Birmingham City Council Regular Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Birmingham City Council held its regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included an invocation by Rev. Dr. Victor S. Lewis, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilor Hunter Williams, and communications from Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. The council approved a consent agenda, conducted public hearings, and debated a contentious zoning request for a mixed-use development.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, comprising items 7 through 65 plus addendum items 66 and 67, was approved by a single motion. Key consent items included:
  • Item 7: Amendment to SaaS agreement with Accela, Inc. ($88,850 increase).
  • Item 8: Agreement with Alabama Environmental Council for an interactive science center ($70,000).
  • Item 9: Vendor agreement with Benevate, LLC for grant software ($27,620).
  • Item 10: Mentoring services with Big Brothers Big Sisters ($4,500 from District 2).
  • Item 11: Foreign-Trade Zone Operator Agreement amendment with Bolzoni Auramo, Inc.
  • Item 12: SaaS agreement with Camino Technologies dba Clariti Cloud ($25,000).
  • Item 13: Agreement with Cincinnati Sportscapes for school court upgrades ($4,187,640).
  • Item 14: Amendment with Gtechna USA Corporation ($3,307.50).
  • Item 15: Program Funding Agreement for Financial Freedom Project ($1,000,000).
  • Item 16: Fiscal sponsorship for Yonder Walls Mural Festival ($10,500, amended to include District 8).
  • Item 17: Agreement with Quality Counts, Inc. for driving records ($22,500).
  • Item 18: Project Agreement with Sarcor, LLC for office upgrade ($40,000 incentive).
  • Item 19: Agreement with Wylam Youth Football Association ($2,000).
  • Items 20-21: Right-of-Way Encroachment License Agreements for blade signs (Pizitz Commercial Tenant and Vintage Development). Item 20 was removed from consent per Councilor Vasa and later passed with one abstention.
  • Item 22: Donation of a 2015 Ford Explorer from BECD; delayed two weeks at administration's request (no recommendation from Budget and Finance).
  • Items 24-64: Various resolutions including claim settlement, building demolitions, contract awards, change orders, and expense approvals.
  • Item 65: Resolution declaring 352 properties as nuisances due to weeds, with a public hearing set for September 29, 2026.
  • Addendum Item 66: Legacy Forward Grant Fund Pilot with Urban Impact, Inc. ($114,000).
  • Addendum Item 67: Agreement with Birmingham Board of Education for school funding ($39,000 from discretionary funds).

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing on Item 2 (Zoning Change for Tremont Development):

• Lee Zell (Redmont Park Neighborhood Association president) opposed the rezoning, arguing it is inconsistent with the Southern Area Framework Plan and that the developer's promises are not proper zoning considerations. He stated the neighborhood agreed to an 80-foot height compromise years ago.
• Paul Godby (South Side Neighborhood Association president) opposed, citing traffic choke points, empty retail/office space, and the difficulty of large trucks accessing the site.
• Kathy Adams (vice president of Redmont Park, 47-year resident) opposed the height, noting the Southern Area Framework plan was developed with community input and that the developer refused to provide sight lines for homes above.
• Mary Helen Crow (Highland Park resident) opposed, stating the 115-foot building is out of scale with the historic neighborhood and that the framework plan was designed to prevent spot zoning.
• Douglas Adams (Maiden Heights resident, less than two blocks from site) opposed the height variance, citing impacts on privacy, traffic, and neighborhood character.
• Michael Keel (resident of Lanark Road) spoke in favor of development but asked that the height be kept at current limits (supporting 80-foot compromise).
• Margie Ingram (property owner in 20th Avenue South) spoke in favor, citing the need for luxury condos and boutique hotels in Birmingham, and the developer's track record.
• Jay Freeman (owner of adjacent Sycamore Manor apartments) asked for equal protection under the law and clarity on the public record for any justifications.
• Michael Randman (Redmont resident) spoke in favor, saying the development would add dimension and improve safety.
• Tom Adams (Redmont resident) urged council to respect the framework plan and consider the impact of a 125-foot structure on single-family homes.

Other Public Comments (after adjournment):

• Adrian Reynolds (president of Smithfield and Enrich neighborhoods) requested updates on the $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, stating no work has occurred in three years and residents feel left out.
• JC Jackson requested an extension for a cleanup order after being hospitalized.
• Joseph Holt called for a public hearing with the Industrial Development Board, seeking transparency on how black business owners can access similar bond loans.
• A speaker (unidentified) decried the killing of a homeless man by Birmingham Police the previous day, urging the council to address police violence and invest in care models.

Discussion Items

Item 1 (Zoning Change for Duplex at 5900 Avenue M):

• This ordinance rezoned property from D-3 to QD-4 to legalize a duplex converted without permits. The owner, RRR Investment Group, stated they were unaware of the illegal conversion and sought to obtain separate meters. The Green Acres Neighborhood Association voted 8-0 in support, and the Zoning Advisory Committee recommended approval with conditions (only single-family or duplex use, and required permits). The council approved unanimously.

