 Clay is located in the highlands of northeast Jefferson County and is bounded by the cities of Argo, Trussville, Pinson and Center Point. As neighboring cities began to expand their boundaries, the community of Clay incorporated in June 2000 with a desire to protect its identity and chart its own course. The original incorporation included an estimated 2,500 citizens. The city boundaries soon spread to include numerous neighborhoods and the population doubled when the community of Chalkville was annexed. As of 2010, the Census showed Clay's population to be 9,708.
Opportunities
- Housing Opportunities- Clay is attractive for young families and senior citiezens alike. A variety of housing options are available along with undeveloped acreage.
- Education Opportunities- The City of Clay is proud of and supports its schools and maintains a positive working relationship between the council and the Jefferson County Board of Education.
- Senior Activities Opportunities- The Clay Senior Activity Center is known in the region for stimulating activities, exciting entertainment, educational trips and a hot meal every day.
- Recreational Opportunities- The city owns four park properties where peole play sports, fish, hike or enjoy other recreational activities. A botanical garden is planned for city property at the Trussville-Clay Road / Old Springville Road intersection.
- Library Opportunity- In a restored 1905 Queen Anne style house is Clay's library, which opened in 2009. The historic structure, known locally as the Jayfe Ware House, sits proudly in the forefront of the new city park, bridging past and present. Services offered include Wi-Fi, free Internet access, reading programs, a book club and more.
- Business Support Opportunity- The Clay-Pinson Chamber of Commerce is made up of at least 75 businesses and individuals that encourage and promote healthy commerce, as well as the community as a whole. The chamber and the city work together on a number of initiatives, such as the annual Clay May Days and Clay Christmas Parade.
More About Clay:
Natural Resources
Historical Resources
Dating to the early 1800s, the community’s heritage is equally diverse and includes churches that were established almost 200 years ago; numerous turn-of-the-century homes; an 1800s family cemetery; an early 1900s ball park, now known as Chalkville Bryant Park; and the site of a 1920s YMCA boys’ camp – Cosby Lake Park.
In the early years, the community was a stagecoach stop along the route from Elyton (now part of Birmingham) to Gadsden. In 1878, when a post office was established, it was named Clay, after the clay soil of the area.
Future
The future is bright for the city named after the red soil. The significant environmental and historical resources and the community’s desire to protect and build upon them; the importance of economic health; the benefits of varied recreational activities; and the interrelationship of the goals are reflected in the following objectives of the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
I. Manage Quality Commercial and Residential Development
II. Protect the Natural Character and Amenities of Clay
III. Enhance Clay’s Sense of Community
IV. Promote Economic and Cultural Vitality
The plan seeks to sustain the city's quality of life through careful stewardship of natural resources and management of growth and change through effective land use policies.
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About Clay
