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Chamber News 

Issue 15
July 2010
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Dear Chamber Supporters & Friends,


HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  Well, school's out and the living is easy...But don't forget our merchants this summer!  We have exciting summer events coming up! Check out the details and follow the links in the newsletter below!



Don't forget to buy VILLAGE GOLD for camp counselors, babysitters, or summer occasions!  It's easy to redeem the certificates dollar for dollar in your favorite stores in Mountain Brook and functions just like a gift card.  LIST OF MERCHANTS WHO ACCEPT IT HERE

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City Council votes to approves Lane Parke
Mountain Brook City Council approves Lane Parke at Mountain Brook Village rezoning Published AL.COM The Birmingham News: Monday, June 28, 2010, 8:21 PM     Updated: Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 6:45 AM
Lane Parke



The Mountain Brook City Council tonight by a 4-1 vote approved rezoning the Mountain Brook Shopping Center, clearing the way for the proposed Lane Parke at Mountain Brook Village development.  Councilman Bob Moody was the lone vote against the development, saying that the development proposed by Evson Inc. is too big.
 
Council President Virginia Smith said she felt the planning and public comment process had made the development more suitable. Councilmen Billy Pritchard and Jesse Vogtle expressed gratitude to residents for their input.

Evson originally proposed the development last year but withdrew its rezoning request after opposition from the community.  The redesigned $200 million development plan covers 14 acres, though the rezoning request encompasses 27 acres. The new design calls for 206,000 square feet of retail space, 20 town homes and enclosed parking decks. Developers plan a two-phase construction over three years, which could begin next spring.

Evson requested a planned unit development zoning, which would allow for a mix of uses including retail, office and residential.  Members of the Friends of Mountain Brook Village, a group opposing the rezoning, said they were disappointed in the decision.
Cornelia LaRussa, who presented the council with a petition of 450 signatures against the project, said council members voted for it because they were tired of hearing about the issue.

"You can't run from a decision because you're tired," she said. "You should not be in that seat if you're tired."  James White, another member, left open the possibility of legal action against the decision.  Mayor Terry Oden, who does not cast votes, spoke briefly afterward about the dangers of legal action. He recounted a three-year legal battle he waged against the U.S. 280 "dirtpile," which he said cost both sides about $500,000 in legal fees. He told the opposition to be proud of what it had already accomplished.
 
"The world didn't come to an end then because we lost," he said. "You have won many battles, and everybody's appreciated what you've done."


The revised Lane Parke PUD plan, traffic study and parking study may be viewed by clicking on the underlined links from the City's website below:



Revised PUD Application/Master Development Plan (dated May 21, 2010)

Enlarged, dimensioned site plan (page 9 of Master Development plan; page 10 has been left blank intentionally)

Traffic Impact Study (dated May 2010)

Parking Study (dated May 17, 2010)

Comments regarding the study are posted on the developers' website HERE and opposition from a group of residents is posted on a website HERE
Mark your calendars for Sales Tax Holiday - August 6-8th
Alabama Department of Revenue is declaring a Sales Tax Holiday on August 6-8th. Details HERE
Mountain Brook City Council voted Monday night, June 28th, to participate. 
Featured New Members

Meet Bridgeworth Financial

Bridgeworth FinancialIn 2008, a group of financial advisors who have worked together for more than 20 years decided to chart a fresh course. They built Bridgeworth Financial on a foundation of their shared "client first" philosophy. Each of Bridgeworth's 12 advisors brings a unique set of talents, abilities and areas of expertise so that clients may be assured their full financial picture is taken into account.

Bridgeworth quickly established itself as one of the Birmingham area's largest groups of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL  PLANNERâ„¢ professionals, with 24 team members holding the certification. Bridgeworth continues to grow its number of advisors and staff to meet the needs of clients.

Bridgeworth's core principles include a commitment to community. The Bridgeworth family works with local agencies to provide complimentary financial advice to low-income families and Bridgeworth team members volunteer their time to dozens of professional and community organizations each year. The Bridgeworth team is always looking for new ways to help families and individuals to work toward their financial goals and improve their lives.

Associates of Bridgeworth Financial are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Securities and advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. a broker/dealer (Member SIPC) and a registered investment advisor.  Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. 201 Office Park Drive, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 205-909-5000  CRN201006-2042764

Meet Katherine Cox
Katherine CoxKatherine Cox is sold on Mountain Brook. As a lifelong resident of Mountain Brook, she appreciates that it is one of the most beautiful residential areas in the country. In addition, Mountain Brook schools are ranked at the top in the state.
"For most families, their home is their biggest investment, and Mountain Brook has always been a very stable market," says Katherine. "For the past couple of years the real estate market has experienced turmoil. The key to selling a home is proper pricing, various marketing tools and using a reliable sales agent," per Katherine.
Katherine strives to provide excellent organization and attention to detail. She was a marketing director for 15 years with two other large corporations prior to becoming a real estate agent. "The only way that home sales work is when my clients and all parties win. This is when it becomes fun," she adds.

You may contact Katherine at kcox@realtysouth.com or cell: 205.410.9922.


