By Alabama Public Radio
Vestavia Hills, AL – The Vestavia Hills City Council last night approved a 120 million dollar commercial project that will be built along the Cahaba River. Council members say they believe the 108-acre retail and office development will be built with careful consideration of the river. Beside, they say the land along the river is zoned to allow construction of apartments and offices. Their unanimous approval followed heated debate between development interests and environmental protection groups. Developer Chris Matthews has promised to use environmentally-protective features at the proposed River Centre. He says that includes a riverside buffer zone to protect native forest life. But some residents and environmental interests worry the project will harm the river and pollute nearby drinking water. The complex of office and retail buildings will be built between Interstate 459 and the Cahaba River in Vestavia Hills.