Birmingham City Council Highlights 12.12.23
ITEM 1
The Council unanimously approved an ordinance allowing for the expansion of the Business Improvement District to encompass Five Points South and several blocks directly west of downtown, known as “the Switch District.”
So what does this mean exactly? In 1995 the City of Birmingham adopted an ordinance that created these districts (also known as CAP District, made distinctive by the safety ambassadors that patrol the area currently downtown). This levies property assessments for the businesses within the footprint as a way to provide supplemental services for them, including safety patrols, sidewalk sweeping, trash removal and more. Those resources are collected and used to fund the services. “Think of it as a self-improvement district for businesses,” REV CEO David Fleming told the Council.
Property owners within the new footprint that account for over 50 percent of the assessed property value, signed the petition for the new Business Improvement District. Currently, there are over 1,000 Business Improvement Districts across the country that show positive case study results that empower business owners and increase vibrancy in urban areas.
During a recent Committee of the Whole Meeting, Five Points Alliance Chairman Steve Alexander said the move would finally connect the area to the downtown in a way that improves safety and quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
“You’ve seen all the buildings going up in Five Points South. There has been a lot of investment in the area that’s giving a base for us to produce the kind of results that CAPs has seen downtown,” Alexander said. “Thank you all for supporting this.”
Councilor Crystal Smitherman, who represents the neighborhood, said this effort has been a long time coming. “We’ve had a lot of meetings with the business owners here in Five Points South and I know there has been a lot of support for this. I think anything we can do to increase public safety and the overall vibrancy in one of the city’s main entertainment destinations is a win-win for everyone,” Smitherman said.
Councilor Valerie Abbott, who represents portions of the new business improvement district, said she was in favor of the new designation. “This important because it will increase public safety and the perception of public safety for people walking around in this area,” Councilor Abbott said. “We’ve had a lot of issues lately with exhibition driving and people experiencing mental health issues walking into businesses and traffic. I think having a Business Improvement District will make a huge positive impact.”
There will be at least a 60-day window for business and property owners to petition the city regarding the decision.
