HOOVER – After gathering feedback from residents across Hoover, city officials think they have crafted a plan that will maintain and build upon Hoover’s status as an “exceptional” city.

A master plan for growth in the city over the next 20 years was introduced to the public during a Planning Commission work session on Thursday, Oct. 4, in the City Council chambers.

Mayor Frank V. Brocato said developing a master plan was something he committed to upon coming into office.

“I think it is an exciting time for our city as we look to our next 50 years,” Brocato said.

City Planner Mac Martin, who presented the plan, said officials combined public input gathered with “facts on the ground” to create the plan.

Three “visioning sessions” were held in January and February, and there were 1,157 respondents to an online survey about what residents like about Hoover and how the city could improve as it grows.

Among the characteristics residents noted as important were a sense of community, schools, public safety and economic development.

The master plan’s vision statement is: “We are Hoover, Alabama and we are, and will continue to be, an exceptional city!”

Martin said Hoover is a “growing, well-educated and safe” city, adding an average of about 2,000 residents a year since 1970.

Martin noted the population of the Birmingham metropolitan area has been stagnant in recent years and could soon drop out of the top 50 metros in the United States, which could have negative consequences.

Hoover, meanwhile, is better positioned to bolster the next generation of metro growth than any other suburban community, Martin said.

Changes envisioned in the plan include the development of a Meadowbrook Tech Village with increased walkability, restaurants and a residential component.

“We’re looking for an environment that’s going to attract the next level of talent,” Martin said.

Also discussed was the transformation of the Riverchase Galleria from a mall into a city center.

Parking decks could replace existing surface parking at the Galleria, with the former lots made into pedestrian-friendly green spaces and sites of new businesses.

“This actually becomes Hoover’s main street,” Martin said. “The idea is for this to become the focal point, the center of our civic life.”

Martin acknowledged that most of the changes sought would be driven by the market and private enterprise, but said city officials do have means of implementation, including regulatory authority, development incentives and public-private partnerships.

Two more public presentations will be held, though dates have yet to be set, before a public hearing is held at the Hoover City Council meeting on Nov. 8.

See the master plan and find more information at FutureHoover.com.