Item 2 (Zoning Change for Tremont Mixed-Use Development):

• The applicant requested rezoning from MU-M to QMU-H to construct a 124,000 sq ft building with residential (10-15 condos) and hospitality (80-key boutique hotel) components at 1240 22nd Street South. The maximum height requested was 115 feet (down from the QMU-H cap of 125 feet).
• Staff Report: The property is adjacent to Red Mountain Expressway and sits in the Southern Framework Plan area, which designates it as mixed-use medium. The Redmont Park and Highland Park neighborhood associations voted 30-0 and 29-0 against, respectively. The Zoning Advisory Committee voted 3-1 not to recommend; the Planning and Zoning Committee voted 3-1 to recommend with conditions (excluding numerous uses and limiting height to 115 feet).
• Applicant Arguments: Attorney Randall Minor and developer David Silverstein (Five Stone Group) argued that the site's proximity to the expressway and design (setback from historic buildings, parking underneath) justify the height. They noted the economic impact (estimated $36 million in city tax revenue over 20 years), and that the project would provide a unique luxury hotel/condo amenity not currently in Birmingham. They stated the building's height is consistent with other structures along the corridor (e.g., nearby office buildings). They also referenced a failed variance attempt before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Silverstein claimed the neighborhood promised support for a variance if he downgraded to MU-M, but only one person showed up.
• Council Debate: Councilor Vasa (District 3) noted the 59-0 opposition from neighborhoods and the ZAC, and moved to cap height at 80 feet (a prior compromise). The motion lacked a second and died. Councilor O'Quinn supported the rezoning, stating the height issue was about a 35-foot difference and that the project's benefits (jobs, amenity) justify the change. Councilor Smith asked about surrounding building heights; staff noted the Soroti building across the street is close to 115 feet.
• Legal Advice: Assistant City Attorney Julie Bernard advised that zoning decisions are legislative and must not be arbitrary or capricious; the council should state reasons on the record.

Item 3 (Athletic Court Enhancements at Schools):

• An ordinance authorizing a Right of Entry and Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Birmingham Board of Education to upgrade 20 existing and construct 14 new courts at elementary/middle schools. The city will bear costs; improvements become school property. Passed unanimously.

Item 4 (Multidisciplinary Team for Police):

• Ordinance authorizing an interlocal agreement for the Birmingham Police Department to join a multidisciplinary team with other jurisdictions. Passed unanimously.

Item 5 (Sale of Land in Daniel Payne Industrial Park):

• Ordinance authorizing sale of 11 acres to Scannell Properties for $495,000 ($45,000/acre) for a 50,000 sq ft office/warehouse. Councilor Tate inquired about job creation; the developer stated no tenant yet, but low vacancy rates suggest interest. A clause was stricken from the ordinance. Passed.

Item 6 (Quitclaim Deed for 321 Iota Avenue):

• Ordinance authorizing sale of city-acquired property to Sheila J. Mitchell and LaTisa D. Carroll for $8,123. Passed.

Presentations:

• Birmingham Crush Ready 15U Baseball Team: Recognized as 2026 USSA World Series champions, undefeated, outscoring opponents 64-6. They were the only all-black team in the tournament. The team presented by Councilor Crystal Smithman.
• Trainfo Technology Pilot: A presentation by Trainfo (Canadian tech company) on an ARPA-funded pilot at four Norfolk Southern crossings in Birmingham. Results showed a 25% reduction in vehicles impacted and 23% reduction in delay. Dynamic messaging signs and integration with navigation apps were highlighted. Councilors O'Quinn and Alexander praised the pilot for addressing chronic train blockages.
• Recognition of Deacon Freddie Lee White Sr.: Councilor Sonia Smith presented a resolution honoring Deacon White, a World War II veteran and founding member of True Love Church, who will turn 100 on September 2. The council approved the resolution unanimously.

Item 25 (Land Bank Authority Appointment):

• Resolution appointing one member to the Land Bank Authority at the mayor's recommendation, term expiring October 2, 2029. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved (all items except those pulled).
• Item 22 (Vehicle Donation) delayed two weeks.
• Item 20 (Blade Sign) passed with one abstention (Councilor Vasa).
• Item 1 (Duplex Zoning) passed unanimously.
• Item 2 (Tremont Zoning) passed (no vote tally given, but transcript states “Item number two passes” after a vote; the council approved the rezoning to QMU-H with conditions).
• Items 3, 4, 5, 6 passed unanimously.
• Item 25 (Land Bank Appointment) approved.
• Presentation recognitions and resolutions approved unanimously.
• Councilor Updates: Announcements of upcoming neighborhood meetings, cleanups, and events.
• Public Comments on Choice Neighborhoods grant and IDB transparency were noted; administration will follow up.
• Meeting Adjourned at approximately 2:15 PM.