Council Meeting Highlights: May 9th

ITEM 11

During Tuesday’s meeting the Birmingham City Council voted unanimously to approve a project agreement between the City and Yo Mama’s Restaurant to rehabilitate and enhance a city-owned restaurant site located at 2098 4th Avenue North.

The incentive agreement is aimed at bringing online a 5,760 square foot restaurant space in a city-owned parking deck that was completed in 1974. This investment will get that asset up and running while bringing in additional tax dollars to the city for years to come, no matter who the tenant is, according to city officials.

“This sounds like a great idea — we’re investing in this space so that a restaurant can occupy it,” Councilor Carol Clarke said.

Yo Mama’s Restaurant is a popular spot specializing in classic Southern comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. The family-owned establishment opened in 2014 and has been a staple in the community ever since.

“I have to offer congratulations to the administration and the parking authority for making this happen,” Councilor Darrell O’Quinn said. “Deck Three (as it is known) was designed with this intent in mind and prior to the new leadership at the Birmingham Parking Authority, this space has been advertised without success for many years. It’s awesome to see this big accomplishment today.”

Here is the item as it appeared on Tuesday’s agenda:

ITEM 11. A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute for and as the act of said City, a Project Agreement between the City of Birmingham and Denidine Group, LLC dba Yo’ Mama’s Restaurant, under which Yo’ Mama will undertake a project to lease, redevelop, rehabilitate and enhance the existing premises located at 2098 4th Avenue North, Birmingham, into restaurant space that is 5,760 square feet and seat approximately 80–100 patrons at one time with an estimated investment by the Developer for acquisition and improvements of the Project Site of approximately $1,700,000.00 start-up cost. The City will provide an incentive of up to $1,300,000.00 in support of the project pursuant to Amendment №772 to the Constitution of Alabama (1901), which authorizes the City to lend its credit to or grant public funds and things of value in aid of or to any corporation or other business entity for the purpose of promoting the economic development of the City. [G/L Account: 001_500_95093.545- 001] (Submitted by the City Attorney) (Recommended by the Mayor, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Economic Development Committee) **

ITEM 14

The Birmingham City Council voted to appoint two members to the Birmingham Library Board. The board manages and controls the Birmingham Public Library system and all other library property owned by or under the control of the City. They also oversee the acquisition for the City of land, money, securities, books or other property for library uses.

The terms are five years with a limit of two consecutive terms. Dana Woodruff was appointed to fill a vacant position and Lynn Flowers-Martin was reappointed to her second term.