Birmingham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Birmingham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Urban Villages Initiative planning contracts
Three separate contracts were on the agenda to hire planners and communicators for the Urban Villages Initiative — Interface Studio ($299,980), TSW ($299,575) and Wilbron ($99,600) — to build community-supported plans for designated urban village areas.
Affordable homes on former Hill School site
The City was set to sell the old Hill School lot for $1 so Park Street Housing can build 31 homes, 11 of them affordable at 80% AMI. The City would put in up to $1.13 million to make it work.
Graymont affordable senior housing
The council approved the lease and federal agreements that keep the Choice Neighborhoods redevelopment of the Graymont site moving, working with HUD and the housing authority.
Industrial revenue bonds for Culton Holdings
The council was asked to consent to tax-exempt industrial bonds financing a manufacturing and warehousing facility. Bond deals like this typically help companies borrow cheaper to build and create jobs.
KultureCity accessibility and training epicenter
KultureCity would invest at least $39.5 million in a national hub for accessibility and inclusion, including the first U.S. technical college built to train and place people with disabilities into jobs. It would also add sensory-inclusive playgrounds, green space and an amphitheater.
Sale of Grand River Technology Park land for karting facility
The city planned to sell about 25 acres along Barber Motorsports Parkway to BK Propco for $1.85 million so a world-class karting facility can be built. This could bring visitors and activity to the technology park area.
Former Ensley High School redevelopment terminated
The 2021 redevelopment deal with 2301 Ensley, LP — which promised affordable housing, commercial space and community services at the old Ensley High School — is set to be terminated, with the developer returning the property for $50,000.