At the April 7, 2025, Hoover City Council meeting, Mayor Frank Brocato proposed a significant shift in how the city will spend $6.1 million from a General Obligation bond that was originally earmarked for a performing arts center. Instead, the funds are now being directed toward upgrading the aging sewer system in the Riverchase area — which also happens to be the location of the upcoming Riverwalk development.
The need for this reallocation highlights a serious infrastructure issue: the existing sewer system in Riverchase cannot even fully support the area’s current demands. At the same time, the Riverwalk development — which will bring a combination of mixed-use spaces, residential units, retail, and a hotel — is set to further increase the strain on an already outdated system. Without this upgrade, the city would struggle to meet both present and future service needs in the area.
It’s important to note that the Riverwalk project isn’t the cause of the sewer problem, but its arrival has clearly put the spotlight on infrastructure concerns that have long needed attention. This is not just a minor patch job — it’s a major, multi-million-dollar investment to bring the system up to standard for today’s residents and businesses, while also accommodating the inevitable growth developments like Riverwalk will bring.
While infrastructure improvements are important for Hoover’s health and future, this decision also leaves residents with lingering questions. The bond funds were originally intended for a performing arts center, a project designed to enrich the community culturally. Now those dollars will be used to cover utility upgrades — a necessary but far less visionary investment.
As the Riverwalk development moves forward, it’s fair for residents to ask whether the cost of preparing for large private projects is being fairly shared. Growth can benefit Hoover, but ensuring transparency and responsible use of public funds must remain a top priority for city leadership.
Watch the Hoover Council Meeting discussion on this on The Hoover Channel