The city of Birmingham has backed off plans to establish a park for unhoused residents near Innovation Depot downtown.

“After further discussions with the property owner and business owners in the Switch District, we have decided to pursue a different location for the proposed Urban Oasis,” a statement from the mayor’s office reads.

The City Council on an 8-1 vote last week approved the purchase of property at 1312 First Ave. N. to create a park to include fenced-in green space with tables and chairs, along with a dog park, bins and lockers, restrooms and services to help unhoused persons. Several councilors raised questions about why that location was chosen.

The city’s statement said it was still dedicated to the idea of providing a “safe, service-connected daytime space that gives our unhoused neighbors access to restrooms, secure storage, shade, and direct connections to housing support, mental health care, and addiction treatment.”

However, the statement continued, “We also have a responsibility to listen, collaborate, and make sure we are choosing the right site to meet the need while being a good neighbor.”

The city is looking for another property and will update the public when one is found, the statement said.

“We remain committed to bringing this project to fruition and to continuing the broader work already underway to expand affordable housing, strengthen outreach and service coordination, and support residents through crises with real, lasting solutions.”