Images from the Department of Public Works Cleanup of George Ward Park
Magic City Spotlight: Every Day Counts Initiative to address absenteeism among BCS students
Every Day Counts Initiative to address absenteeism with incentives for public housing residents
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) announced a new initiative in partnership the City of Birmingham (COB) and Birmingham City Schools (BCS) to combat truancy. The partnership comes after BCS reported in October 2023 that nearly 25% of students are chronically absent.
Every Day Counts will aim to incentivize public housing residents to ensure school-aged children attend school regularly. Regular school attendance of school-aged children is a requirement of HABD lease agreements and state law.
Through the Every Day Counts initiative, HABD public housing residents will have access to additional resources that support regular attendance and improved literacy, like transportation assistance to and from school and homework help. Additionally, and probably most compelling, as part of Every Day Counts, HABD households whose school-aged children achieve perfect attendance for the month will be entered into a raffle where an HABD household(s) will be chosen to receive financial support toward a housing expense.
Attendance of HABD school-aged residents will be tracked and monitored as part of a new data sharing agreement between HABD and BCS. There is no set timeframe for how long the initiative will be in place, and Birmingham leaders are hopeful that it will have a positive impact on school attendance rates.
Click the button or image above to watch the announcement and below to read more about this initiative.
Forest Park / South Avondale (February Newsletter)
FOREST PARK / SOUTH AVONDALE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
AVONDALE LIBRARY
1. Monthly Report from BPD South Precinct.
2. Monthly Report from Birmingham Fire Department.
3. Approval of minutes from January Meeting.
4. Variance to utilize the existing concrete footer placement for a new impermeant garage structure. 1ft rear and side yard setback for a new, accessory garage AND a variance for an accessory structure that takes up more than 30% of the required rear yard).
5. Funding Request for 2024 edition of Movies in the Park (Keri Lane / Elizabeth Lasseter).
6. Community Credit Class Information, Brian Fisher.
7. Report from Friends of Avondale Park, John Forney.
8. Report from Birmingham Public Schools Mary Boehm.
9. Report from District 3 City Councilor, Valerie Abbott.
10. Report from District 5 City Councilor, Darrell O'Quinn.
Southside Ball registration is still open for the Spring Season at Avondale Park!
Evaluations are this Saturday February 3 so register soon!
Just click the link: https://www.southsideball.com
Forest Park / South Avondale
Brush and Bulk Trash Pick Up date.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
https://www.birminghamal.gov/bulktrash
Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Avondale Library
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by President, Jeff McGee.
John Forney, President of FOAP Board, updates neighbors about happenings at Avondale Park. No meeting was held during December. However, monthly clean-up meet-ups continue in the Park the 2nd Saturday of every month, 8-10am. Bring your tools and pitch in. Next project to tackle is cleaning up the trails. The FOAP is seeking to promote use of the Park and Villa, and is working to gather data to better understand who is renting the Villa and for what purposes. Their mission is to ensure the Park is enjoyed by everyone, and remains a clean, safe gathering space.
Destiny Askew, Director of Volunteer Engagement at STAIR, informed neighbors that STAIR is currently recruiting Spring tutors. STAIR is a tutoring program serving 10 BCS, including Avondale Elementary. January 23rd is the start of the next session. Tutors work with 1st and 2nd graders, as well as 4th graders at Avondale Elementary. Information is available at STAIRBirmingham.org Neighbor Lee Walthall shared that he is a STAIR tutor and “can think of nothing more rewarding.”
Jay Smith, President of Common Ground Forest Park, a new non-profit created to maintain Triangle Park, reported to neighbors on the successful kick-off event in November. Neighbors have been surveyed to determine the ways in which they would like to see the Park used and improved, and McNally Land Design Architects are currently developing proposals and cost estimates for different tiers of project improvements. Jay suggested neighbors google Common Ground Forest Park, hit the donate button, hit the Get Involved button, go to the Facebook page and like it, go to the Instagram page and follow it, and be involved with this important effort. A neighbor asked about fees to rent Triangle Park, and was told that people should contact the Parks and Rec Department to reserve the Park.
