Birmingham City Council Highlights 1.17.23

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

ITEM 1

Following a lengthy discussion, the Birmingham City Council voted to deny a rezoning request from Live Oak Parkway LLC for a proposed car wash in the Huffman Neighborhood.

The zoning changes would have turned the property from D2 Single Family Residential to C2 General Commercial district. Residents who attended the meeting all voiced disproval over the proposed change, stating it would create a nuisance in the form of noise and traffic in their neighborhood. Several speakers also noted that there are multiple car washes that already operate in the immediate area.

“We’ve been working through this process for a while now and I appreciate everyone’s patience,” said Councilor Clinton Woods, who represents the district. “We wanted to make sure that everyone in the neighborhood had a full understanding of what was being asked here. Our residents have been very consistent with lifting up their concerns about this project... I don’t necessarily think that a car wash provides any additional benefit to the neighborhood. There is a project that has already broken ground a half mile down the road from this location that will be a car wash. With both of those things in mind, I don’t see any way I can support this project at this time.”

Councilor Woods continued by saying he looks forward to working with the developers to find another project that would be more suitable for the area. On August 22, 2022, the Huffman Neighborhood Association voted 6-1 to not support the proposed rezoning. On November 9, 2022, the Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee also voted against the proposed rezoning.

ITEM 20

The Council unanimously approved an agreement and funding for a new youth intervention program – a partnership between the City, the Jefferson County Family Court, Jefferson County Family Resource Center and Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center. The program is known as RESTORE.

According to a presentation that was given to the Council during a recent Budget and Finance Committee meeting, the RESTORE program will provide the following for young people that qualify and have gone through Alabama's juvenile detention system:

· Comprehensive family intake and assessment

· Intense strength-based case management

· Benefits assessment

· Pay for essential documents such as State ID

· Creation of a participant educational/career plan

· Transportation for participants

· Provision of work/training equipment, clothing, testing/certification/licensure costs

· Incentives for progress and success

· Work with families to ensure safe housing and stability

· Advocacy, systems navigation and community-based services

This program is aimed at reducing youth violence and recidivism, an issue that the Council has been focused on in recent years. In 2022, 49 youth (age 13 to 22) lost their lives to gun violence in Birmingham. This program offers officials the opportunity to not just intervene with young people, but also provide services to their families.

“I do know that as a Council we’ve approved roughly $7 million for various initiatives and programs aimed at helping our young people and reducing crime in our communities. It’s absolutely been a focus of this body to help provide pathways to success,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “When you talk how we can help young people who have gone through the judicial system, it’s so important that we support their families as well to make sure they’re coming back into a good environment. I’m very glad to see this program have such a big focus on that aspect of reducing recidivism.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda: A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute and deliver, for and as the act of said City, an agreement with Jefferson County Family Resource Center (R.E.S.T.O.R.E), under which R.E.S.T.O.R.E will offer support services to 120 court-involved youth ages 16-19 and their families through the Jefferson County Family Resource Center. The program is designed to reduce criminal activity involving young people residing in the City to provide proactive, strength-based, trauma-informed, mental health services, and developmentally appropriate case management services geared to help build on participant’s potential for success. The term of the agreement is for one year and the funding amount is $225,000.00 from Professional Fees-Youth Services

WATCH THE FULL BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL MEETING HERE

Forest Park / South Avondale (Mid January Newsletter)

The February meeting of the Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood Association is

Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 p.m.
Avondale Library

Agenda:
1.  Report from South Precinct
2.  Presentation about Organizing a Neighborhood Meet and Greet, Pam Stories.
3.  Report from Friends of Avondale Park
4.  Report from Birmingham Board of Education, Mary Boehm
5.  Report from District 3 City Councilor, Valerie Abbott
6.  Report from District 5 City Councilor, Darrel O'Quinn

Forest Park / South Avondale  
Brush and Trash Pick Up date.  
      FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Missed Pick-up - Dial 311
Report Illegal Dumping - Dial 311

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Join Friends of  Avondale Park

