Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.13.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.13.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEMS 1-8

Today, the Birmingham City Council approved a total of eight program agreements through the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) Grant program with the City.

Now in the fifth 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:

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), under which BBA as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will create a digital network of resource partners and dedicated professionals to provide support to the City’s Legacy Biz program for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $110,000.00.

Birthwell Partners, Inc. (Birthwell Partners), under which Birthwell Partners as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will train new doulas and employ doulas on contract basis to provide birth doula services to lowresource families from across Birmingham with a focus on geographic priority areas, East Lake, North Birmingham, and Smithfield/Elyton for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $121,806.00.

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 will professional coaching, guidance on setting goals, and educational assistance to help single moms in Birmingham, Alabama rise above the statistics of poverty and lack by providing a support system and access to financial resources, practical assistance and social networks for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $98,450.00.

East Lake Initiative, under which East Lake Initiative as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide micro-grants of up to $1,000.00 to prospective small business owners to start in-home businesses through Thrive Together (collaboration between ELI and Serving You Ministries with coaching) and Birmingham Community Incubator (six (6) week business boot camp in collaboration with Salvation Army and Community Resource Development) for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $84,250.00.

Is-Able Ministries, under which Is-Able Ministries as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide employment and job readiness services; social engagement and support groups (for those dealing with depression or grief) and training in life skills and health and wellness for individuals with disabilities for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $75,000.00.

Rebirth Community Corporation, under which Rebirth Community Corporation as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will support small businesses with business development, mental health support, and direct services through the provision of wellness assessments and emotional and economic action plans, group mental health sessions, group business development workshops and through the provision of direct services to participants through stipends and grants for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $148,500.00.

Tech Alabama (dba) Education Farm, under which Tech Alabama (dba) Education Farm as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide IT workforce training for underemployed adults and youth and ensure they have the tools and coaching they need to be successful for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $135,200.00.

The Surge Project, Inc. (The Surge Project), under which The Surge Project as part of the City’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (“BOLD”) program will provide workforce development for adults ages 18-35 to aid in the reduction of gun violence through a 9-week soft skills training program that has four (4) main workshops: Oral Communication, Conflict Management, Time Management, and Resume Building through a partnership with the National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians which will provide an opportunity for forty (40) individuals to become certified healthcare professionals for a term of twelve (12) months, for an amount not to exceed $80,800.00.

This past year the Council approved an allocation of $1 million in the City’s budget to fund this important initiative to help foster small business growth in Birmingham. Over the next year, the awardees will report back to the Council periodically with updates on how their businesses have been performing.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.15.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 8

The Council unanimously passed a redevelopment agreement between the City and NCRC (National Community Reinvestment Coalition) Housing Rehab Fund, in which the City will convey a total of fifty two lots located in the Pratt City Community for the future development of single family affordable, energy-efficient houses.

The NCRC pledged to build 200 affordable housing units across the city; this project is another step toward reaching that goal. The 52 homes will be constructed on previously vacant lots.

In January, the Birmingham City Council approved an item for the pilot program that transferred 27 lots in Belview Heights to Housing Redevelopment Corporation of America to develop affordable single-family homes. Last month, the Council approved a project for the development of 16 homes in Woodlawn through this program. The funding is being used to help subsidize the cost of the homes and is part of the federal American Rescue Plan funding that the City received last year.

Each home in Pratt City will be approximately 1,200-1,700 square feet and will be in the price range of $185,000.

“This is going to really help the Pratt City neighborhood continue to grow and bring home ownership opportunities to our residents in the area,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “My colleagues and I on the Council are constantly working on new ways to bring more affordable housing opportunities into our communities. I’ve been really encouraged with the work we’ve seen with the similar projects in other districts. This is a big step in the right direction.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s Agenda:

A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute, for and as the act of said City, a Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Birmingham and NCRC Housing Rehab Fund, LLC (NCRC), under which the City shall convey to NCRC a total of fifty-two (52) lots located in the Pratt City Community at 1430 Pratt Highway, Birmingham, and also award funds under the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (CDBG-DR), in the amount of $2,987,000.00 to NCRC for the development of single family affordable, energy-efficient houses containing approximately 1200 to 1700 square feet of living space. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Director of Community Development)**

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ITEM 5

The Council unanimously approved a franchise agreement with the micromobility company Lime to be able to begin operations in the City. This move comes after a company previously doing business in Birmingham closed their operations.

