Birmingham City Council Meeting 2025-12-09

The Birmingham City Council convened on December 9, 2025, to conduct routine business, review zoning changes, approve workforce development grants, and address community safety concerns. The meeting featured public hearings on a rezoning request for a truck plaza in a residential area, which was ultimately denied, and significant discussions regarding the extension of an agreement with Urban Alchemy for homeless outreach. The Council also heard presentations on the Southern Music Research Center and voted on several financial resolutions.

Consent Calendar

• Routine Approvals: The Council approved the majority of the consent agenda (Items 2-43, 44-74) by a single motion after removing three specific items for individual consideration (Item 8, Item 18/Parcel 281, and Item 54).
• Removals and Corrections:
  • Item 8: Removed by Councillor Gunn for neighborhood discussion regarding a liquor license application for "The Botanist Greenhouse" (Bham LLC). This item later passed after public hearing.
  • Item 18: Parcel 281 was removed from the consent agenda as identified in the correction on page 55.
  • Item 54: Removed from consent to be discussed as a standalone resolution regarding HUD action plans.
  • Item 53 Correction: The Clerk noted that the $50,000 city match stated in the consent agenda description for Item 53 was an error and no funds were due from the city.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anna Brown (Chair, North Birmingham Framework Committee): Expressed opposition to the rezoning, arguing that converting residential properties near historic Black neighborhoods to industrial use sets a dangerous precedent during an era of pollution concerns. She emphasized the need to preserve generational homes to retain families in the city.
• Pamela Abernathy (Resident, 1323 22nd Avenue North): Expressed strong opposition, citing past incidents where 18-wheelers caused sidewalk deformation and traffic obstruction. She emphasized the presence of elderly residents and the desire for the area to remain a quiet residential zone.
• Deborah Clark (Resident, 1314 22nd Avenue North): Expressed opposition, stating that a church is located across the street and that commercializing residential properties with generational significance creates an inappropriate precedent for the safety of children and the elderly.
• Tommy Myers (Resident, 1344 2030 Avenue North): Expressed opposition, voicing concerns about noise and physical damage from trucks in an area with an aging population that requires peace and safety.
• Catherine Evans Lewis (Resident, Cipco Community): Expressed strong opposition, highlighting the negative impact of trucks on infrastructure and power lines, and the potential for increased pollution. She noted that "plaza" implies multiple trucks, contradicting the applicant's claims of only two, and cited community health concerns regarding asthma.
• Robert Banks (Resident, Bush Hills): Expressed distress regarding recent police violence and homicide rates in the city, comparing the current climate to historical tragedies. He questioned the efficacy of current crime programs and called for tangible strategies to help youth thrive.
• General Public Sentiment: The overwhelming majority of public testimony opposed the truck plaza, prioritizing residential safety, historical preservation, and environmental quality over the applicant's request to park commercial vehicles.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Zoning Change (ZAC 2025-00013)
  • Proposal: Request to rezone 0.68 acres at 1418 22nd Avenue North from D5 (Multiple Dwelling) to I1 (Light Manufacturing) to allow parking for two 18-wheelers.
  • Applicant Position (Roger Lewis): Stated the property is already used for trucks and that the business is secure on his own parcel, contrasting it with insecure public areas. He supported the need for the change, arguing the area is already commercialized. He opposed the community's negativity and suggested the resistance was racially motivated.
  • Staff Position: Noted that while the planning board recommended approval, the neighborhood association and planning committee recommended denial. They required a subdivision to survey the lot and the installation of a landscape buffer.
  • Council Deliberation: Councilor Tate suggested alternative secure truck parking nearby. Councilor Smithman and the public focused on the impact on the residential character and safety of the neighborhood. Councilor Williams questioned the rationale for the zoning change given the disruption risk.
• Item 8: Retail Liquor License (Bham LLC)
  • Discussion: Councillor Gunn requested a public hearing to allow the Woodlawn neighborhood to address the owner, Brandon Prince, despite a prior unanimous neighborhood support vote. The applicant presented a public safety plan involving off-duty officers and CCTV integration.
  • Speaker Position: The applicant expressed excitement about the partnership with the neighborhood. The community member expressed support, noting the neighborhood's positive development.
• Item 47: Bridge International (The Link) Workforce Development Grant
  • Proposal: Authorization for a $140,172.16 grant to provide trade training (HVAC, electrical, etc.) including Virtual Reality (VR) simulations and job placement.
  • Discussion: Councilors Pro Tem Tate and Smithman emphasized the need to partner with local unions and organizations like Black Women's Mental Health Institute and Tamika Holmes' CCDN. They expressed concern that VR should supplement, not replace, hands-on training with actual equipment and mentors.
  • Applicant Position: The Link expressed commitment to partnering with unions and organizations to provide real-world training alongside VR simulations. They confirmed stipends for child care and transportation would be provided.
• Item 48: Urban Alchemy Contract Extension
  • Discussion: Resolution to extend the agreement with Urban Alchemy for homeless outreach until March 31, 2026.
  • Councillor Woods Position: Expressed significant concern (opposition to current cost structure but no formal vote against yet) regarding the cost per interaction ($363) and the low number of shelter referrals (four) relative to the taxpayer cost. He urged a review of supporting out-of-state contractors versus long-standing local groups.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (Rezoning): Failed/Denied (Motion: Councillor Williams "No"; others present). The zoning change to I1 for the truck plaza was not approved.
• Item 8 (Liquor License): Passed. The resolution for Bham LLC to operate "The Botanist Greenhouse" was approved.
• Item 47 (Bridge International Grant): Passed. The $140,172.16 grant for workforce development was authorized.
• Item 48 (Urban Alchemy Extension): Passed. The contract extension to March 31, 2026, was approved despite Councillor Woods' concerns regarding cost efficiency.
• Item 54 (HUD Action Plan): Passed. The resolution to submit the city's action plan to HUD for the Community Block Grant and other housing programs was approved.
• Announcements:
  • Openings were announced for the Human Rights Commission (applications due Dec 16).
  • District updates provided regarding holiday socials, food box giveaways, and Christmas concerts across the city.
  • Councillor Smith and Pro Tem Tate acknowledged recent violence and highlighted available mental health resources and ongoing investigations into police conduct.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned with a holiday greeting.