Council Votes Down Vestavia Lake Clean Out

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — On Monday, the Vestavia Hills City Council voted not to assist the Vestavia Lake Homeowners Association with the cleanup of sediment from Vestavia Lake, a proposal brought before the council during its regular meeting on Dec. 11. The VLHA requested financial assistance from the city in the sediment removal currently underway by the Vestavia Country Club.

The organization asked for $158,500, which was denied by the council as a unanimous-consent item. During a work session and regular meeting, the council listened to the proposal and attempted to determine what the city's obligation would be in the lake's upkeep.

Vestavia Lake comprises 5 acres of property and was built in 1954 as an amenity, privately owned by 17 homeowners surrounding the lake. Over time, the lake has accrued a buildup of sediment from what the homeowners believe to be runoff from U.S. 31 construction.

The city declined to subsidize the effort because it can't spend public monies on private land that doesn't serve a public purpose, and because municipalities are not responsible for drainage maintenance on private land.

The VHLA requested to postpone the issue until the association could reexamine its legal options, but the council opted to vote immediately in opposition.

Photo Courtesy of City of Vestavia Hills