Renew Your Membership

Friends of Avondale Park is a 501c3, run by an 11-member volunteer board, dedicated to supporting the park as a physical and symbolic anchor of our community. Friends of Avondale Park operates entirely with membership fees and donations. Membership levels are $25 for individuals and $40 for families. A $150 Legacy membership is also available. Corporate sponsorships vary from $500 to $2,000, all of which goes to park maintenance, improvements, and community activities. Corporate sponsorships are all taxdeductible donations. Donations go toward projects such as - Revitalization of the rose garden - Pond cleaning and maintenance - New signage - Membership events - Birmingham Folk Festival - Movies in the Park - Southside Baseball - New shrubs and plants All these goals improve the neighborhood by making the park an attractive feature of the community.However, we currently cannot meet these needs without additional funding. Please visit avondalepark.org to become a member or renew your membership today. Corporate sponsors will be featured in our newsletter, which reaches our 300 plus members on a quarterly basis.

Special thanks to Tom Cosby and Maury Shevin for cleaning up around and painting the cannon on Altamont Road.

Join us on Tuesday, January 24 at Avondale Library to help us prioritize the recommendations in the Draft Southern Area Framework Plan!

Stop by Avondale Library between 5:30pm and 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 24th to learn more about the Draft Southern Area Framework Plan. A formal presentation will be given promptly at 5:30pm. At the meeting you will have the opportunity to give your input that will help set the priority of the Plan's goals and recommended actions via an interactive activity. We hope to see you there!

Click here to review and download the DRAFT Southern Area Framework Plan

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Avondale Park Inter-Faith Walk

all faiths welcome
 
Led by Neal Flum/Avondale United Methodist Church
Every Wednesday (weather permitting)
7:00 AM: Meet at the Rose Garden
Dogs welcome

We’ll pray, Walk for 30 minutes, Share faith, fellowship, and our love of the park 
Any questions:  avonumcfaithwalk@gmail.com 

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Birmingham Lists the Streets Part of its $12 Million Paving Plan for 2023

By
 Birmingham Times
 January 6, 2023 

The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday finalized its 2023 Street Paving schedule that will improve nearly 250 roads city wide and roughly 43 miles.

The resurfacing plan is part of an estimated $12 million investment that will go toward upgrading streets in Birmingham.

City Council President Wardine Alexander said improvements are scheduled to be made in all nine districts and will impact almost all of the 99 neighborhoods in the city.

“A lot of our streets have aged and so we had a five-year plan where we were already looking to improve streets and paving in different areas. So this $12 million is just for this segment of the five-year plan,” Alexander said.

The council’s vote marks the first step of the project. Now the city is in the bidding process for contractors to do the work. Alexander said construction should start sometime this summer or fall.

To preview District 3 2023 Street Paving list, please click here.
To preview District 5 2023 Street Paving list, please click here.

Magic City Spotlight: City Council supports safe sleep pilot program

Birmingham City Council backs Home For All pilot program

On Tuesday, Birmingham City Council unanimously voted to approve the purchase of 50 micro-shelters and take proposals for services to support unhoused residents.

The Birmingham Times reports, "The plan, proposed by the city, is called 'Home for All' and will see officials spending an initial $975,000 for the purchase of micro-shelter materials and supplies from Everett, Washington-based Pallet Shelter, which bills itself as 'The Leader in Rapid-Response Villages.'"

Click the button below to read more from The Birmingham Times on the questions posed by council members and the hope the council has for the impact of the new program.

Dr. Meghan Venable-Thomas describes the spirit of Home For All program

“When I think of home I think of a place where love’s overflowing.” This is the first line of a song in a musical I watched recently, “The Wiz.” A retake on the film “The Wizard of Oz” in which Dorothy, played by Diana Ross, is transported to an unfamiliar world making new friends along the way but ultimately all in the pursuit of getting back home.

Why would the whole premise of this iconic story and remake be all about home? Why is home so important? When I think of home, I think of a place I feel safe and well.

Where I can find peace, comfort, and support. A place of retreat and respite that allows me to show up every day. Imagine if the place you called home wasn’t any of those things, or if you didn’t have a place to call home at all.

Click the button below to read Dr. Venable-Thomas' description of what home means for us all and how the City is excited to take such a significant step in creating a pathway to home for many.

