During a recent government meeting, the Homewood Beautification Board presented a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal and sustainability. The initiative, which has been in development for over 18 months, seeks to establish a long-term, phased beautification strategy that prioritizes green spaces, walkability, and recreational areas.

Mary Michael Kelly, the incoming chair of the beautification board, outlined the board's efforts to solicit proposals from professional design firms. This collaborative approach aims to create a sustainable beautification plan that resonates with the community's values. Kelly emphasized the importance of consistency and long-term vision in beautification efforts, noting that previous projects had been sporadic and often required significant input from city staff.

Nancy, another board member, provided historical context, explaining that the beautification board was established in 2017. She highlighted the need for a structured plan after realizing that past initiatives lacked coherence. The board has drawn inspiration from successful beautification strategies in other cities, such as Greenville, South Carolina, and Fairhope, Alabama, which have implemented long-term plans that guide their efforts over time.

The board's presentation underscored the importance of a unified approach to beautification, ensuring that future projects align with the city's vision regardless of changes in board membership. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the beautification plan and engaging with the community to foster support for the initiative.