City Council Meeting Recap 8.11.20
Here’s the video from the meeting:
Here are some of the main items the Birmingham City Council discussed at the August 11th, 2020 Meeting
Birmingham Region Community Investment Cooperative District
The Birmingham City Council approved an application to incorporate a Capital Improvement Cooperative District called “The Birmingham Region Community Investment Cooperative District”, that will serve to undertake projects intended to revitalize underserved communities in Birmingham and Jefferson County, and that will apply to the US Department of Treasury to become certified as a Community Development Entity, in order to serve as a conduit for the City participating in the New Market Tax Credits program.
Shared Space Permits
On Tuesday the Birmingham City Council will be considering an item for Shared Space Permits to allow restaurants to temporarily expand onto the sidewalk and into parking spaces to enhance social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Throughout the course of the public health crisis, the Birmingham City Council has been working towards solutions to mitigate the economic impact on businesses in the city. The permits would allow for restaurants to convert parking spaces and sidewalks into outdoor dining areas for customers.
The Council previously approved an “Eat in the Streets” pilot program that launched in Avondale and was very well received by businesses and patrons. The shared space program is a way to expand those outdoor dining opportunities for businesses that are not located within the boundaries of one of the city’s entertainment districts that allow for open alcohol containers to be transported and consumed outside of establishments.
Businesses will need to apply for permits through the City’s Department of Transportation. There will not be any disruption to city streets or traffic, according to the ordinance, which was approved by the Public Safety Committee last week.
“We want to remain competitive and make sure Birmingham’s amazing restaurant and bar scene has a chance to flourish and survive this public health crisis,” said Councilor Hunter Williams, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. “We use term shared space, but really these spaces belong to the taxpayers. I do think our restaurants and culinary scene has brought vibrancy back to downtown and we want to be sure people can safely enjoy a meal with their family and friends while supporting local businesses.”
Economic Development Board Appointments
One of the many ways the Birmingham City Council involves citizens in the City’s decision-making processes is appointment to Birmingham’s Boards and Agencies. Please visit the City’s Boards and Agencies Portal to view current vacancies and apply.
Today, the City Council voted to appoint members to three boards, all dealing with economic development in the the city:
Commercial Development Authority
Partners with the City to create economic development opportunities that expand the tax base of the City.
Downtown Redevelopment Authority
Promotes trade and commerce to upgrade, improve, modernize and expand existing buildings and locate new facilities in the central business district of the City.
The Birmingham Region Community Investment Cooperative District
Undertakes projects intended to revitalize underserved communities in Birmingham and Jefferson County, and serves as a conduit for the City participating in the New Market Tax Credits program.
Here is a full list of the appointments made today:
Commercial Development Authority (CDA) Term length — 4 years; Limit is 2 terms.
- Dr. Willie Gilford
- Marquelon Sigler is Re-Appointed
- Bob Dickerson
- Deontee Gordon is Re-Appointed:
- Joel Gardner
Downtown Redevelopment Authority (DRA) Term length — 6 years; Limit is 2 terms
- Darryl Ward
- Emma Tolbert
- David Fleming
- Emmett Davis
- Omar Harville
The following appointments will serve staggered terms for the Cooperative District, starting from the incorporation date of said district
The Birmingham Region Community Investment Cooperative District
- David Russell Jr. Appointed (6 years from the incorporation date)
- Linda Coleman — Madison Appointed( 4 years from the incorporation date)
- David Silverstein Jr. Appointed ( 3 years from the incorporation date)
