Birmingham City Council Highlights 2.7.23

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

On Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council received an update on the Critical Repair Program, which is now offering up to $30,000 in home repairs for residents who meet the guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This year’s program is the largest ever, with more that $4 million committed to serve at least 250 homes. This is in comparison to the $2 million spent on 224 homes over the last three years of the program.

This year, the City will also be doubling the amount of funding for each home from $15,000 to $30,000.

In addition to the allocated funding, several Birmingham City Councilors have committed money from their individual district’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to help bolster the program in their districts.

Applications are now available at all Birmingham Public Libraries and the online application portal will go live on Friday, February 17th.

“I’m very excited to see the Critical Repair Program opening up and expanding its reach,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “I had a neighbor who spoke to me the other day and was saying how excited she was about potentially participating in this program. I know there is a great deal of interest across all nine districts so I look forward to seeing this continue to grow.”

There will be an application fair at the Fountain Heights Recreation Center on Friday, February 17th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm – city officials will be available to assist residents filling out their applications. The window to submit applications will be from February 17th to February 28th and they will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Applications will be accepted in person on the 10th floor of City Hall or online at Birminghamal.gov/community-development.

“I know a lot of our elderly residents and those on fixed incomes may not have the funding to make these much-needed repairs themselves. This program could be life changing for those residents,” Council President Crystal Smitherman said.

According to the application, “Eligible program participants must own and occupy the home to be repaired and have no intent of discontinuing occupancy of the home in the foreseeable future. Eligible program participants must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income requirements for low-and-moderate income households at the time of application. Eligible program participants must be current on property taxes for the assisted unit.”

Here are some of the eligible repairs that qualify under this program:

• Roof Replacement

• · HVAC repair of replacement

• ·Plumbing repairs

• ·Electrical repairs

• · • Limited sewer repairs

• · • Limited structural repairs

• · • Exterior painting

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

There are two terms expiring on the Commercial Development Authority. The five-member body partners with the City to create economic development opportunities that expand the tax base of the City.

The qualifications to serve are as follows: Member may not be an officer of the state, county or city. Must be a duly qualified elector of the city. The term limits are four years.

All interested parties, please submit your resumes to India.Bailey@Birminghamal.gov

Magic City Spotlight: Budget surplus leads to more investments in Birmingham

Budget surplus to fund investments in neighborhoods, personnel and facilities

Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s investment priorities have received final, unanimous approval from the Birmingham City Council to provide city employees with a 5% cost of living adjustment, increase personnel for Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services, improve and build key venues and support neighborhoods, libraries, parks and recreation centers through an $81 million budget surplus.

“I want to thank members of the council for working with me to achieve this major investment in our community,” Mayor Woodfin said. “Our responsible budgeting process which saw savings while also a significant boost in tax revenue provided the city with an $81 million surplus. Our priority is to invest in our greatest strengths – our neighborhoods, our employees and our facilities.”

For a full breakdown of the plans for how surplus funds will be used, see coverage by Bham Now, visit our official newsroom or watch the full press conference by clicking the buttons below.

WVTM covers how Page Pals can change the trajectory of our youths' lives

WVTM President and General Manager Susana Schuler shares a moment of clarity while hearing Mayor Woodfin give the State of the City Address.

Schuler recalls, "During last week’s State of the City address at the Birmingham Kiwanis meeting, Mayor Randall Woodfin said the best way our business community can help affect positive change in the city is to engage young people by 3rd grade in developing strong academic skills especially reading proficiency.

As a business leader, that’s not the answer I was expecting but it empowered me by knowing I as an individual can make a difference."

Click the button below to watch or read more about how an investment in our 3rd-grade scholars through Page Pals can change the trajectory of their lives.

Cornell Wesley recognized as 40 Under 40 in economic development

Cornell Wesley, director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham, has been announced as a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.  

The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries.

We are extremely proud to have leadership in Birmingham whose service is being recognized nationally. Click the button below to learn more about Wesley's honor.

Upcoming United Way Events

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL ALABAMA

United Way of Central Alabama fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties.

EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Stock Meals on Wheels Food Pantry

  • Help stock the Meals on Wheels food pantry. Picking up a few extra items can make a big difference in a homebound senior’s life.
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• Free Tax Preparation 

  • United Way of Central Alabama is providing FREE tax services again this year for qualified individuals. 
    Learn More

• UWCA Celebrates 100 Years

  • Join us on June 24th to celebrate our 100th anniversary and a century of moving our community forward.
    Learn More 

• Attention Area College Students…

  • Help kids overcome COVID-related learning by becoming a tutor.
    