Jay Smith also spoke to neighbors about Southside Ball. The annual fundraiser Baseball and Brews is being held Saturday, January 27th, at Cahaba Brewery. Everyone is welcome! The Spring season is here, and registration is open. Scholarships are available, new players are welcome. www.southsideball.com
Mary Boehm, Birmingham Board of Education Representative, spoke to neighbors about Birmingham City Schools. She thanked STAIR for being present, and shared that she tutors at Avondale Elementary and it is the highlight of her week, stating “Connection with a child is invaluable.” BCS received 2 applications for new Charter Schools in November, Iron City Business Academy and InnovaEDU. The BB of Ed will review and then hold public meetings. If they choose not to approve, the applicants can appeal to the State. In response to a question, Ms Boehm stated that the BB of Ed has never approved an application for a charter school. There are a total of 11 charter schools in the State at present. Discussion followed and Ms Boehm made the point that Charter Schools have not been doing as good a job educating these kids as they had promised, mainly because it is a lot harder to accomplish than folks like to claim. Mayor Woodfin recently spoke about his disappointment in the School report cards released in December. Overall the District received a C or 72, one point lower than last year. Ms Boehm provided a breakdown of the 43 schools scores, and noted that Avondale received a C. There are more than 700 kids in 2nd grade right now that may potentially be held back from 3rd grade. STAIR is helping us address this crisis. The BCS strategic planning process would really benefit from neighbor attendance and participation. While these scores are very discouraging, the are lots of wonderful things happening in BCS kids lives. Ramsay’s Football team had an outstanding season. The 84th All-City Christmas Music Festival was an amazing highlight of the immense talent of kids across our city. And talented STEAM scholars from Bush Hills created an app for the 16th St Baptist Church, winning an innovation competition. So grades do not fully reflect the value of these wonderful kids. There is a plan to tackle the kudzu at Avondale this Spring. In addition, the City Operations team is going to help move the playground equipment and upgrade the site and tennis courts this Spring as well. In response to a question, Ms Boehm stated that chronic absenteeism is a huge problem for BCS. The BB of Ed hired a non-profit to partner with to help us do home visits, and the DA’s office is also partnering with them. Its getting better but still a lot needs to be done. In response to another question, Ms Boehm stated that she has not seen data that relates the identity of a perpetrator’s school to a crime committed. Discussion followed. Jeff McGee shared his knowledge and experience from Family Court as it related to the correlation of truancy and juvenile crime. The importance of keeping kids in school was stressed by discussion participants.
Corporal Whatley of the Birmingham Police Department was present to respond to neighbors’ concerns about crime. In response to a question, Cpl Whatley stated that they do not know how many shots were fired during NYE but the shot spotter is accurate. The retention numbers for new officers continues to remain low. A burglary 3rd degree perpetrator was arrested in the neighborhood and is in the court process now. In response to a question, Cpl Whatley said 48 hour holds will be taken to City Jail. All other arrests will go to County Jail. Another neighbor asked the officer about policing exhibition driving violations. Staff shortages lead to really large patrol areas, old patrol cars suffer mechanical issues, and the officers are just not able to be everywhere as needed. Cpl Whatley supported the idea of having the parcel delivery service send notifications or deliver to a secure holding location to avoid porch pirate opportunities.
District 5 City Councilor Darrel O’Quinn, newly elected President of the Council, spoke to neighbors. He brought packets of “News You Can Use” to distribute to those present. Councilor pointed to earlier discussions of school truancy. We have a requirement that school buses will not pick up a child within 2 miles of a school. But 2 miles is a long way to ask a child to walk through some of these neighborhoods. He sees transportation as a barrier we can address, and is speaking with HABD to see if we can’t get some assistance. Another issue Councilor is working on is animal control. The number of vicious dog attacks as well as the huge number of 911 and 311 calls related to animals has led him to propose a spay/neuter requirement, in the form of pet licensing. The Code Enforcement in the City is an ongoing problem. The staff shortages mean that there are no officers to serve summons to appear in court for code violations. The Council is working on getting officers assigned to this duty. The cooperation between City and County jail is currently in the News and the Councilor stated that this is mostly politics at play. He sees cooperation amongst the greater municipalities as the most viable option, freeing up funds for infrastructure and education. In response to a question, Councilor O’Quinn stated that the jail agreement should not result in layoffs. Staff shortages mean that officers in the jail could easily be reassigned to street patrol or other vacant roles. Discussion returned to the unlicensed pet issue, and the health and safety concerns of irresponsible pet ownership.
District 3 City Councilor Valerie Abbott expressed excitement about the potential for Code enforcement. The City Council is attempting to hold the Mayor to getting the positions of inspectors filled. Uniform garbage carts are continuing to be a problem for many in her district. Councilor Abbott reminded folks they may get a waiver form from the 311 call center if you cannot physically pull your cart up and down to the street.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Crawford
Secretary
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Avondale Library
Helpful links and Information about the upcoming 2024 Elections
The Secretary of State website: Alabama Votes. Here you can update your voter information and/or register to vote. The site also has information on upcoming elections, absentee voting and much more.