The non-exclusive agreement allows for the company to distribute and operate their shared micromobility devices on city rights of way. While the Council was supportive of this new endeavor, several issues were brought up regarding these devises blocking sidewalks and being left in the street.

“We definitely want to look at some of the issues that residents have brought up in terms of where these devices are being left,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “Getting around in Birmingham is a challenge for a lot of people and it’s important that we have this option be available to not only people who live here, but also people who are visiting…There’s been a lot of due diligence that has been done leading up to this point and we have been watching this industry sort of unfold and evolve across the country, observing some of the missteps that were made and trying to make sure that we don’t encounter the same pitfalls here.”

While no motion was presented to change the language in the City’s governing ordinance, several Councilors, including O’Quinn, voiced interest in addressing this in the future.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

An Ordinance issuing a System Permit to Neutron Holdings, Inc., dba Lime whereby the City will grant a non-exclusive franchise to operate a Shared Micro mobility Device System in the public rights-of-way or on permitted public property controlled by the City through June 30 and thereafter for a period of one (1) year from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 11.8.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 3

Continuing the efforts to position the Magic City as a sports tourism destination, the Birmingham City Council unanimously passed an agreement for Protective Stadium to host the 16th Annual TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl.

Since 2006, the bowl game has brought an economic impact of roughly $161 million to the Magic City and is attended by people from all over the country. Bowl selections will be made next month to determine which teams will be playing. Last year, Auburn faced off against the University of Houston, a game that brought thousands of people to the Magic City.

“Birmingham consistently ranks in the top tier of college football TV ratings,” Councilor Hunter Williams said. “We are excited to host the two teams this year and make this year’s Birmingham Bowl the best one yet. We want to do everything we can to ensure this game stays here for a very long time.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute, for and as the act of said City, an Event Sponsorship Agreement with ESPN Productions Inc., (“ESPN”), under which ESPN shall plan, implement, and host the NCAA TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (“Birmingham Bowl”) Football Game in Birmingham, Alabama on December 27, 2022, at Protective Stadium. The TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl is expected to bring college athletics, numerous fans, visitors, and officials from outside the City and will create and foster community pride while providing recreation and entertainment opportunities for attendees, bring jobs and have a positive economic impact for the City. For ESPN hosting the Birmingham Bowl in Birmingham, the City will provide sponsorship incentives to ESPN not to exceed $200,000.00

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ITEM 6

In an effort to mitigate issues surrounding street flooding, the Birmingham City Council passed an item that will allow for hands-on support from the federal government (FEMA) for planning, engineering and grant assistance. This is at no cost to the city.

According to officials, the City will work with federal representatives to identify key flooding areas that need to be addressed. Birmingham is one of 20 cities that were selected to be a part of this program. Once the targeted areas are identified, the city will be able to apply for federal grant funding to help resolve the issues. 

“Flooding is something that we’ve seen more and more recently and is an issue that puts our residents in harm’s way whenever we see heavy rainfall,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “I’m very excited to see this item move forward so we can begin to upgrade our sewer systems in a way that prevents dangerous flooding in our communities.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 6

A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to apply for, submit, execute, expend, accept and take any and all actions as are appropriate and necessary in accordance with the terms of the Grant submission requirements and Grant Agreement with the US Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Direct Technical Assistance Grant to receive climate resilience planning and project solution design through process-oriented, hands-on support from FEMA specifically related to grants management assistance and project scoping activities to support the City’s drainage systems. The maximum expected project duration is up to three (3) years at no cost to the City.

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Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.4.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.4.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.

ITEM 13:

On Tuesday the Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance that will lay the groundwork for medical cannabis dispensaries to operate within the city limits.

The vote was the first step in a lengthy process that is laid out in the state bill that was passed earlier this year. In order to eventually accommodate medical cannabis dispensaries, municipalities must first pass an ordinance to allow for such businesses – which is what was accomplished today.

“It’s important for Birmingham to lead the state in regards to access to medical cannabis,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “Not only is Jefferson County the most populated in the state, but Birmingham has been a leader in healthcare for Alabama and the region and this is another form of care that we will be able to provide to those in need. Today’s vote is about providing care to patients while also continuing to bolster Birmingham’s place as Alabama’s leader in healthcare.”

Medical cannabis dispensaries will provide a new tax revenue stream for the City while also adding employment opportunities. 

It’s no secret that marijuana-related arrests have disproportionately impacted Black communities around the country. Councilor Carol Clarke said she would like to see equitable processes be put in place to help provide economic opportunities for historically underserved communities.

