The Alabaster City Council

took another step toward commercial development of the city Monday night with the creation of a Commercial Development Authority.

The action to create a Commercial Development Authority is actually the third in a series of actions to clear the way for the acquisition of land by the city to promote trade and commerce.

In May, the city of Alabaster announced an interstate retail development to be located at the Intersection of Interstate 65 and Highway 31.

And in a related matter, the council unanimously approved a resolution to create a

Commercial Development Authority upon a petition from Tony Holmes, Stephan Poplin and Greg Wood.

In June, the council cleared the way for the city to acquire property in the project area when it approved a resolution to adopt the I-65, Exit 238 Renewal and Urban Development Plan.

Councilmember Bobby Harris abstained from the vote.

According to the resolution, the project area was described in the following terms &uot;blighted, contains blighting factors or is in the process of becoming blighted.&uot; T

he resolution also stated, &uot;That it is necessary and in the public interest that the city acquire or cause to be acquired by purchase or the exercise of the power of eminent domain all or any part of the real property identified within the project area as it deems necessary, convenient or proper to implement the Exit 238 plan …&uot;

On Monday, the council unanimously voted with all members present to appoint a Commercial Development Authority to acquire, own or lease projects for the purpose of promoting trade and commerce with terms of office as follow:

Greg Wood, two years; Stephan Poplin, one year; Chuck Tucker, three years; Denny Rother, four years; and one position to be filled later.

Council President Rick Walters said the authority will address such matters citywide.

According to the code of Alabama section under which the authority was created, however,

&uot;It is intended that each project be self-liquidating. It is not the intent of the Legislature to authorize any authority itself to operate any commercial enterprise. This article shall be liberally construed in conformity with the intent.&uot;

Another step taken by the city toward attraction of commercial development was the naming of financial institutions through which the city can borrow funds for infrastructure development.

In other matters, the council:

Recognized the passing of city father Doug Kent.

Heard from Mayor David Frings that the city will consider removing two dumpsters at Buck Creek Park due to changes in the way materials are accepted for dumping at the county landfill.

Heard from Mayor Frings that a geotechnical and wetland studies of 82 acres being considered for possible park use by the city are under way.

Heard from Councilmember Henry Hines that red lights are in the process of being installed at County Road 95 and County Road 64 Hillspun.

Approved a request for off a retail beer off premises only

license for La Estrella at 507 Southbrook Village.

Approved a request for on premises retail beer and table wine license for the Bamboo Garden at 149 Buck Creek Plaza.

Set a work session for Thursday, July 31