens.”

Barry Smith, Ward 4 City Council and President Pro Tem

Changes to the Homewood Piggly Wiggly plan

According to the City of Homewood, the new revised incorporates the following elements:

• Rebuilding on the current site, which means the store will temporarily close during construction
• Adds more green space
• Provides a safer route for children using the nearby tunnel to school
• Improves traffic flow
• Resolves earlier concerns about truck deliveries. Parking will also increase compared to today’s layout

Smith described in detail the changes.

“There were numerous concerns with a previous plan that involved moving the location of the store. 

This new plan keeps the store front and center at one of the most prominent intersections in the city and by reorienting the store, we’re getting green space and an improved entrance to the tunnel through which Shades Cahaba students walk to get to school. 

There will be ample parking and the store will be brand new and larger than the current store.”

Next step for the new and improved “Pig”

This week, as a result of the new and improved plan, the City’s Finance Committee reviewed and revised the redevelopment’s previous tax incentive agreement. Because the plan is less expensive and slightly smaller than the original, the incentive request dropped from $3.5 million to $3 million. 

The committee voted to advance the incentive agreement to the full Council for a public hearing scheduled for August 25.

“The Piggly Wiggly is an important touchstone for the citizens of Homewood, and to know that we’ll have a new and  improved Pig with all of the other benefits that come along with it, is an exciting prospect!”

Barry Smith, Ward 4 City Council and President Pro Tem

Check out the new redevelopment site plan with maps — HERE.

Are you excited about a new redeveloped Piggly Wiggly location in Homewood? Tell us what you think of the revised plans, by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow