Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association February 2022 Newsletter
Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, February 1, 2022,
AVONDALE LIBRARY
Per Mayor Woodfin's Executive Order, Face Masks will be required
February Agenda items include:
1. Monthly Report from the South Precinct
2. Monthly Report from Fire Department
3. Monthly Report from Public Works office, Mary Gunnerson.
4. Monthly Report from Friends of Avondale Park (Neal Flum)
5. Discussion about Noise in the neighborhood related to leaf blowers and a proposed solution to this issue (Tom Cosby)
8. Monthly Report from District 3 Board of Education Representative (Mary Boehm)
9. Monthly Report from District 5 City Councilor, (Darrell O'Quinn)
10. Monthly Report from District 3 City Councilor, (Valerie Abbott)
Forest Park / South Avondale Brush and Trash Pick Up dates.
TUESDAY, February 15
TUESDAY, March 8
TUESDAY, March 29
Missed Pick-up - Dial 311
Report Illegal Dumping - Dial 311
Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association Meeting
Avondale Library
January 4, 2022
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by Jeff McGee, president.
No report was submitted by the South Precinct.
No report was submitted by the Fire Department.
No report was submitted by the Public Works Office.
Jeff announced that Neal Flum of Friends of Avondale Park was unable to attend due to illness. Neal reported to Jeff that FOAP has turned in a list of needs to the City, including the serious flooding problems, pond and goose issues. There is some optimism that the pond might be dredged before the World Games.
Martha Council provided an update on the Miss Fancy project. She and Bryan Council have gone before the Park and Rec Board twice, and funding for the project has been approved. Installation has been targeted for March; however supply chain delays may impact the date pushing it back no later than May. The neighborhood had approved allocating funds to the project in a prior meeting. But just to be certain that we comply with all the City requirements, Jeff requested that we again approve the allocation for City records.
A motion was made by Sam Parker to approve the allocation of $5000 to the Miss Fancy Avondale Park Project. The motion was seconded by Martha Council. There being no further discussion, the motion passed all in favor.
Jay Smith was absent due to a celebration honoring his father. Jeff provided an update on the Triangle Park project on his behalf. The soft landing material was delivered by the City and spread by neighborhood volunteers. A neighborhood committee continues to work on improving the Triangle Park for the enjoyment of all, especially our youngsters. More to come on that in future meetings.
Mary Boehm, District 3 Board of Education Representative, reported to neighbors on the City Schools. Right now 5,000 students are enrolled in Intersession Week, a week of extra education and enrichment before the official start of school next week. Avondale Elementary is working with Avondale Library and they are providing storytime for 2nd – 5th graders. In March, the Library will host Book Bingo, and every child will receive a free book.
Carla Perkins, Avondale Library’s Youth Librarian, spoke to neighbors and encouraged us to help them make sure that every child goes home with a new book. Due to Covid, in-kind donations of books are not helpful right now. Monetary donations will go much farther, especially because Ms Carla can purchase books through educational wholesalers. If you would like to donate to the book drive, make checks payable to Birmingham Public Library, and put Youth Department/Avondale School in the subject line. Checks may be dropped off at the Library or mailed to Avondale Library attn:Youth Department or Carla Perkins.
Representative Boehm did not have current covid data to report for BCS, but the plan is to return to in person school, with weekly testing available along with vaccination clinics thanks to a partnership with UAB. She is still investigating the costs of soft landing materials for Avondale Elementary and will report back soon with a request for assistance. They are excited about the mental health financial support from the Mayor’s Office and City Council as well as Jefferson County tax monies collected. A new charter school application from a group out of Memphis is presently under review. Finally, a United Way initiative for high dosage tutoring has begun with tutors from 6 local colleges/universities.
Carla Perkins added that Avondale Library will be hosting the city-wide Summer Reading Kick-Off celebration in Avondale Park this May.
Councilor Valerie Abbott reported to neighbors on the fast City Council meeting she attended earlier in the day. The best news from the meeting was the new 311 call system should be up and running by the end of the first quarter (March). Soon we should be able to check on our 311 reports via a fantastic computer system but in the meantime, always get a confirmation number when you make a report. Councilor Abbott responded to questions. The Council is waiting to see if the Mayor’s Office delivers on its promise to help see their neighborhood projects funded. The 21st St viaduct is underway, and she can check on its progress from Councilor O’Quinn. She remains optimistic about the working abilities of the newly elected Council – they all seem focused on providing services to the citizens of Birmingham. She will follow up with the garbage pilot program in response to concerns about the pick up methods.
Councilor O’Quinn’s new Chief of Staff, Myeisha Hutchinson, introduced herself to the neighborhood. Ms Hutchinson has deep connections to the City and is excited to be back serving the citizens of Birmingham. Her email address is myeisha.hutchinson@birminghamal.gov
She welcomes neighbor questions and requests for assistance.
Final announcements: The World games is looking for 3300 volunteers. The application is on-line. A 20 hour commitment over 2 weeks entitles the volunteer to 8 complimentary tickets.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:12pm.
Magic City Spotlight
The United States Football League (USFL) will host its 12-week season with eight teams in Birmingham beginning in April.
Read more about this successful collaboration across the region in the Birmingham Times by clicking the image above or the button below.
Protecting Good initiative shows neighborly love to Northside Birmingham residents
The Protecting Good initiative is making it easier for residents to sleep at night. Marie Sutton tells the story of how Druid Hills resident Wanda Holcomb can now rest in any weather because of Protecting Good.
It was a miracle, Holcomb said. 'Nobody but God.'"
Read the full story by clicking the image above or the button below.
SWAC set to host series of football games in Birmingham
The Southwestern Athletic Conference, known as SWAC, will host a series of football games at Birmingham’s Legion Field each season for the next three years. The Birmingham City Council recently approved the agreement recommended by the mayor, which also includes an option to renew for an additional two-year term.
The SWAC is considered one of the premier Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) conferences in the country. Currently, it ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni playing with professional sports teams. The league continues to set the bar for college football attendance, leading all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conferences for 44 of the past 45 seasons as of 2021.
Create Birmingham 2022 Programs
Costarters
Since Create Birmingham launched CO.STARTERS in 2014, 280+ entrepreneurs have graduated from the program. Many have gone on to launch successful enterprises — from nonprofit ventures to brick-and-mortar shops and food tours.
You can join this network of creative professionals and take your dream job, community venture, side hustle, or creative concept to the next level with long-term support and experience from a team of experts!
Our Winter 2022 cohort begins February 7 and meets every Monday evening from 6:00 - 9:00 pm for 10 weeks. Our priority is removing barriers - and that includes financial hardships. So, costs are based on a sliding scale depending on your household income.
Our cohort is planning to meet in person, masks required, but we recognize there may need to be a change for the safety of our cohort.
ROADMAP GOAL-SETTING WORKSHOP
JANUARY 20 from 8:30 - 10:00 AM
Creative ventures and entrepreneurship aren’t for the faint of heart, but you CAN make a difference. And we can help! Register now for our free, virtual Roadmap Goal Setting Workshop on January 20 from 8:30 - 10:00 am.
Let us walk with you as you set goals for your project and map out how to accomplish what you’re dreaming of! Together, we create Birmingham.
The Embrace Mothers program is a pilot program created for the City of Birmingham to ensure a guaranteed income for single mothers. Approved by the City Council, 110 participants will receive $375 over a 12 month period.
The application process will take place between January and February 2022. Though an exact date has not been determined, the city encourages those interested in participating to continuously check the link below for more information.
Forest Park + South Avondale December Newsletter
In lieu of the annual neighborhood holiday gathering, there will not be a December Neighborhood Association meeting. Please save the date for the holiday gathering on Sunday December 19.
From your Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association Officers and Advisory Board,
Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!
Jeff McGee, President
Jay Smith, Vice President
Elizabeth Crawford, Secretary
Emily Jones, Treasurer
Board Members
Tom Cosby, Martha Council, Jeremy Day, Neal Flum, John Forney, Donna Florio, Pat Hudson, Elizabeth Pierce, Maury Shevin, Donna Sophronia Sims, Chris Woods
Forest Park South Avondale Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Avondale Library
The meeting was called to order by Jeff McGee, president, at 6:30pm.
Friends of Avondale Park (FOAP) president Neal Flum provided an update to neighbors.
A copy of his report is attached to the end of these minutes.** After reporting strong membership numbers, Mr Flum responded to a question regarding membership renewal. FOAP is working on the IT aspects of notifying members about dues and renewals. He also stated that membership meetings that were canceled due to covid concerns will resume once a large safe space is located. A neighbor reported that seemingly toxic goose poop and algae sludge is flowing in the Park after rainstorms. Discussion of the public health concerns, World Games presentation and possible solutions to the issue followed. Neighbors are encouraged to send their concerns and pictures of the hazard to the Director of the Parks and Recreation Board, Shonae’ Eddins-Bennett, shonae.eddins@birminghamal.gov as well as to the rest of the Board. **Please see a complete list of P&R representatives at the end of these minutes for reference.
Lt. Michael Nix of Station 22 reported to the neighborhood on behalf of the Birmingham Fire Department. Lt Nix cautioned neighbors to make sure all space heaters are a minimum of 3 feet away from flammable sources. In response to a question about household fire extinguishers, neighbors were encouraged to check the expiration date on extinguishers and replace expired extinguishers. In addition, make note of the manufacturer exclusions so that the extinguishers are appropriately applied. Lt Nix assured neighbors that if called, the Fire Dept will always respond. He also asked that neighbors use best judgment when calling 911. Discussion followed regarding misconceptions of firefighter duties (they are not plumbers or electricians) and reassurances of commitment to neighbor wellbeing (they will always respond to calls for assistance, and make appropriate referrals if needed). Station 22/10 is located at 4425 5th Ave. So.
There was no report from the Birmingham Police Department or from Birmingham Public Works.
Jay Smith, vice-president, updated neighbors on the soft landing material for Triangle Park. At present, we still do not have a date for when the materials will be delivered to the park. The neighborhood approved the funds to purchase the mulch in February, and the money got to Parks and Rec (P&R) 2 1/2 months ago. Our CRS rep, Jasmine Fells, has been following this for us, and confirmed by email that the funds arrived with P&R. Now we are stuck waiting on P&R to actually order and deliver the mulch.
Mary Boehm, District 3 Birmingham Board of Education Representative, reported to neighbors her excitement to have a whole new group of young, progressive School Board members sworn in last week. She is looking forward to better partnerships within the Board and with the Mayor and City Council. $1 million of mental health funds has arrived from the City budget to provide much needed assistance following these extremely challenging pandemic years. 3rd grade reading scores continue to be their major focus, and based on state department of education data, they have work to do to get 30% of their kids up to speed before the May deadline. The schools are providing intercession periods at the end of each 9 weeks where kids get fed breakfast and lunch, and get remediation work. They will soon add extracurricular activities to that school day. Avondale School is in need of playground mulch and a tabletop basketball clock for games. Ms Boehm was asked to bring the costs for these items to the next meeting and we will welcome a formal request for their purchase.
District 3 City Councilor Valerie Abbott spoke to neighbors about the Council meeting today. Two items of interest brought to our attention included a request by the BPD to send officers to be trained by ICE and a contract with the NUSFL to play games in the new Protective Stadium. The police training is meant to help catch human traffickers and drug dealers, but was sent to committee to clarify the question of immigration enforcement. The NUSFL contract was negotiated in secret by past Council president Parker. A resolution of intent was passed by the Council allowing up to $500k in supportive funds next year if the NUSFL needs them. Councilor Abbott added her support to the idea of publicizing the problems at Avondale Park. She encouraged neighbors to send their concerns to everyone on the Board, on the Council Committee, and the Director, being the “squeaky wheel” with vivid pictures of the problem, to get something done. Finally, Councilor Abbott spoke favorably of the newly elected Council members. She believes this may be the best Council she has served with during her 6 terms, and is encouraged by the potential for civil discourse and “nice” attitudes of her new peers. She also believes the relationship with the Mayor will improve as a result.
As a final matter of interest, Jeff McGee brought the upcoming Birmingham Opera performance in the neighborhood to everyone’s attention. On Saturday, Nov. 6th, a pop up performance will be held at 4233 Cliff Rd. From 4 - 5 pm. The street will be blocked off between Essex and 42nd, to allow for chairs to be set up to enjoy the performance. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Crawford, secretary
Carly Miller, Vice President
Montal Morton, President
Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board
latonya.tate@birminghamal.govLaTonya Tate
crystal.smitherman@birminghamal.govCrystal N. Smitherman
carol.clarke@birminghamal.govChair – Carol E. Clarke
Birmingham City Council P&R Committee
shonae.eddins@birminghamal.govShonae’ Eddins-Bennett
Director, Birmingham Parks & Recreation
Birmingham Parks and Recreation Contact list:
Ronald D. Mitchell
Larry D. Cockrell
Carol E. Clarke
Please note: Individual email addresses for Board Members are not provided by the City
https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamParkandRecreationBoard/#
Forest Park / South Avondale
Brush and Trash Pick Up dates.
Monday, December 20
Missed Pick-up - Dial 311
Report Illegal Dumping - Dial 311
Special Invitation to our neighbors in Forest Park / South Avondale.
Avondale Samaritan Place is sponsoring “Cookies with Santa” on Sunday, December 12, from 2 PM - 4PM. The FREE event will include photos with the big guy himself, cookies & cocoa, Ginger Bread House Makeovers, Christmas Ornament Creation, Paper Snowflake Design 101, an Away-in-the-Manger Craft, a Reindeer Food Activity, coloring sheets and games – a real afternoon of family fun.
Statement of President Joe Biden On Passage of the Build Back Better Act
[Yesterday] the United States House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act to take another giant step forward in carrying out my economic plan to create jobs, reduce costs, make our country more competitive, and give working people and the middle class a fighting chance.
The Build Back Better Act is fiscally responsible. It reduces the deficit over the long-term. It’s fully paid for by making sure that the wealthiest Americans and biggest corporations begin to pay their fair share in federal taxes. It keeps my commitment that no one earning less than $400,000 a year will pay a penny more in federal taxes.
Leading economists and independent experts on Wall Street have confirmed that it will not add to inflationary pressures. Instead, it will boost the capacity of our economy and reduce costs for millions of families.
Here are some key parts of the Build Back Better Act:
It lowers your costs to save you money on things like prescription drugs and health care and housing.
It gets Americans back to work by providing child care and care for seniors so workers can get back on the job knowing their loved ones have the care they need.
It cuts taxes for working families and the middle class – including extending the Child Tax Credit that is already helping the families of more than 61 million children and getting us closer to cutting child poverty in half this year.
It provides universal pre-Kindergarten for every 3-and 4-year old in America and makes education beyond high school more affordable – with historic investments in Pell Grants and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other Minority Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Together with the bipartisan infrastructure law, it makes the most significant investment in our fight against the climate crisis ever by creating jobs that build a clean energy future for our children and grandchildren.
Above all, it puts us on the path to build our economy back better than before by rebuilding the backbone of America: working people and the middle class.
I thank Speaker Pelosi and the House leadership and every House member who worked so hard and voted to pass this bill.
For the second time in just two weeks, the House of Representatives has moved on critical and consequential pieces of my legislative agenda.
Now, the Build Back Better Act goes to the United States Senate, where I look forward to it passing as soon as possible so I can sign it into law.
BUILD BACK BETTER FACT SHEETS
Key Fact Sheets
State Fact Sheets
Constituency Fact Sheets
Highland Park Neighborhood Newsletter
Curbside Recycling Pickups
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month ONLY)
Next pickup - Wed. 11.3.21
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
(Recyclables can still be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)
Check our website for more details on what can be recycled by clicking here.
Upcoming Highland Park Neighborhood Association Meetings - Agenda and Speaker(s):
MEETING TUESDAY, 11.9.21, 6pm
via Zoom ONLY*.
*Due to rising COVID cases and low vaccination rates, we have decided to return to virtual meetings.
Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format
Nov. 9, 2021 6pm - Speaker(s)/Guests:
Cathy Gilmore with Virginia Samford Theater
Christina Argo with Birmingham Transportation Dept. re: Veo and Bolt scooters and bikes to answer questions, address concerns, etc.
***Join Zoom Meeting (updated link as of May 2021)
One tap mobile:
US: +16465588656,,93671898724# or +13017158592,,93671898724#
Meeting URL:
https://osgnoc.zoom.us/j/93671898724
Meeting ID:
936 7189 8724
Join by Telephone:
Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 936 7189 8724
Zoom is an app/online tool used for video conferencing. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE OR APP BEFORE THE MEETING TIME! Here are instructions; you do NOT need an account or to sign in to join the meeting.
Large Trash and Brush
Future Dates: (11.5, 12.1, 12.22)
*These dates are confirmed but may not be on the usual day of the week.
Buildings with dumpsters DO NOT receive city pickups.
Please do not make new piles right after pickup; try to wait until closer to the next pickup.
Leaves and smaller brush and trash MUST BE BAGGED. Larger limbs/branches and furniture items can be piled neatly.
If space allows, make separate piles: trash/furniture/mattresses/appliances/etc. in one and another pile for plant materials (leaves, limbs, brush) to be mulched by the city.
They use two different trucks, and making separate piles helps them stay efficient.
Sometimes the city runs behind...if your pile is missed and not collected the following day, please report to 311 (by dialing 311 or the city portal www.birminghamal.gov/311-portal) and send the confirmation code and address to highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.
Transportation Funding
A resident recently shared this information on our last zoom. To learn more and sign the petition, see below.
Background, the "why"—the multiple benefits of investment in public transportation
https://www.alarise.org/issues/public-transportation/
Fund The Transportation Trust Fund
Please sign the Petition to the Legislature to help fund the Alabama Transportation Trust Fund destined to hold money to fund public transit to meet both urban and rural needs. An important source now will be the Federal Government's American Rescue Plan (ARP).
Sign individually at the Transit Citizens Advisory Board TCAB FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/bhamtcab/
Or go directly to Google Docs: http://bit.ly/SignTransit2022
To collect multiple signatures [by county], download copies of the Funding petition at:
https://bit.ly/FundPublicTrans2022
Among organizations supporting improved public transit: Alabama Arise, AIDS Alabama, Alabama Appleseed, Community Affairs Committee, Disability Rights and Resources, Faith and Works, GASP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, League of Women Voters, State NAACP, Transit Citizens Advisory Board (TCAB), and other civic and faith groups.
Hanover Circle Repaving is Underway
Start Date Monday, Sept. 27, 2021
Capital Projects Division is meeting and managing the contractor.
The contractor will also provide notifications in advance of work taking place in front of houses as it occurs.
Capital Projects staff can keep the neighborhood informed of any schedule changes or issues if they occur.
In general they will do the curb and sidewalk replacements first, then half of the road to the centerline, then the other half of the road. Access is to be available at all times.
The contractor plans to do one half of the street at a time in order to minimize disturbances to access. Access will be maintained. In some circumstances the resident may need to park a few houses down, but those disturbances would be minimal and only a few days at a time. The St. Vincent's gate at the north side of the circle will remain closed.
Jeffrey McCay with Capital Projects, City of Birmingham is the main contact for this project.
For follow up questions, please contact Dr. Darryl A. Lee (Chief of Staff, Councilor Valerie A. Abbott): 205-254-2355 office, 205-440-5345 cell, Valerie.Abbott@birminghamal.gov; Darryl.lee@birminghamal.gov
Reminder: Do Not Leave Keys or Key Fobs in Your Car
At our last Neighborhood zoom meeting, South Precinct Captain Harry Greenberg mentioned some of the recent car thefts have occurred due to keys or key fobs being left in cars. He strongly encouraged everyone to remember to take your keys/fobs with you when you park and exit your vehicle.
Please call 911 for (emergencies) and 205-328-9311 for (non-emergencies) and continue to report suspicious activity with either number as you see fit.
World Games 2022
VOLUNTEER AT THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Learn more about how you can volunteer for the games by visiting https://twg2022.com/volunteer/
TICKETS FOR THE WORLD GAMES 2022. Visit https://twg2022.com/tickets/ for more information.
General Information and Helpful Links on our website.
Check it out here:
https://www.highland-park.org/helpful-information/
Remember to report overgrown yards, abandoned cars, structures not being maintained, illegal businesses or commercial vehicles stored on residential streets and more to 311 or by calling DPW Dispatch at 205-254-6344...
HCBU Research and Innovation Week Career Fair
Highland Park Neighborhood Information and Upcoming Events
www.highland-park.org
Curbside Recycling Pickups
(1st & 3rd Wed. of each month ONLY)
Next pickup - Wed. 10.6.21
*We have unfortunately confirmed that if the truck comes by on other days, they will pick up materials and take them to the dump.
(Recyclables can still be dropped off at Birmingham Recycling and Recovery M-F 7am-4pm* - 9 41st St. S., 35222 (Avondale).)
Check our website for more details on what can be recycled by clicking here.
The St. Symeon Food and Culture Fair is coming up October 9 from 9-3. We are moving the marketplace outdoors this year and will still offer a wide variety of artisanal baked goods plus handmade pierogies, kielbasa sandwiches, and made-to-order Greek honey puffs. Our renowned choir will give a concert at 11 titled "The Psalms, Songbook of the Church," and our deacon will give a talk on the ancient Byzantine tradition of sacred art at 1 p.m. Church tours will be available throughout the event.
Blessing of the Animals
Sun., Oct. 10, 4pm
Rushton Park
Join Baptist Church of the Covenant to Bless the Animals we love. This brief, informal service is open to anyone who wants to bring their pet to receive a blessing.
We have treats for most animals (not the humans that come with them though).
We’ll have supplies for the humans to clean up after their pets. And we ask that the animals keep their humans on a leash, or restrained around the other animals.
Baptist Church of the Covenant
www.bcoc.net
Upcoming Highland Park Neighborhood Association Meetings - Agenda and Speaker(s):
MEETING TUESDAY, 10.12.21, 6pm
via Zoom ONLY*.
*Due to rising COVID cases and low vaccination rates, we have decided to return to virtual meetings.
Link to General Agenda/Mtg. Format
Oct. 12, 2021 6pm - Speaker(s)/Guests:
Brent Cotton Bham Visitors and Convention Bureau
Christina Argo with Birmingham Transportation Dept. re: Veo and Bolt scooters and bikes to answer questions, address concerns, etc.
***Join Zoom Meeting (updated link as of May 2021)
One tap mobile:
US: +16465588656,,93671898724# or +13017158592,,93671898724#
Meeting URL:
https://osgnoc.zoom.us/j/93671898724
Meeting ID:
936 7189 8724
Join by Telephone:
Dial: +1 346 248 7799 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 936 7189 8724
Zoom is an app/online tool used for video conferencing. BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE OR APP BEFORE THE MEETING TIME! Here are instructions; you do NOT need an account or to sign in to join the meeting.
September Minutes Coming Soon
Click here for August Minutes
Click here for July Minutes
Hanover Circle Repaving*
Start Date Monday, Sept. 27, 2021
Capital Projects Division is meeting and managing the contractor.
The contractor will also provide notifications in advance of work taking place in front of houses as it occurs.
Capital Projects staff can keep the neighborhood informed of any schedule changes or issues if they occur.
Will they do one side of the street at a time so people can still get to their homes?
Yes, the contractor plans to do one half of the street at a time in order to minimize disturbances to access.
If not where are people to park and how can they access their homes?
Access will be maintained. In some circumstances the resident may need to park a few houses down, but those disturbances would be minimal and only a few days at a time.
Will the gate to St. Vincent’s be opened during this to assist in people accessing their homes?
No. The gate will remain closed. This is to avoid disrupting the hospital traffic by keeping additional traffic and the contractor from trying to use that route, and equally keeping hospital traffic from trying to come in a disturb the contractor’s work.
Are there phases and will people be able to drive to their homes in between?
Yes, there will be phases (the contractor is to provide a schedule/phasing plan by 9/22). In general they will do the curb and sidewalk replacements first, then half of the road to the centerline, then the other half of the road. Access is to be available at all times.
Who is the main point person on this with the city?
Jeffrey McCay is Capital Projects contact for this project.
How can people get answers to ongoing or new questions?
For follow up questions, please contact Dr. Darryl A. Lee (Chief of Staff, Councilor Valerie A. Abbott): 205-254-2355 office, 205-440-5345 cell, Valerie.Abbott@birminghamal.gov; Darryl.lee@birminghamal.gov
Large Trash and Brush
Future Dates: *FRIDAYS (10.15, 11.5, 12.1, 12.22)
*Friday until further notice (instead of the usual Thurs.)
Buildings with dumpsters DO NOT receive city pickups.
Please do not make new piles right after pickup; try to wait until closer to the next pickup.
Leaves and smaller brush and trash MUST BE BAGGED. Larger limbs/branches and furniture items can be piled neatly.
If space allows, make separate piles: trash/furniture/mattresses/appliances/etc. in one and another pile for plant materials (leaves, limbs, brush) to be mulched by the city.
They use two different trucks, and making separate piles helps them stay efficient.
Sometimes the city runs behind...if your pile is missed and not collected the following day, please report to 311 (by dialing 311 or the city portal www.birminghamal.gov/311-portal) and send the confirmation code and address to highlandparkneighborhoodal@gmail.com.
New You Can Use - September 22, 2021
Fiesta Birmingham will take place in Linn Park on Saturday, Sept. 25 from noon to 8 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee. Children 12 years old and younger will be admitted free. This is the 19th year for the festival. For more information, go here.
Eat in the Streets will be held in downtown Birmingham on Sept. 24 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 20th Street. Participating restaurants include: ZaZa, Paramount, Chocolata, Café DuPont, Helen, Bistro 218, Brick & Tin, and Elyton Hotel’s Moonshine and The Yard.
Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies’ 10th Annual Sistah Strut, created to support and encourage breast cancer survivors, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Legion Field from 7 to 11 a.m. Go here for more information.
Grace Klein Community and Jefferson County Family Court will host a food box giveaway on Friday, Sept. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Jefferson County Family Court, 120 – Second Court North. Also, volunteers are needed from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. To sign up to volunteer, send an email to info@jeffcofrc.org.
Here’s what you need to know to pick up a food box:
Please follow the signs at Second Avenue North and Second Street North to see where to line up for the event.
Due to staffing issues, organizers will be unable to do pre-registration.
Giveaway is open to those in need.
Furnace Fest will take place at Sloss Furnaces, Friday, Sept. 24 - Sunday, Sept. 26 from 12 to 11 p.m. More than 90 artists will appear across three separate stages. For more information on tickets, parking, and updated Covid-19 guidelines, please see attachment or visit: https://www.furnacefest.us/
Have you registered for the Morehouse Tuskegee Classic Soirée at the Birmingham Museum of Art yet? This free event, which will take place on Oct. 8 at 8 p.m., will feature alumni and fans from both schools, live entertainment, and more. You must register in advance. To RSVP, Click Here. The game will take place on Saturday, Oct. 9 at Legion Field. Visit www.morehousetuskegeeclassic.com for more info.
The Greek Festival will be back Oct. 14-16 in downtown Birmingham, 307 19th St. South For more info, visit http://birminghamgreekfestival.net.
Southside CME Church will host a Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s for those 12 years old and up. Free Pfizer shots will be offered.
Know someone who loves to sing? Auditions for the World Games 2022 Gospel Choir will open on Oct. 1. The choir will have an opportunity to perform during the opening and closing ceremonies behind featured artists such as Yolanda Adams, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and Birmingham's own, 2021 Stellar Awards Artist of the Year, Pastor Mike Jr. Applicants must be post-high school age. Applicants should be prepared to upload a photo and up to two minutes of video of them singing. Selections for the World Games 2022 Gospel Choir will be announced after Oct. 31.