“This is all new, but I want to make sure that we’re being inclusive to all our communities in Birmingham,” Clarke said. “As a city, moving forward I hope we can be intentionally inclusive in that regard with who can operate and who is benefiting from these new businesses.”

Here is a brief breakdown of what the state bill:

BILL ALLOWS THE FOLLOWING SALES : Oral tablet, capsule, or tincture. Non-sugarcoated gelatinous cube, lozenge in a cube or rectangular cuboid shape. Gel, oil, cream, or other topical preparation, Suppository, Transdermal patch, Nebulizer, Liquid or oil for administration using an inhaler.

BILL DOES NOT ALLOW: Raw plant material; Any product administered by smoking, combustion or vaping; A food product that has medical cannabis baked, mixed, or otherwise infused into the product, such as cookies or candies.

The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission will have regulatory powers and oversight for the medical cannabis dispensaries.

The Commission will be accepting applications for dispensaries from October 31, to December 30, 2022. Following a public comment period, licenses will start be issued after July 10, 2023. There are a limited number of licenses that can be issued for municipalities.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS FOR PATIENTS

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Cancer-related cachexia, nausea or vomiting, weight loss, or chronic pain

• Crohn’s Disease

• Depression

• Epilepsy or a condition causing seizures

• HIV/AIDS-related nausea or weight loss

• Panic disorder

• Parkinson’s disease

• Persistent nausea that is not significantly responsive to traditional treatment, except for nausea related to pregnancy, cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting syndrome, or cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Spasticity associated with a motor neuron disease, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

• Spasticity associated with Multiple Sclerosis or a spinal cord injury

• Terminal illness

• Tourette’s Syndrome

• A condition causing chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or has proved ineffective

ITEM 16

The Birmingham City Council approved an agreement between the City and Create Birmingham in which they will provide professional services in attracting and developing film, television, commercial, music video and other media productions that will have a significant impact on the City’s local creative economy while raising Birmingham’s national profile as a dynamic and hospitable place to do business.

Create Birmingham plays a key role in recruiting major film productions to Birmingham, and has seen tremendous success in recent years. The agreement also funds the production and management of a cultural arts and events calendar, community arts funding, and creative entrepreneurship assistances.

“This organization is a lean and mean economic development engine for Birmingham and our entire region,” Councilor Carol Clarke said. “Following the recession in 2008 and 2009, public funding for the arts dried up and this organization was forced to compete for corporate funding. They’ve reinvented themselves into a economic development organization that supports the arts and I think they are a hidden gem in our city. They are fueling our local economy with cool new enterprises and I want to give them a shout out for all their hard work.”

Over the past several years Birmingham has become a destination for production companies due in part to the work being done by Create Birmingham.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 16. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement for Consulting Services with Create Birmingham, Inc., under which Create Birmingham will provide professional services in attracting and developing film, television, commercial, music video and other media productions that will have a significant impact on the City’s local creative economy while raising Birmingham’s national profile as a dynamic and hospitable place to do business, for a term of one (1) year and for an amount not to exceed $150,000.00.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 9.27.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 9.27.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 35

Following a lengthy discussion about future expansion plans, the Birmingham City Council voted to approve a contract extension with River North Transit LLC to provide rideshare services with Birmingham On-Demand.

Since first coming online in 2019, the service has provided an additional transportation option within the limits of the initial program boundaries, which includes as far West as the CrossPlex and extends downtown, with access to hospitals and grocery stores.

Several Councilors highlighted the fact that they would like to see the service extended to Eastern portions of the City, a plan that has been in discussion for some time. Tuesday’s vote was to continue the current service with expansion plans expected to be presented to the Council in October.

Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, who chairs the Transportation Committee, said that the item was recommended to the Council following a presentation at Monday’s committee meeting. However, there was some hesitation from members of the committee.

“We were considering the FY 2023 Budget and the allocation for this program. The Council was unified in their desire to see this program expanded to other areas of the city,” O’Quinn said. “The hesitation comes from the fact this contract does not expand that footprint…I feel confident that everyone involved wants to get to a consensus and to a point where we can move forward with providing this service to more communities.”

Also worth noting is that the BJCTA is currently considering plans to contract with River North Transit to bring on-demand rideshare services to supplement their existing public transportation services.

