Fight for the spotted salamander in Homewood, Alabama
Residents of Homewood, Alabama, are raising alarms over a proposed “town square” development that threatens the habitat of locally cherished spotted salamanders. At a recent community meeting, Ellen McLaughlin, a retired biology professor, said, “I speak for the salamanders,” urging the need to preserve their habitat. The amphibians are integral to Homewood’s identity, highlighted by the annual Salamander Festival celebrating their migration and lifecycle.
Landmark Development, managing the project on behalf of Samford University, aims to create a dynamic, walkable area featuring retail and housing. However, concerns focus on environmental impacts, particularly regarding a hotel that would be the tallest in the city and its potential to disrupt vital vernal pools. Bob Dunn, CEO of Landmark, acknowledged residents’ worries but expressed confidence in mitigation measures.
Critics, including biologists and engaged citizens, argue the proposed plans do not adequately protect the salamanders’ habitat. Megan Gibbons, a biology professor, finds the prospect of losing the salamander population disheartening, emphasizing the ecological imbalance that could result from such developments.
Despite opposition during public forums, including objections about inadequate community engagement and environmental oversight, the project’s approval moved forward. As the Homewood City Council prepares to vote, advocates for conservation stress the importance of continued dialogue with developers to ensure environmental stewardship remains a priority amid inevitable growth.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2025/04/fight-for-the-spotted-salamander-in-homewood.html