The Jefferson County Board of Registrars Here you will find voting locations, maps of congressional districts, contact information for Absentee Voting and more.
Dates to remember:
Primary Election – March 5, 2024
Feb. 16 – Last day to hand-deliver voter registration forms
Feb. 17 – Last day to postmark voter registration forms
Feb. 19 – Last day to register to vote electronically
Feb. 27 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot to mail
Feb. 29 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
March 4 – Last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot
March 5 – Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by Noon.
Primary Runoff Election (If necessary) – April 16, 2024
April 1 – Voter registration deadline
April 9 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail
April 11 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person
April 15 – Last day to hand-deliver absentee ballot
April 16 – Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by Noon*
Jefferson County EMA and City of Birmingham Alert System
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our Emergency Alert Program. This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. Create an account to get alerts here.
Recycling Pickups - Usually 1st and 3rd Weds.
(unless holidays change the schedule)
(Recyclables can be also be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery
M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)
Please do NOT use plastic bags.
What Can Be Recycled:
Paper, cardboard, newspaper, magazines, and broken down cardboard boxes (if using a box for your "bin" you do not need to break it down)
Aluminum, steel, or tin cans
#1 and #2 Plastics only.
DO NOT INCLUDE THESE: trash, phone books, styrofoam, glass, plastic packing materials/wrappers or plastic bags or anything with food residue. (Rinse all items and discard greasy parts of pizza boxes (for example.)
When in doubt, throw it out!
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
Pickling Root Vegetables Workshop! 🥕
Join us for an interactive presentation about pickling root vegetables! Participants will learn about growing spring root vegetables, learn the basics of pickling, and pickle some farm-grown carrots to take home!
City of Birmingham awards $808,000 to facilitate economic development through BOLD program
City of Birmingham awards $808,000 to facilitate economic development through BOLD program
The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $800,000 to seven area organizations whose missions are rooted in creating a more inclusive and resilient community. The BOLD funding program, which stands for Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, provides financial support to organizations and agencies that take creative, evidence-based approaches to advancing economic and community development in Birmingham.
“I am thrilled to continue funding local organizations through the BOLD program who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “An investment in these organizations is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”
Funding was allocated across six categories: small businesses; minority-, women-, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MWDBEs); workforce development; overcoming barriers; Birmingham’s neighborhoods; and data-driven Innovation.
“We invest in partners through the BOLD funding program because they serving our residents to improve quality of life and place, which is the groundwork for advancing economic opportunity in Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods.,” said Coreata Houser, deputy director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “BOLD has supported more than 5,000 Birmingham residents and 2,000 small businesses since it began five years ago.”
Click the buttons below to learn more.
Magic City Spotlight: Drop warmth supply drive donations at Boutwell today
Meet us at Boutwell Auditorium today and donate to the warmth supply drive
The City of Birmingham's warmth supply drive continues today to 4 p.m. in front of Boutwell Auditorium.
There is a critical need for bottled water donations.
Donors can drive in front of Boutwell, and someone will unload their vehicle.
Boutwell’s address is 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
Volunteers will be accepting:
Bottled water
Toilet paper
Paper towels
New or gently-used coats
New gloves and winter caps
Hand warmers
Birmingham Water Works Board Finalizes 2024 Budget with Consideration of Public Input
Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.28.23
ITEM 3
The Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve two loans for Birmingham Southern College totaling $5 million.
The first $2.5 million loan will be forgiven if the terms of the agreement are satisfied, including the school being open for the fall 2024 semester – those funds will be immediately available. The other $2.5 million loan will be repaid over a 20-year term with one percent interest and will be made available to the school next year. The school is leveraging a portion of their existing property as collateral for the loan.
Council President Darrell O’Quinn, explained BSC is an anchor institution for two historic communities: College Hills and Bush Hills. This money is an investment into the stability and economic future of the area, he said.
“One of the things that I was excited about is that Birmingham Southern College, as part of the agreement, is extending three scholarship opportunities for graduates of Birmingham City Schools,” President O’Quinn said. “This isn't a decision we made lightly. All of the considerations in terms of jobs and economic impact to the entire city really factored in to why there was a unanimous decision among the Council to support this today.”
The school employs roughly 300 people (an additional 1,200 indirectly) and has an estimated annual economic impact of $45 million in the city. During the public speakers portion of Tuesday’s meeting, several local business owners expressed support for the aid, saying the success of their business is directly tied to the college.