Councilors noted they would like to see coordination between the City and the BJCTA to maximize their service area and provide more transportation options for residents.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 35: A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver an Agreement for Microtransit Services between River North Transit, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of VIA TRANSPORTATION, INC, and the City of Birmingham to provide transportation services, along with the technology, and professional services for the design, marketing, launch, operation, maintenance and performance evaluation for a period not to exceed three (3) years for an amount not to exceed $2,640,000.00 per year
 

Below is a rendering of the current Birmingham On-Demand Service Zone

ITEM 30
 

The Council unanimously approved a service agreement between the City, the Birmingham Board of Education and IMC Financial Consulting in which the group will provide financial literacy courses to BCS students.

The courses seek to address an issue that has frequently been brought up, and that is teaching students the importance of managing finances, credit scores and building wealth. Too often students are graduating high school without the knowledge they need to be able to manage their money properly. Several Councilors gave firsthand accounts of how they did not understand finances until after finishing school.

“One of the things we want to make sure we’re doing for our young people is give them skills they need to be successful in this complicated financial landscape we’re in currently,” said Dr. Mark Sullivan, Superintendent of the Birmingham City Schools. “I’m so excited about this financial freedom opportunity we will be able to present to our students and what it will mean for our future.”

“I just want to say thank you to everyone involved with bringing this to our young people. When I first started working I was just focused on getting paid until I received a W2 and was a little confused about what I needed to do,” Councilor JT Moore said from the dais. “Having a program like this gives our children the opportunity many of us didn't have and that is to better understand finances, taxes and all the things we have to navigate as adults. I applaud this effort and look forward to seeing it in all our schools eventually.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 30 A Resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute, for and as the act of said City, an Agreement for Consulting Services between the City of Birmingham, the Birmingham Board of Education and IMC Financial Consulting, LLC, under which the Birmingham Board of Education and IMC Financial Consulting, LLC will implement a financial literacy initiative called the “Financial Freedom Project” to provide financial literacy and financial education to Birmingham City Schools for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for a term on one (1) year.

Birmingham News You Can Use - September 16, 2022

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”   

 — Colin Powell  

HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

* We want your stories! * 

• In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Birmingham Human Resources Department would like to share stories of Hispanic and Latinx families, culture, and traditions. If you have a story that you would like to share, please email the story (videos and photographs are welcomed and encouraged) to employeerelations@birminghamal.gov. Deadline is Friday, Sept. 30. Please call 205-581-3052 if you have questions or need additional information. 

* Food Truck Friday is today *    

• The popular Food Truck Friday event will take place TODAY on Short 20th Street in front of City Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a live radio remote with Summit Media, who will host ticket giveaways for the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic game!  

  • The following trucks will be here:  

    • Coco Crabs 

    • Aww Shucks  

    • Treats So Sweet  

    • Smoke on Wheels 

    • Jolly Cakes  

    • Lemonade Junkeez 

    • Dirty Red 

    • Cake’s Southern Fried Eats  

    • Sugar and Ice Desserts 

    • Not Ya Average Leaf  

    • Nawlins Style Po Boys 

    • Oh My Turkey Leg 

* Singer Omarion to sign his new book * 

• The Birmingham Public Library is hosting Grammy-award nominated singer, songwriter, performer, actor, and author, Omarion on his Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy book tour. The event will be Friday, Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library. Tickets are $30 and includes a book. For more info, go here: https://bplolinenews.blogspot.com/2022/09/central-library-to-host-book-releaseq.html 

* Bring Your Own Vibe * 

• Head to the City of Birmingham's Official YouTube channel and subscribe to be sure you don't miss the alert for the next Bring Your Own Vibe! This Friday, Sept. 16, Dave and the Party Rockers take the stage for some go-go-style tunes. Here’s a snippet: TEASER - Bring Your Own Vibe: Dave and the Party Rockers. 

* Medical Minute with Dr. Kre of BWell* 

• September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month   

  • Prostate health is important. Remember all men need to start having regular prostate checks at the age of 40 years for African Americans and 50 years for Caucasian Americans.  Also, make sure to ask about your family history of all the men in your family.   

  • Here are a few good prostate health tips:   

    • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is often a risk factor for cancers.   

    • Decrease red meat and increase your vegetables   

    • Exercise more & quit smoking   

  • To come get your blood work to check your PSA (prostate level) at NO COPAYMENT, enroll at cobclinic.com or give us a call at Brownstone BWell 205-202-5650.   