For City of Birmingham's Don Lupo, shelter project strikes an emotional chord 

The impact of Home For All is not just on our unhoused residents. Roy S. Johnson writes of the journey Don Lupo has lived leading to this moment and what it means for all that he works for.

Johson writes, "It took all he could muster to not rewind what those eyes have seen in a job that became a purpose, a job that began just before the turn of this century, a job he’s held under four Birmingham mayors—a job he’s become."

Click the button below to read the full article and learn more about allies of our unhoused community are feeling hopeful.

Mayor Woodfin presents resolution for 5% cost of living increase for employees

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin presented resolutions of intent for a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees and to fund new venues and restore key facilities during a meeting of the Birmingham City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee today.

The 5% COLA for employees, coupled with last year’s raise, would provide a cumulative 10% cost of living adjustment for all employees within a 12 month period.

“The city’s greatest asset to serve Birmingham is our people, the employees of our city. We appreciate your sacrifice and commitment,” Mayor Woodfin said. “The city is committed to investing in all city employees and providing competitive compensation in order to retain and recruit a customer-service based, efficient and effective workforce.”

Click the button below to learn more about the City's investment in people, its "greatest asset," and venues to increase economic impact.

2023 Street Paving List For District 3

Important Update About Garbage Pickup This Week And Next

Important update about garbage pickup this week and next:

In observance of the holiday season, the City of Birmingham offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 with the exception of police, fire and 911. As a result of these closures, collection for Friday, Dec. 23’s uniform cart routes will occur on this Wednesday, Dec. 21. Collection for the Monday Dec. 26 uniform cart routes will occur on Wednesday, Dec. 28.   

All other regular garbage collection routes will be serviced as normal on their next or following pickup date (i.e., Friday, Dec. 23 collection will be picked up on the next scheduled date of Tuesday, Dec. 27). Recycle collection will remain as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Magic City Spotlight: Birmingham to celebrate 60th commemoration of civil rights movement throughout 2023

The City of Birmingham to commemorate 60 years since the 1963 Birmingham campaign for civil and human rights

For the entire year of 2023, the City of Birmingham – in partnership with area churches, arts organizations, activists, businesses and nonprofits – will honor the challenges, lessons and triumphs of the 1963 Birmingham civil and human rights movement. The 60th commemoration will include programs, events, workshops, and entertainment that will be open to the entire community.  

“The eyes of the world were on Birmingham in 1963 while a battle was waged for the equal rights of all of its residents,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We plan to spend 2023 remembering and reflecting on the people and events that helped to break down segregation not only in Birmingham, but in our country.” 

Click the image above or the button below to hear Mayor Woodfin make the announcement.  Stay tuned to www.birminghamal.gov/forgingjustice as details develop

Birmingham's year-end progress report reviews 66 significant accomplishments of 2022

Mayor Woodfin writes, "Since taking office for a second time on November 23, 2021 we have taken great strides to address the goals of Vision 2025, our strategy to build on the progress of our first term. Take a moment to review some of the significant accomplishments in our commitment to invest in our people, reimagine public safety, renew our commitment to our neighborhoods and realize our economic potential."

See the full list at birminghamal.gov/progress and celebrate the progress of our city!

Be advised: City of Birmingham closed December 23 and 26,

garbage collection dates adjusted for holiday

In observance of the holiday season, the City of Birmingham offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 26 with the exception of police, fire and 911.

As a result of these closures, residents were informed that collection for Friday, Dec. 23's uniform cart routes took place on Wednesday. December 21. Collection for the Monday, Dec. 26 uniform cart routes will occur on Wednesday, Dec. 28.



All other regular garbage collection routes will be serviced as normal on their next or following pickup date (i.e. Friday, Dec. 23 collection will be picked up on the next scheduled date of Tuesday, Dec. 27). Recycle collection will remain as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Warming station open December 22 through 25

The National Weather Service has issued a Hard Freeze Warning in effect for Birmingham and all of Central Alabama tonight through Christmas morning. A prolonged period of very cold temperatures will be a threat to people and pets without adequate warmth. Exposed pipes that are not insulated or drained could burst. Please monitor weather updates during this extreme cold.