Councilor JT Moore, who chairs the Community Development Committee, said the goal was to avoid another situation like Carraway Hospital, which was a blight in the community for over a decade.
“Having an empty 200 acre campus in the middle of a neighborhood that is on the verge of a resurgence will set this area back decades,” Councilor JT Moore said. “I understand the concerns of those who disagree with the decision to provide financial support to a private university. Over the last several months, the Birmingham City Council has continued to have these difficult conversations. In my opinion, this is an investment into the future of the surrounding area and our residents who live here.”
With other major institutions like Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Legion Field and the Birmingham CrossPlex all located within a couple miles of the school, losing an anchor like BSC could lead to further disinvestment in the community, lowered home values and a reduction in services, according to city officials.
BSC President Daniel Coleman told reporters following the meeting that they will also be seeking financial support from Jefferson County and urged the state’s executive leadership to re-evaluate their position on denying the loan that was approved by the Alabama State Legislature. The financial support provided by the City of Birmingham will allow BSC to continue operating throughout the remaining school year, according to President Coleman.
BOLD Grant Recipients
On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council approved a total of seven program agreements through the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant program with the City.
Now in the sixth year, BOLD supports the growth of women-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses, and focuses on developing our small businesses environment.
Today’s BOLD funding agreements are as follows:
Birthwell Partners: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Birthwell Partners, Inc. to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 80 residents by providing birth doula services, childbirth and parenting classes, and maternal health advocacy workshops. The project also includes workforce development through Birthwell’s need-based work-study program, which will expand access to doula training for three Birmingham residents and offer continuing education to further develop the skillset of 10 community doulas working with Birmingham’s at-risk families for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $90,000.
Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank through the BOLD funding program to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 1,500 Birmingham residents by distributing diapers, wipes, and menstruation products to community partners and schools for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $120,000.
MedPLUS Consulting, LLC: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with MedPLUS Consulting, LLC. Through the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development for three (3) Birmingham residents to become community health workers and to help overcome barriers to economic opportunities for 60 Birmingham residents by providing diabetes prevention for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $104,695.00.
Diane’s Heart: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Diane’s Heart, Inc. (Diane’s Heart) under which Diane’s Heart as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) Program to support workforce development, overcoming economic barriers, and revitalizing Birmingham’s neighborhoods through the “She Knew There Was More” coaching and mentoring program for 30 Birmingham residents for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $138,413.00
Urban Impact: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with the Urban Impact, Inc. (Urban Impact) under which Urban Impact as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) Program to support small businesses and minority-women-and disadvantaged business enterprises through the Legacy Entrepreneurship Program, which will train 24 legacy businesses in succession planning, safeguarding the legacies of long-established businesses, and facilitating the intergenerational transfer of wealth and business ownership in Black communities for a term of twelve (12) months for an amount not to exceed $150,000.
Is-Able Ministries: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with the Is-Able Ministries though the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development, overcoming economic barriers, and minority-women and disadvantaged business enterprises through employment training, wraparound services, and financial management training to 60 Birmingham resident for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $87,050.
Momentum Alumnae Program: A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute a BOLD Program Agreement with Momentum Alumnae Program, Inc. through the BOLD Funding Program to support workforce development and overcoming barriers for minority – women- and disadvantaged business enterprises through Momentum Work, an initiative that will provide professional leadership training, wrap-around services, and access to professional expert resources for 50 Birmingham residents for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $117,500.00.
BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL: Week in Review, November 6th - November 12th
Honoring Our Veterans at the Oldest Veterans Day Parade in the Country
Did you know that Birmingham is home to America's first and oldest Veteran's Day Parade? This Saturday, District 4 Councilor J.T. Moore participated in the festivities for the 76th annual event, and he brought along a few friends!
Councilors Host 'Days of Giving' Ahead of the Holidays
Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander (D7) and Councilor J.T. Moore (D4) hosted some exciting giveaways over the weekend. Both Councilors had Thanksgiving events where they distributed food to families in need this holiday season.
Councilor Moore Speaks at Building Black Wealth Summit
On Thursday, Councilor JT Moore spoke with an esteemed group of panelists at the National Associations of Real Estate Brokers for their Black Wealth Summit at Miles College. Building wealth in historically underserved communities requires action from all sorts of stakeholders, banks, schools, public and private partnerships, transportation services and so much more.
These conversations are crucial if we are going to continue to make progress and bring more affordable housing opportunities to our neighborhoods.