* Family Movie Night in the park * 

• Birmingham Park and Rec is hosting Family Movie Night at different city parks through October 13. This special program, known as “Parks After Dark,” is for all ages and free to the public. The movies will start at sunset.    

  • Dates and locations include:    

    • Wiggins Park Rec Center – Sept. 22    

    • North Bham Rec Center – Sept. 29    

    • Fountain Heights Rec Center – Oct. 6    

    • Memorial Park Rec Center – Oct. 13  

* Helpful tips from Behavioral Health Systems * 

• Social media, texting and other forms of digital communication are now ingrained into children's habits at an early age. Unfortunately, bullying has also evolved with technology. The attached handout, Cyberbullying & Keeping Your Children Safe, offers tips to parents and guardians to help protect their children. As a reminder, BHS is continuing to offer telehealth services. Please do not hesitate to reach out to BHS to discuss your benefits and to find a counselor to meet your needs.  Call BHS today at 800-245-1150. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS          

Saturday, September 17  

• First-time home buyers seminar 

  • Learn helpful information. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 2015 26th Ave. West. Lunch is provided. See attached for details.  

• Birmingham Museum of Art to host its Latin American Heritage Festival  

  • Celebrate Latin culture at the Birmingham Museum of Art during their sixth annual Latin American Heritage Festival in collaboration with Fiesta Birmingham. Join BMA for a day of festivities, featuring Spanish-language gallery tours and delicious Latin cuisine. Enjoy family-friendly art activities, face painting, and much more! Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.  
      

• Back in School Chess Tournament  

  • The Arlington House and Gardens, along with ChessNation and Birmingham Public Libraries, will present a chess tournament. See details attached.    

  
Thursday, September 22 

• Toastmasters International Open House 

  • Learn how Toastmasters can help you improve your public speaking skills. Come to City Hall, Conference Room 215. 12-1 p.m. 

  • If you can’t join in person, hop on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4162734596?pwd=RnBBUTExZlpGSkpTT3JIdGlBa2xqZz09 

    • Meeting ID: 416 273 4596 

    • Passcode: 2022 

Saturday, September 24 

• CrossPlex Villa Block Party 

  • Come enjoy a block party featuring the grand opening of Crab Barrack. City and County employees receive a 10 percent discount on CrossPlex village eateries (except for Starbucks). See attached. 

Thursday, September 29  

• Birmingham Museum of Art’s Season Opening: ReFRAME Party  

  • Join BMA at The ReFRAME, an immersive celebration with a fresh perspective, inspired by art and culture from around the world. September 29 from 5-9 p.m. Get more details here: https://www.artsbma.org/event/season-opening-the-fall-reframe-party/  

Saturday, October 1  

• Employee Appreciation Day  

  • Birmingham-Southern College will have a City of Birmingham Employee Appreciation Day during its 6 p.m. game on Saturday, Oct. 1 on its campus. What this means is that City of Birmingham employees who show their ID badge at any gate, will receive free entrance. All employees attending the game will also be entered in a drawing. **There is limited parking around the stadium, so fans will most likely need to park in the parking lot by the college's soccer fields and walk down the hill to the stadium.  

Send your News You Can Use submissions to marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov

Birmingham City Council Highlights 9.6.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 1:

Today the Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning of a property in the Fairview neighborhood to allow for a community arts and cultural center.

According to the applicant’s proposal, they will “repurpose the existing building into a community arts and cultural center that is rented out to various businesses and non-profits. The Opportunity Center for Arts and Culture site will include a 300- seat venue for theatrical performances, a large reception lobby, a community dining hall, and a full-sized basketball gymnasium. The center will provide opportunities for authentic self-expression, cultural heritage preservation, and life-long learning through a trade school, daycare (Dorothy's Educational Learning Lab), and various non-profits that target the neighborhood's youth, families, women, young adults and veterans.”

Several councilors applauded the efforts that will provide more learning opportunities for Birmingham’s youth. The property is located at the former Family Life Center across the street from Sardis Baptist Church

“This is a great chance for this organization to work collaboratively with their neighbors at Sardis across the street,” Councilor Carol Clarke said during the meeting. “When we met with this group previously during a meeting about this rezoning case, they were flanked by a lot of members in the community. I can tell there is a lot of neighborhood support for this and I’m excited to see it moving forward.”

The Fairview Neighborhood Association met at its regularly scheduled meeting on March 1, 2022, to review the proposed project and voted to support the proposed rezoning request. The vote was 12- approved and 0- denied. The neighborhood is in support of the rezoning request because they want to encourage revitalization, improvements and stability within the community.

