Birmingham City Council Highlights 4.8.25
Here are some of the highlights from this week’s City Council Meeting
ITEM 4
Yesterday, the Birmingham City Council approved an agreement with Alabama Power to facilitate the implementation of the rail safety system, TRAINFO, at various crossings within the City.
This innovative system aims to reduce dangerous crossing hazards by notifying motorists about roadblocks caused by trains. The systems will be installed at intersections in Districts 6 and 7, which are known for a high volume of hazardous crossings. The specific intersections include Pearson Avenue/Jefferson Avenue, 31st Street SW/Cleburne Avenue, and 24th Street SW.
“This is the first time that this system is being introduced in the state of Alabama, and we are eagerly looking forward to the results it will bring,” Council President Pro Tem Wardine Alexander said. “We are very excited about the technology being utilized. The system will alert residents and first responders in these areas, allowing them to adjust their routes safely.”
Since 2015, Alabama has experienced 775 train-vehicle strikes, resulting in 320 injuries and 72 fatalities. With the addition of the TRAINFO system, officials hope to significantly enhance safety at these critical crossings. This proactive measure is expected to reduce the number of accidents and provide peace of mind to the community.
“This is a collaboration with District 5 Councilor O’Quinn,” Alexander said. “As the Chair of the Transportation Committee, he has strongly advocated for finding new ways to improve safety and alleviate the frustrations residents face when encountering a train blocking the road.”
Item 7
The Birmingham City Council approved an agreement for $7,500 to allow Holy Family Catholic Academy to provide healthy food options, fruits and vegetables at below market rate discounts to low-income and elderly citizens of Birmingham. They will be delivering fresh produce to citizens in two public housing facilities.
At a time when grocery prices are putting a strain on families across Birmingham and beyond, Councilor Carol Clarke is utilizing a portion of her office’s discretionary funds to make this venture possible.
Multiple factors can contribute to food insecurity in our communities, including limited transportation options and mobility issues with our elderly residents. The City Council has continued to partner with local organizations to meet people where they are and provide access to nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins — all of which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and certain cancers.
Item 75
The Council voted to set a public hearing for Tuesday, May 6th to consider changes to the city’s zoning ordinance to include several additional natural area and greenway districts.
These include: Open Space Neighborhood and Greenway Districts, Open Space Regional Park Districts, and Open Space Natural Areas Districts.
On March 26, the Planning and Zoning Committee voted to recommend these changes to the full Council. The purpose of these updates is to create and preserve open spaces and greenways throughout the city, all of which contribute to Birmingham’s vibrancy and park-rich atmosphere that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Right now the City does not have any designated open space district, so for the large number of parks that are not “dedicated” their current zoning classification is tied to the surrounding area. This means that property could be bought and developed based on the underlying zoning category. These new designations offer an additional layer of protection for the City’s parks and greenspaces.
Here are some details about each of the proposed zoning districts.
Open Space Neighborhood and Greenway Districts — These will include areas such as open space recreation areas including neighborhood parks (i.e. the greenway along Norwood Blvd) dog parks, play grounds, playing fields and more.
Open Space Regional Park Districts — These are for the City’s larger parks that draw visitors from both inside and outside the city. These are limited to six parks, Railroad Park, Red Mountain, Ruffner, Vulcan, the Birmingham Zoo and the Botanical Gardens.
Open Space Natural Areas Districts — This will be for places in the city that planners are wanting to keep natural, and primarily focused on Fresh Water Land Trust Properties, FEMA buyout properties and all the property around Lake Purdy, which is the City’s primary drinking source.
That public hearing will take place during the City’s regularly scheduled meeting on May 6th at 9:30 a.m. on the third floor of City Hall.
