Gardendale mayor expects industrial park to bring new jobs, more homes

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – A new industrial park coming to North Jefferson County is expected to bring thousands of jobs, which means more people and a greater need for places to live in nearby communities.

The industrial park will sit on 1,100 acres of land in unincorporated Jefferson County. That’s along I-65 near the Gardendale and Morris areas.

Gardendale Mayor Stan Hogeland said now is the time to see how the city will handle the influx of people, that way they can properly plan for possible road or other infrastructure improvements.

The Jefferson County Economic & Industrial Development Authority announced this summer the project will bring more than 4,700 new jobs.

The mayor said the project will include several distribution-type plants, specifically targeting the automobile industry.

He expects this to increase demand for stores, restaurants and homes.

“I don’t think there’s any question of that, but you know the effects of that is on a different side and that’s on the cost of building and interest rates,” Hogeland said. “When those come down, I think you’re going to see a boom to North Jefferson County. When it’s up and running those people are going to need a place to live, places to eat, shop and that’s where you see the real benefit.”

The mayor said the project is likely a year away from breaking ground.

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