CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday, Aug. 10, approved several economic development items, including The Shoppes at Heritage Park, a new multiacre development planned for the corner of Cherokee Avenue Southwest and Swafford Road Southwest.
Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Executive Director Jamie Troutman said the 156,000-square-foot project will be home to 15-20 new businesses.
“…with a capital investment of $58 million, and estimated sales of approximately $55 million per year with around $18.5 million in additional tenant investments,” Troutman added.
Tenants of the 12-acre site will be announced at a later time, but Troutman noted, “The lineup included the No. 1 kids and teen national apparel store, a shoe store, a national sporting goods store, a discount retailer, a home goods store which is also No. 1 in the nation, and also small shops, restaurants and boutiques.”
She said, “The project must commence construction no later than June 1, 2027, and the first store must open no later than June 1, 2028.”
She made note of the council’s thoughtfulness throughout the process of this agreement coming to fruition and what is in the best interest for the community.
The only council member to vote no on adopting Resolution No. 2026-135, to authorize the execution of an economic development project agreement with API Cullman for the project, was Councilman Jason Willoughby.
RESRG Automotive Alabama
The Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-137, approving a 10-year tax abatement for RESRG Automotive Alabama LLC (formerly REHAU Automotive).
In a statement to The Tribune, Troutman said, “This project consists of the installation, commissioning and start-up of new robotics, paint supply equipment, safety and control upgrades, conveyor system and a new addition to the building for an existing industry.
The objective is to add paint line capacity at the Cullman plant to support additional awarded business.”
She added that the new addition to the building will include structural steel work.
RESRG currently employs 338 people. “This will create 180 new full-time jobs,” said Troutman, who stated the company aims to achieve 250 new job opportunities.
The capital investment for the project is approximately. $10.92 million.
Estimated total education tax revenues over 10 years are $697,768, and total taxes abated over the same period will be $575,400. Education taxes will not be abated.
“At the end of this project, this will increase the payroll by approximately $8 million annually,” said Troutman. “They plan to commence operations by June of 2027. This industry is a valued employer and partner in this community and has made efforts to diversify their customer base. This expansion will help them continue success and grow in Cullman.”
Hall said the company plans to work with Wallace State Community College and Athens State University for future workforce development.
St. Bernard Bridge
The Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-138, authorizing Mayor Woody Jacobs to sign a grant agreement with the United States Department of Transportation and Alabama Department of Transportation. This approval is needed because the city was awarded $20,390,010 in Rural MPDG funds for the replacement of St. Bernard Bridge and additional supporting infrastructure improvements along Alabama Highway 69 and U.S. Highway 278.
Read more news on the project at www.cullmantribune.com/tag/st-bernard-bridge.
Other resolutions
The Council adopted:
- Resolution No. 2026-131, to surplus various capital assets and inventory no longer needed. Jacobs will designate a city employee to sell or dispose of said property items previously used for public or municipal purposes at market value.
- Resolution No. 2026-132, to update Animal Control Officer job description, update Crime Scene Technician job description, upgrade Police Administration Clerk to Crime Scene Technician and upgrade an existing WWTP Operator Grade 2 to WWTP Operator Grade 4.
- Resolution No. 2026-133, to enter into contract with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. for a GIS mapping software subscription, not to exceed $30,200 per year. This is a renewal contract to keep the City of Cullman mapping system up to date.
- Resolution No. 2026-134, to enter into a 36-month contract with Visual Edge IT for a copier lease for the Administration department, replacing their current copier with a newer model.
- Resolution No. 2026-139, to award a bid to Recreation Concepts, LLC, the lowest responsible bidder, for installation of playground equipment and synthetic turf at East Side Park in the amount of $278,909.79. This item also authorizes Jacobs to negotiate any potential cost savings.
- Resolution No. 2026-136, to amend the memorandum of understanding with DDB Capital, LLC for the development of a residential subdivision located on County Road 1466.
Upcoming public hearing on R-4 Residential Districts
A public hearing was set for Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. to address Ordinance No. 2026-43, prohibiting single-family homes in R-4 Residential districts. The ordinance will replace Code of Ordinances Sections 62-52, 62-53, 62-54 and 62-55 to include Townhomes, add 62-56 Design Quality Standards and remove unneeded Section 62-93, which received a favorable recommendation from the City of Cullman Planning Commission. Read more at www.cullmantribune.com/2026/08/08/city-of-cullman-planning-commission-recommends-zoning-changes-for-r-4-residential-districts.
First readings of ordinances
The council also held the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-47 and 2026-48, with no action taken. Ordinance No. 2026-47 aims to establish a uniform policy and procedure to ensure public transparency about grant applications made by the City of Cullman.
Section 2 of the ordinance reads: “This policy applies to all grant applications, including federal, state, private foundations, and other external funding opportunities, whether for operating expenses, capital projects, programs, or studies.”
A first reading was held for Ordinance No. 2026-48, to establish a uniform policy procedure for the obtainment of goods, services, equipment, material, supplies and construction services for the City of Cullman.
Part of the ordinance reads: “The policy ensures compliance with all applicable Alabama state laws, promotes fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, fair competition, and protects the interests of the City and its taxpayers.”
Second readings of ordinances
The council held the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-45, to amend the Zoning Ordinance, Section 62-38 Walls and Fences. This received a favorable recommendation from the City of Cullman Planning Commission.
They also conducted the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-46, which also received a favorable recommendation from the City of Cullman Planning Commission. This ordinance is to annex property located at 1811 County Road 1301 as AG-1 Agricultural District.
Both ordinances were adopted.
Approved special event requests
The Council approved special event requests from:
- Anabelle Howze for St. Bernard’s Bernard Blues & BBQ festival, Sept. 12-13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day at 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE
- Jeff Lawson for the Cullman Lions Club’s annual Cullman County Fair Parade, Sept. 26, beginning at 2 p.m. on U.S. Highway 31
Upcoming meeting
The next Cullman City Council meeting will take place in the city hall auditorium on Aug. 31, at 7 p.m.