In response to temperatures falling below freezing, the City of Birmingham will partner with Jimmie Hale Mission and Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex to open a 24-hour warming station to the public beginning 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 through Sunday, Dec. 25. Those needing warm shelter can come to the BJCC South Exhibition Hall, located at 1962 9th Ave North.

Food will be provided. 

We will continue to monitor temperatures to determine hours of operation for the days following Christmas. 

The City of Birmingham plans to invest critical funding into supporting research and resources around food access. The City was recently awarded $298,736 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program. This was a part of a $14.2 million investment across 27 states to support urban agriculture and innovative production. In addition, $1 million of the city’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds was recently approved to be designated for healthy food initiatives. 

“Eliminating barriers to healthy food access is a priority,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “With this funding we hope to invest in local, minority food producers to put healthy food on the tables of our residents.”

Click the button below to learn more about the challenge we face, how these funds can help and next steps in the process.

City to open warming station Thursday through Sunday

Birmingham, AL -- In response to temperatures falling below freezing, the City of Birmingham will partner with Jimme Hale Mission and Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex to open a 24-hour warming station to the public beginning 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 through Sunday, Dec. 25. Those needing warm shelter can come to the BJCC South Exhibition Hall, located at 1962 9th Ave North. Food will be provided. 

We will continue to monitor temperatures to determine hours of operation for the days following Christmas.

Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.20.22

Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.20.22

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

ITEM 6

Today, the Council passed an amended version of the redevelopment agreement between the City and Housing Reinvestment Corporation of America (a subsidiary of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition).

Several weeks ago, Councilor LaTonya Tate joined Pratt City residents and National Community Reinvestment Coalition officials for the groundbreaking of the new affordable housing development that was made possible through this agreement.

In November, the Council unanimously passed the redevelopment agreement in which the City conveyed a total of fifty three 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 53 homes will be constructed on previously vacant lots along the Pratt Highway corridor.

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. In October, 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.”

ITEM 13

The Council passed a resolution allowing the Mayor’s administration to submit a grant application for the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure program. If accepted, these funds would help connect Birmingham’s Railroad Park to the Rotary Trail, several city blocks away.

The globally competitive grant will be awarded to 10 cities for the purpose of making infrastructure improvements for cyclists. The grants will be between $400,000 and $1 million and do not require a local funding match.

The three-block stretch between Railroad Park and the Rotary Trail is a key corridor for local cyclists.

“I would love to see an increased focus on educating people about bike lanes and how they should be utilized,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “I look forward to this being a successful application process so that we can begin to fill the gap that currently exists between these two popular trails.”

Magic City Spotlight: Martha Gaskins Elementary wins Eastern U.S. Robotics championship

99 Voices: Martha Gaskins Elementary School robotics team reigns as Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions

Help us celebrate and congratulate the Martha Gaskins Elementary School's robotics team on being the reigning Eastern U.S. Robotics Champions of the Fall 2022 CoderZ League Robotics Competition.

In the latest episode of 99 Voices, hear how fifth-grade teacher Dr. Yuvraj Verma is helping our students broaden their skills and minds to be ready for the opportunities of today.

A reminder about the city’s uniform garbage cart system

For the 20,000 households using the new uniform garbage carts, please remember that garbage must be bagged and placed inside the complimentary 96-gallon cart. If placed on the ground beside the cart or on top of the cart, it will not be picked up. Residents using the new carts should place their carts in front of their home. Any household garbage placed on the ground in alleys or on the ground in front of the residence will not be picked up.

The new cart system is serviced by automated trucks that use a mechanical lift to empty the contents of the carts in the truck. The process and schedule for the bulk trash and brush pick-up will not change.

Thank you for your patience as the city continues to educate residents on the new system. We encourage you as neighborhood leaders to help inform residents using the new system how to properly set out their household garbage in the new uniform carts.

For more information and updates, go to www.birminghamal.gov/pickup.

