During the meeting last night, Councilman Wright referred to the 4500 "approved" homes that could currently be built in the city limits.  He is referring to the signed development agreements for Trace Crossings (1987), Ross Bridge (2002) and Preserve (mid 2000s).  In addition to these projects (all of which were signed with US Steel), the city has entered development agreements with O'neal Steel and Dobbins Group for the Mangnolia Grove and Kirkman Preserve PUDs that are currently in development.
 
IMO, I think it is time for Hoover to STOP approving new development agreements until the big three listed above are completed.  While there is nothing that can be done in regard to vested agreements, there are growth management ordinances.  The following is a excerpt from an article on San Jose's growth management measures that were added to the city's municipal code in the 1970's:
 
"Beginning in the 1950s, San José experienced a tremendous increase in residential development, often focused along the periphery of the City. The sporadic development patterns made it difficult and costly to provide such basic services as utility lines, street maintenance, and schools. In response to this trend, San José began implementing growth management measures in the 1970s. Instead of permitting development in remote areas, San José encouraged building adjacent to or within already developed areas."
 
The article went on to state that San Jose required that adequate utility provisions, road improvements, fire and police protection as well as existing school capacity had to be considered before a PUD could come before the city council.
 
This would be HUGE for Hoover.  I would love some feedback from all of you as to how you would feel about a formal proposal to add growth management ordinances to Hoover's municipal code.