Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.10.23
ITEM 1
The Council referred a rezoning case for a proposed event center located at 6900 2nd Ave South, back to the Planning and Zoning Committee following a lengthy discussion.
The delay is to allow for several conditions to be added to the proposed rezoned property in order to prevent future businesses that would not be suitable for the area.
The case will go back before the Planning and Zoning during the next available meeting within the next several weeks. The applicant has been working to resolve issues around parking with neighborhood residents.
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. ZAC2023–00003) to change zone district boundaries from CB-1 Contingency Neighborhood Business District to C-2 General Commercial District, filed by Courtney Jones, the owner, for the property located at 6900 2nd Avenue South, and situated in the SE ¼ of Section 15, Township 17-S, Range 2-West, and the hearing of all interested parties. [Second Reading] (Submitted by Councilor Abbott, Chair, Planning and Zoning Committee) (Recommended by the Z.A.C. and the Planning and Zoning Committee)**
A Look Ahead:
On Saturday, October 21st, Birmingham City Council President Pro Tem Crystal Smitherman will be hosting, “Love Doesn’t Hurt: Relationship Violence Awareness Seminar” at the Boutwell Auditorium from 9 am to 12 pm.
The seminar will feature a variety of guest speakers and areas of expertise, including a self-defense session, a presentation from the Family Justice Center and more. The event is free and open to the public and attendees will be provided a continental breakfast, snacks, door prizes, giveaway opportunities and each attendee will receive a goodie bag.
“By discussing relationship violence openly, we can reduce the stigma associated with being a victim. This can make it easier for survivors to seek help without feeling judged or blamed,” Councilor Crystal Smitherman said. “It’s a goal of mine to foster more partnerships between the government, organizations, and individuals to help increase the amount of available resources to address domestic violence and better understand its scope and impact. We’re looking forward to hearing a lot of powerful and inspiring messages during this event.”
Here is a schedule of events and speakers for the event:
9:00 am — Opening Remarks from Councilor Crystal Smitherman 9:10 a.m. — Self-Defense Session by Kennan Walay (40 minutes)
9:50 a.m. — Presentation by Cleola Callahan of YWCA (40 minutes) Relationship Violence 101
10:30 a.m. — Speak Up & Speak Out Sessions (40 minutes) Speaker: Susann Montgomery-Clark, Megan’s Foundation
11:10 a.m. — Presentation by Meagan Lyman of One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center (40 minutes)
“In addition to our great line-up of speakers, I think the self-defense portion of this event can really help to save lives and empower people,” Councilor Smitherman said. “Learning self-defense techniques can boost a woman’s self-confidence. Knowing that she has the skills and knowledge to protect herself in potentially dangerous situations can make her feel more self-assured and capable.”
Some important topics of discussion will include:
How to recognize escalating unhealthy behavior in a relationship
How to help a friend or loved one
Impact of domestic violence on children and families
How to hold offenders accountable
Grants available to schools
When: Saturday, October 21st, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Boutwell Auditorium (1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203)
What: (Free Event) Love Doesn’t Hurt: Relationship Violence Awareness Seminar presented by Councilor Crystal Smitherman