The City of Birmingham awards $850,000 to organizations to facilitate economic development through BOLD program

The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $850,000 to eight area organizations to fund innovative ways to help improve Birmingham’s economic landscape. The BOLD program, which stands for Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, provides financial support to organizations and agencies that are taking creative, evidence-based approaches to solving various community issues.

“I am thrilled to continue to support our local organizations and small businesses who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “An investment in these outstanding groups is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”   

StrongHER 2023 is coming! First, meet Meesha Emmett

Next year's theme is "Born to Make a Difference: Then and Now," celebrating women's journeys from childhood to adulthood and the inspiring lessons learned along the way. Send your nominations to strongher@birminghamal.gov.

But we don't have to wait. Get to know Meesha Emmett.

One of the most painful moments in Meesha Emmett’s life has led to her life's work to combat suicide.

In May 2013, Meesha was 29 years old when she lost her best friend to suicide. She had known Alex since they were little girls.

"Devastating doesn't even begin to cover how distraught I was," Meesha, now 38, recalled. "And then came the questions: 'What if? How could I have helped her? How could I have stopped this from happening?'"

RPCGB Roundabouts Newsletter - December 2022

Read the latest news from the RPCGB

Economic Development

RPCGB Awarded Grants to Assist Local Communities

EPA Brownfields: The RPCGB was awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant, which will allow RPCGB and its partners, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova to develop a regional brownfield inventory, complete environmental assessments, and develop site specific cleanup plans. The agency is working with PM Environmental group to conduct the project. To read more, click here.

USDA Rural Development: The RPCGB was also granted a $250,000 cooperative agreement award through the USDA’s “Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge” program. This project will be used to conduct Economic Development Strategic Plans (EDSPs) for three communities - Dora, Nauvoo, and Parrish - in Walker County. These plans will evaluate current market conditions, assets, and gaps, conduct community engagement, and develop a specialized action plan for each municipality reflective other their unique strengths and opportunities. 

hese plans will also tie in with the county’s outdoor recreation initiative, and a specific focus for these plans will be evaluating methods to leverage existing assets to establish an outdoor recreation industry and improve broadband connectivity within these areas. To learn more, click here. 

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The RPCGB completed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) planning process in September 2022. The CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic growth and is developed every five years by the RPCGB staff and steering committees comprised of local officials, economic development representatives, and other regional stakeholders. This plan is designed to prioritize regional economic needs, support capacity building for local communities, and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of the Greater Birmingham region. To read the plan, click here.

Economic Development is Hiring Additional Staff

The RPCGB is currently seeking an additional staff member for the Economic Development Department. This position will be hired as either a Coordinator or Specialist, based on the level of experience of the selected candidate. Under the supervision of the Director of Economic Development, the Economic Development Coordinator/Specialist assists in the implementation of economic development programs and plans. This position is primarily responsible for data analysis and research, report development, and grant proposal development for the RPCGB and member governments. To learn more about the position and how to apply,click here.

For questions regarding the Economic Development department or its projects, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Director of Economic Development, atjwilson@rpcgb.org.

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Community Planning

There are multiple Community Planning projects underway!

Project recently completed:

Helena Comprehensive Plan –The consultant team led by MKSK and Sain Associates developed a new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Helena that was adopted on September 15.  Visit www.HelenaComprehensivePlan.com to view and download the final plan. 

Projects in progress:

Shelby County Comprehensive Plan – The RPCGB is working with the Shelby County Development Services staff to develop a new countywide comprehensive plan to replace the 2004 Shelby County Comprehensive Plan.  The new Plan will include ten guiding principles, a new Future Development Map, recommended modifications to the Shelby County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, and topical recommendations. 

Visit the project website at www.PlanShelbyAL.com to view the Draft Existing Conditions and Trends Report and learn about the new Future Development Map. The Draft Plan has been written and will be released to the public on January 18 and 19 at two public meetings. 

Birmingham Southern Area Framework Plan - Visit the project website at www.imaginebham.com/southernarea.html to learn more and view the Draft Plan.  The final public meeting will be held in early 2023.

Fultondale Comprehensive Plan – In January, the RPCGB planning team will be kicking off the project to develop Fultondale’s first Comprehensive Plan since 1988.  Visit www.FultondaleForward.com to learn more.