Creating a Healthy Lifestyle!
The Fitness Center will begin doing presentations to organizations, businesses and churches on "Creating a Healthy Lifestyle".  Our mission is to promote a healthy community by educating people in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  We will offer presentations on fitness and nutrition or we can do just fitness or just nutrition depending on the group and length of time.  To learn more please contact Beth Nigri, Marketing Director and Co-Owner of The Fitness Center at 205-870-1121 or email us HERE
New Weekly Feature - What's for Lunch this summer in Mtn Brook?
Welcome to our new summer intern, Madison Morrow!  She is a graduate of MBHS and is currently studying as an English major at Vanderbilt University.   This summer, in addition to helping us with events and updating our mailing list, she will be publishing a weekly enewsletter featuring summer lunch and dinner specials in Mountain Brook.  She will include menus, prices, and special promotions, and more!  If you'd like your restaurant special to be included, please contact Madison via email HERE.  She may also be contacting YOU via telephone to ask you about your specials.  Please help her promote your business by providing her with images, logos, menus, and whatever would be helpful to her.  Thanks, Madison!
Oak Street is GARDENING this summer! 

Gardening child
Oak Street Local Produce Market
is
gardening on Tuesdays at 10AM,
Wednesdays at 5PM, and
Thursdays at 10AM

Come JOIN US!


Just come by our community garden across the street from Emmet O'Neal Library!  Can't wait to see you!
LOTS GOING ON!  What have you MISSED?  Click on the links below!
Renasant Bank to open Crestline Branch

Renasant LogoRenasant Bank will officially open its Crestline Village branch with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Monday, July 19 at 9:00 AM.  The branch is located at 44 Church Street near the City Hall.  Local governmental, community leaders and Chamber of Commerce members will attend the grand opening.  In support of the village, the bank will present a donation to the Emmet O'Neal Library.  Grand opening festivities will be held throughout the week with drawings of prizes from local businesses and retailers.  This will be Renasant's first location in the Mountain Brook area.

"We're excited to be a part of the vibrant Crestline Village community.  This location gives us an opportunity to further serve our clients and build new relationships in Mountain Brook," said Renasant's Alabama Division President, Mike Ross.

Renasant Bank's focus is on exceptional customer service.  Since most banks' products are similar, locations are locations and rates change often, Renasant understands what really matters the most is how the customer is treated.  The honest desire to know their customer and establish a relationship separates Renasant from the competition.

Renasant serves the Birmingham area with locations at Park Place Tower downtown, in Greystone and Trussville.  Stop by a branch and visit.  Let Renasant get to know you.
Chamber members, we will continue to update our chamber list and provide additional benefits to our chamber members only. Please drop by and pick up the new "Welcome to Mountain Brook - Guidebook".  Welcome mats are still available for $45 and are a great way to advertise your support of your community as well as extend a hearty welcome to all your customers. Please email the chamber for details.

Visit our online shop!  It's a great way to support your community and your chamber! 
Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter

Thanks for helping us help you!
 
Sincerely,
Suzan Doidge
Suzan Doidge
Director, Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce

P.S. Missed a past issue?  They are now archived on the News page of our new website.  You can continue to forward them if there is an article of particular interest with live links up to 90 days past the publish date.

Please urge your friends and neighbors to join our mailing list to receive our monthly email newsletter.  And thanks for forwarding this information  using the links below.

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Quick Links
Mountain Brook Chamber's NEW AND IMPROVED Website

City of Mountain Brook's Official Website

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Find us and LOTS of other Mountain Brook merchants on Facebook (see our favorite pages)
Neighborhood Crime Watch Information

Mountain Brook and other Over the Mountain communities continue to report higher than average burglaries at both homes and businesses.  Please remain alert through the holidays and contact the police immediately if you see any suspicious activity.

Please don't leave valuable items in unlocked vehicles.   Put any items of value in the trunk.  If your vehicle is locked, don't leave anything of value where it can be seen.

Thanks, please keep watching out for your neighbors and remember "when in doubt" call.

You can now go to a website  and get information on activity in Mountain Brook as well as other cities.  Please refer to this website if you're concerned about crime in your area.

Lieutenant Jim Cole
Detective Division
Mountain Brook Police Department
100 Tibbett Street
Mountain Brook, AL 35213
colej@mtnbrook.org
(205) 879-0486 Main
(205) 802-3856 Direct
(205) 870-5355 FAX
 
Lane Parke Development
We will continue to provide updates on the Lane Parke Development as they become available.  THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REVISED PLAN IS JUNE 14TH AT MOUNTAIN BROOK JUNIOR HIGH, 5:30PM


Birmingham News articles regarding the project are posted on the chamber website by clicking HERE.

Follow the brand new blog at City Hall with agendas and the most current information regarding public hearings by clicking HERE.
 
Mail Mountain Brook
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Sometimes you need to order online or you just can't find what you need locally.  Our community can still benefit from online sales!

Shipping UPS or FedEx?  Ordering online but want Mountain Brook to receive sales tax revenue benefit? Then make sure you specify Mountain Brook - not Birmingham - as your address.  The Post Office for Mountain Brook zip codes is listed as Crestline Heights and refers to the post office on Montclair Road.  This assures that Mountain Brook will receive the appropriate percentage of sales tax revenue.  THANKS!