Birmingham City Council Highlights 10.29.24
ITEM 9
The Birmingham City Council unanimously approved the annual funding agreement for the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority during Tuesday’s meeting.
Prior to the vote — which will provide $11 million for fixed route and paratransit services and $3 million for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services — the Council heard a brief presentation from BJCTA Director Charlotte Shaw.
Since launching in 2022, the BRT has experienced 207 percent growth in ridership with the stated goal of maintaining complimentary services for the foreseeable future. The average monthly ridership is currently over 20,000 residents who utilize this service. The BRT lines in Birmingham run from Woodlawn to Five Points West, with 32 stops along the route which connect to other fixed routes and microtransit hubs.
Director Shaw said the BJCTA is looking to expand the BRT’s footprint in the coming years and they will be launching an app in 2025 that consolidates payments and routes for the various public transit services.
ITEM 12
Residents of Fountain Heights and surrounding areas will soon have an upgraded urban farm, complete with a neighborhood market and community kitchen following Tuesday’s unanimous vote.
According to the $150,000 agreement with Fountain Heights Cooperative LLC, the organization “will be installing the essential infrastructure, including city water access for ten farm lots, and constructing a neighborhood market and community kitchen to increase access to fresh and affordable food options for residents of Birmingham by developing a multifaceted space serving as a neighborhood market cooperative, offering affordable high-quality food to over 3,000 residents in the Fountain Heights area; and creating economic opportunities for micro-businesses by providing affordable commercial kitchen access to 60 food-based micro businesses in the first year of operation.”
The Co-Founder of the Fountain Heights Cooperative, M. Dominique Villanueva, said their goal is to provide an additional 25,000 pounds of nutritious, local food in the first year to the more than 3,000 residents living in USDA defined food deserts in Fountain Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. Also they are looking to create nine quality jobs earning at or above $20 an hour.
In anticipation of this expansion, the organization has already prepared 70,000 seedlings to be planted and harvested in the coming months.
“This organization has a lot of pride in our community and has helped us to really put this land to use through their hard work, sweat and dedication to providing clean, healthy food to our residents,” Councilor LaTonya Tate said. “I’m so excited to see this expansion and for what this will mean for people experiencing food insecurities in our district. All of this intersects when we’re talking about improving quality of life. It starts with having access to healthy foods and I just have to publicly thank Dominique and her group for everything they’ve done.”
ITEM 15
The Council approved a funding agreement with Northside Redevelopment, LLC, for $4.5 million for the construction of sidewalk and roadway infrastructure on city-owned rights-of-way at the new amphitheater and the surrounding redevelopment.
This was part of the initial agreement between the city, the BJCC, Live Nation and other parties, in addition to the funding that was previously approved by the city.
“This is really about improving this entire corridor in North Birmingham,” said Councilor Hunter Williams, who chairs the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. “This really compliments our efforts to increase street lights and repaving in the area as well. We’re at a pivotal moment. For one, the Council does not think we spend enough money on our city-owned infrastructure. We know the public wants to see more of that. And second, we are going to have a brand new, world-class amphitheater completed next year and we want Birmingham to be a destination for people to come and visit. Most importantly we want them to be safe and investing in new infrastructure is a key part of that.”
Construction of the new amphitheater has already begun and is expected to be completed by Summer 2025.
A.G. Gaston Legacy Project Press Conference
Councilor Clinton Woods, alongside A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club CEO Andre McFadden, will hold a press conference to announce a project dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of A.G. Gaston. This initiative aims to celebrate Gaston’s remarkable contributions and ensure that current and future generations are aware of his accomplishments and impact.
The press conference will take place on Wednesday, October 30th at 1:30 p.m. at the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club.
The project will feature a reprint of A.G. Gaston’s autobiography, “Green Power,” along with the release of a newly developed audiobook edition. This audiobook will include enriched content such as first-hand accounts from those who knew or worked with Mr. Gaston and reflections from today’s leaders on the enduring influence of his legacy.
The “Green Power” book cover art competition will also be kicked off, inviting the public to submit original designs for the upcoming reprint’s cover. Selected artwork will have the chance to be featured as the official cover, allowing artists to play a key role in honoring A.G. Gaston’s legacy through their creative vision.
Additional prize information will be announced during the press conference.
Participants are encouraged to submit their illustrated cover ideas to www.GreenPowerBook.com by November 21, 2024. The competition is open to the public.
“A.G. Gaston was one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time, and I believe his memoir is more relevant than ever, especially as we work to inspire young people to build financial literacy and set intentional goals for their futures,” Councilor Woods said. “It’s my belief that this project will bring his memoir back into focus for a new generation, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by many during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. ‘Green Power’ remains an inspiring read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, social justice, or the complex pursuit of the American Dream.”
Proceeds from the reprint will benefit the A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club.
We’re inviting all of our media partners to join us for this exciting announcement.
When: Wednesday, October 30th at 1:30 p.m.
Where: A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club (4821 Avenue W, Birmingham)
What: Announcement of the Green Power Community Art Competition