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Birmingham City Council Highlights 1.31.23

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

ITEM 1
 
The former Western Supermarket site on Highland Ave. has been rezoned to allow for a mixed-use development that will feature 272 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of retail and office space.
 
Following a discussion centered around storm water mitigation and traffic impact, the Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request. According to city officials, the plan for the mixed-use development is in line with the City’s long-range land use plan and will provide improvements to the area’s walkability.
 
No streets will need to be reconfigured to accommodate the new development.
 
Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:
 
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM” (Case No. ZAC2022-00014) to change zone district boundaries from B-2 General Business District to “Q” MU-H Qualified Mixed-Use High District, filed by C. Randall Minor of Maynard Cooper & Gale, applicant, representing the owner, 22nd Street Partners, LLC, for properties located at 2230 Highland Avenue South, 2174 11th Court South and 1128 22nd Street South and situated in the NW¼ of Section 06, Township 18-S, Range 2-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**

ITEM 10
 
Today the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved $5 million for the construction of a new amphitheater near the former Carraway Hospital site that is currently being razed.

The outdoor amphitheater will include between 8,500 to 9,000 seats and will compliment the Star and Uptown developments that have sparked millions of dollars of investments in the surrounding area.

“If there are any lessons we’ve learned over the last several years, it’s that the Birmingham metro area has been gaining momentum through regional cooperation. This is especially true when we talk about ‘big build’ economic development projects,” said Councilor Hunter Williams, chair of Economic Development and Tourism Committee. “We’ve seen the success that other cities have had by making deliberate and sustained investments in public art and entertainment venues. I believe this will pay dividends for years to come.”
 
The Jefferson County Commission is expected to approve $5 million to help fund the development as well. The contribution from the City will be funded through this year’s budget surplus.
 
Smaller cities in Alabama are able to draw large acts to their outdoor amphitheaters. The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater was completed in 2011. That amphitheater cost $18 million and has resulted in over $100 million in private investment around it. With the largest metro area, Birmingham could easily lead the state in that regard with the new amphitheater.
 
Here is the item as it appeared on the agenda:
 
An Ordinance “TO FURTHER AMEND THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, by transferring $5,000,000.00 to Non-Departmental, Transfer to Fund 102 Capital Improvement and “TO FURTHER AMEND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND BUDGET” for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, by appropriating $5,000,000.00 for North Birmingham (Uptown) Amphitheater. Funding Source is Fund Balance Reserves.

ITEM 11
 
The City Council unanimously approved $4.4 million for various improvements at parks and recreation centers across the city, $3.4 million for facility improvements at public libraries and an additional $1.6 million for weed abatement and sidewalk repairs.
 
“I am so pleased that we are able to make this kind of investment into facilities and parks that improve the quality of life for our residents,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “Having access to these kinds of facilities is so important to our residents and the overall health and wellness of our community.”
 
Here is a breakdown of the parks and libraries that will be receiving funding:

Councilor LaTonya Tate, Chair of the Council's Public Safety Committee, has released the following statement regarding the death of Tyre Nichols.

"When Tyre Nichols called out for his mom, every single mother in the world felt that. Our hearts all broke at the same time.

We all thought of our sons and daughters and the agony that the Nichols family must be going through knowing that his life was stolen from him so close to home.

In the recent days since the video was released, it’s almost impossible to put into words what the world witnessed.

Their actions were completely void of humanity. Their actions were the kind of violence that our communities have trusted the police to prevent.

And yet here we are again.

Once again, our hearts are broken as we’re reminded of how far we still have to go for justice and peace in America.

To the family and friends of Mr. Nichols: Birmingham weeps for your loss and we stand beside you in the fight for justice.

As the first black female chair of Public Safety in Birmingham, Alabama, this senseless death has weighed very heavily on me. I haven’t stopped thinking about it.

Unfortunately, here in Birmingham, we are no strangers to oppression and police brutality that were broadcast to the world in the 1960s.

I think of all the men and women from that time who never lived to see a more just and equitable world. And in times like this, it makes you wonder how far have we really come?

But as Dr. King reminds us, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ Together we are stronger, and together we can build the world we want for our children.

Tyre Nichols’ death will not be just another statistic. His name, along with those who’ve had their lives stolen before him, will be our rallying cry as we continue to dismantle these systems of oppression in our country.

Say his name. Remember his name and how you felt when you saw the video of his death.

We will honor their memory by doing everything we can to build a system that finally fulfills the promise of liberty and justice for all people. That is my hope."

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

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.