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 1. An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” Case No. ZAC2022-00004 to change zone district boundaries from R-3 Single Family District to QMU-H Qualified Mixed-Use High District , filed by Daryl Jones of The Opportunity Center, LLC, the owner, for property located at 1600 4th Court West, and situated in the SE¼ of Section 33, Township 17-S, Range 3-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**

Railway Infrastructure Public Input Meeting

Last week, the Council voted unanimously on a landmark piece of transportation legislation that will pave the way for railway improvements that will drastically improve the quality of life for residents in the Harris Homes community and surrounding areas. The resolution authorizes the Mayor to apply for $10 million in funding for a planning and

engineering project, the first step of a much larger project to improve the rail infrastructure on the Eastern side of town. The improvements would eliminate several rail crossings and allow space for trains to stage their approach into Norris Yard in Irondale in such a way that does not impede street crossings.

City leaders are currently seeking comments from community members and there will be two public input meetings on the railway infrastructure project: One will be held at the Harris Homes Community Center from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20th and another at Social Venture in Woodlawn that same day from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“I personally live in the community that has been impacted by this, nearby to Harris Homes,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “I’ve been engaging with residents about these train crossings for the last 15 or 20 years, well before I was elected to represent this district. So I am very glad to see a tangible step being taken towards a solution and I thank my colleagues for their continued support.”

Comments may also be provided at the Woodlawn United Methodist website.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 8.30.22

Here are a few of the legislative highlights from Tuesday’s Birmingham City Council meeting, in case you missed it.
 

ITEM 44
 
Today, the Birmingham City Council unanimously passed a landmark piece of transportation legislation that will pave the way for railway improvements that will drastically improve the quality of life for residents in the Harris Homes community and surrounding areas.
 
The resolution authorizes the Mayor to apply for $10 million in funding for a planning and engineering project, the first step of a much larger project to improve the rail infrastructure on the Eastern side of town. The improvements would eliminate several rail crossings and allow space for trains to stage their approach into Norris Yard in Irondale in such a way that does not impede street crossings.
 
“This is especially important when you consider the Harris Homes public housing community that is situated between two rail lines that diverge. Because it’s so close to the rail yard, trains will often park on those crossings, essentially blocking the residents in and creating a massive public safety issue,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said.
 
O’Quinn, who serves as the chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee said this has been happening every 7-10 days for the last 50 years. Moving forward, residents can finally anticipate a solution to this problem that’s plagued the community for decades.
 
The rail corridor is owned by Norfolk Southern who will also be contributing $1.5 million toward the planning and engineering grant. “Norfolk Southern has been a tremendous partner in moving this project forward. This is the largest financial commitment the company has made towards a project of this type, ever,” O’Quinn explained. “
 
Big infrastructure projects like this do take time to complete. The full scope of the project is roughly $150 million and will create overpasses and underpasses along the corridor for vehicles and pedestrians. At a minimum it will be a five-year project, O’Quinn explained.
 
“I personally live in the community that has been impacted by this, nearby to Harris Homes,” O’Quinn continued. “I’ve been engaging with residents about these train crossings for the last 15 or 20 years, well before I was elected to represent this district. So I am very glad to see a tangible step being taken towards a solution and I thank my colleagues for their support.”
 
Aside from the massive inconvenience of Harris Homes residents being trapped on both sides by parked trains for extended periods of time, it also creates a public safety issue for first responders who are unable to reach the community when there is an emergency.

Councilor Carol Clarke applauded the effort on Tuesday. “I want to thank Councilor O’Quinn and the Mayor for their efforts because this is like moving a mountain,” Clarke said. “We don’t have any jurisdiction over these rail lines. Today is just one example of the huge amount of effort it takes to push and wait and keep pushing to make progress. This is a big start and I’m so happy for the residents.”
 
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to issue on behalf of the City, a firm commitment to allocate $250,000.00 in local grant match in support of a $10,000,000.00 Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) planning and engineering grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration Railroad to develop highway-rail and pathway-rail grade crossing improvement projects that focus on improving the safety and mobility of people, goods and services. Norfolk Southern and the City of Trussville have committed to pay the remaining balance of the twenty percent (20%) local match requirement for the RCE grant. (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor and the Budget and Finance Committee)

Code Enforcement Town Hall on September 15th!