Author: Virginia Martin
JeffCo Considering $2M for New Coca-Cola Development
Jefferson County during its meeting Thursday will consider being part of an economic development project that will create a new gateway in and out of Birmingham.
Representatives of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United asked the commission for an economic incentive package of $2 million as the company looks to relocate from its longtime home north of Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport to the former Stockham Valves and Fittings location in Birmingham’s Kingston Neighborhood. Read more.
Even Watching Exhibition Driving in Birmingham Now Illegal
The Birmingham City Council put penalties on spectators who watch exhibition driving, regardless of whether they’re involved. That and setting a hearing on a lounge where street racers congregate are the latest actions in the city’s campaign against exhibition driving. Read more.
Alabama, Mississippi Among U.S. Leaders for Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences, Study Shows
A youth sentencing study shows Alabama and Mississippi are among just four states that top the nation in new juvenile life without parole sentences since 2012. Read more.
Alabama Coal Company Sued for a Home Explosion That Killed a Man Is Delinquent on Dozens of Penalties, Records Show
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
Read more.
Proponents of a Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Continue Call for Birmingham Council to Pass Measure
Seven Birmingham residents spoke before the City Council on Tuesday urging city leaders to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Read more.
Birmingham Council Approves Incentives for Coca-Cola to Redevelop Former Stockham Valve Site
The old Stockham Valve & Fittings site in Kingston could be rehabilitated under a plan presented to the Birmingham Council on Tuesday. The council approved an incentive package for the $340 million redevelopment project in which the Coca-Cola Bottling Company United of Birmingham intends to build a new campus at the Stockham site. Read more.
Birmingham Council OKS Citizen Observer Patrol Unit Despite Safety Concerns
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday narrowly passed a measure to create a citizen observer patrol unit, with some council members expressing concerns about safety for both the unit and the public.
“In your opinion, do you not think this a liability nightmare for the city of Birmingham,” Councilor Hunter Williams asked city attorneys about the unit, which would be composed of 200 volunteers overseen by the police department.
City attorney Nicole King told the council, “I can say, with the type of training that is in place, that this will be a success, but of course you can never anticipate.”
The council also approved a measure establishing a police department-trained auxiliary police force of volunteers. Read more.
JeffCo Allots $90,000 for Displays Highlighting History of Bham Barons
The Jefferson County Commission voted Thursday to play ball with a baseball historian, approving $90,000 for displays at Regions Field that will commemorate former members of the Birmingham Barons.
Kenneth Cunningham, deputy director of the Negro Southern League Museum, said the project will produce walk-around exhibits at the ballpark the Barons currently call home.
“When visitors attend games, we’re going to have displays along the concourse,” he said. Read more.
Missed Garbage Pickup Is No Joke for Frustrated Residents
Joe Knight demonstrated Tuesday that he can deliver a punchline.
County Commission President Jimmie Stephens told his fellow commissioners during Tuesday’s committee meeting that former Commissioner David Carrington called Sunday to say his garbage had not been collected.
“That was intentional,” Knight quipped as the room erupted in laughter.
But missed garbage pickup is no laughing matter for commissioners and others who are fielding countless complaint calls, not to mention the people making those calls. Read more.
Birmingham Council Nixes Parking Minimums Citywide; Mayor Voices Frustration Over Violence
The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved zoning amendments that include removing parking minimums citywide, a measure supporters say will make Birmingham more walkable, bikeable and accessible to public transportation. Read more.
