At a recent meeting of the Valley Lions Club, Mayor Leonard Riley outlined an ambitious construction agenda for the City of Valley in 2026. Two significant subdivision projects are currently in progress, highlighting the city’s commitment to growth and development. So far, 25 new homes have been completed in the River’s Bend subdivision, located at the end of 30th Street.
Another substantial development is taking shape on a 420-acre site situated between Shawmut Airport and EAMC-Lanier Hospital. This project will feature 374 lots and include extensive upgrades to infrastructure, comprising approximately 16,875 linear feet of new six-inch sanitary sewer lines, an estimated 5,000 linear feet of force main, and 13,873 linear feet of water lines. A new road is also under construction, connecting between the Merritt Building and Chambley’s, culminating in a new intersection with 40th Street. Upon the road’s completion, a new traffic signal will be installed, pending approval from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Plans for additional commercial development are underway, with potential big-box stores earmarked for a 17-acre site adjacent to the new road. On the west side of Valley, the first phase of the Camellia Crossing subdivision has been completed, comprising 32 units, with a similar number of homes anticipated, priced around $280,000. This subdivision is being developed on a 380-acre area off Combs Road.
Over the past decade, the city has acquired more than 2,000 acres of land located conveniently near I-85, aiming to enhance residential and commercial opportunities. A planned consolidated high school will occupy a 73-acre parcel within this land, which includes the school site, Lakeview Cabin, Valley Industrial Park, and two new businesses—Four Star Freightliner and Four Star Auto Auction—that front I-85.
Significant acquisitions include the Burney property off Fob James Drive, identified as prime for commercial and residential development. Two new restaurants, Beef O’Brady’s and Scooter’s Coffee, are set to face Fob James, while a new subdivision will be established on the opposite side of a newly constructed lake.
Additional development includes two 56-unit senior apartments at the junction of King Road and 55th Street. New office spaces for Brumfield Electrical & Communications, Inc. and Riggers, Fabricators and Millwrights are also in progress. There are ongoing discussions regarding a new ammunition company that may establish operations in the area.
During the Valley City Council meeting, it was reported that the city purchased an 8.2-acre site near Kenny Knox Tire for future development. Mayor Riley noted that a European company had expressed interest in building a new plant on the Burney property, which could potentially create 400 jobs with salaries of around $22.50 an hour. However, the company withdrew its interest following the implementation of tariffs during the Trump administration.
Riley emphasized the city’s desire to attract businesses that offer competitive wages, stating, “We want companies to come in who pay at least $15 an hour, and we want companies to hire full-time people.” He highlighted the positive impact of John Soules Foods, which currently employs approximately 500 people and is planning to expand with three additional production lines, potentially boosting employment to around 850.
Preparations for the new site of Chambers County High School are advancing, with engineers ready to begin work as early as August 2024. The city plans to invest up to $2.5 million in paving roads leading to the property, supported by a line of credit expected to be secured within the year.
Financially, the city is on solid ground, with an ending balance of $13.6 million for the current reporting period. Riley recalled the challenges faced when he took office in 2012, when the city was burdened with a $300,000 debt from a significant loan. Over the years, the city has successfully improved its financial health, allowing for strategic land purchases geared towards future development.
Riley also noted the city’s efforts to enhance community livability, mentioning the demolition of 340 mill houses and the imposition of liens on properties that remain unpaid after two years, which will then revert to city ownership. With numerous residential projects underway, the mayor anticipates a population increase by the 2030 Census, targeting a population of between 13,000 and 14,000 residents.
The mayor expressed enthusiasm about attracting new businesses to Valley, specifically mentioning his long-standing interest in securing a Chick-fil-A in the area, which opened in late 2024. The city invested $500,000 to facilitate its establishment, including necessary road improvements and grading along 33rd Street. Riley believes the city will recoup this investment through increased sales tax within approximately 15 to 16 months.
Looking ahead, the city plans to undertake a major road project, resurfacing the Fairfax Bypass from Highway 29 to the Lee County line. A Rebuild Alabama grant will cover $350,000 of the costs, while the city will shoulder the majority of the remaining expenses. Previous grants have already facilitated the resurfacing of Combs Road, which leads to the Camellia Crossing subdivision.
In closing, Riley shared positive news about the Village Square Shopping Center, particularly the successful performance of the new Marshall’s store during December. Efforts are ongoing to attract more businesses to the shopping center, with aspirations for another major retail establishment similar to Marshall’s to join the community.
