[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6632693,"mediaKeyId","2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b","parentId",2671089,"title","Public commenters press council on trash-can thefts, Sixteenth Street Baptist parking and mental-health services","audioSeconds",264,"startMs",3216000,"endMs",3480000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b&start=3216&end=3480","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632693/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Public-commenters-press-council-on-trash-can-thefts-Sixteenth-Street-Baptist-parking-and-mental-health-services","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632693-d97d356f98dad3c27da390736a357791/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442852&Signature=PTX7ZwdC8qwYCEW5k4bhFHgPK1WKkoHmQVBEyeVAlqX9G1vc68bmV3YAde5K3OYFNznPcuM3a-oytZFRPTUrlhHlm9xPKD6tN0yyA-VWrkemflbAWnxCgdK2bMyyA6M~tHYTF-STGSubul2uF~FbsCNIqyCDp0T1xXzrcsBaljk0rbnEFgMoQoS2hSqRiSMgWL1uPIg7suy5uGXcgas5NC4zuDc-GfYlO1o6fZZPTWwXZXazxhf7u9t3rYguFF4XLacMSM6zYZfZOYCKFcjWYVwEDuns889lmCBmZ~LF4tP8EZWjO6amhBNE4cgwx9GlLuTZoz1BirnxZu4K0fTmRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Birmingham","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","Several members of the public used Tuesday's meeting to press the council on neighborhood-level issues.

Garbage-can thefts and replacement: A resident described repeated thefts of city-issued trash carts at a duplex and asked why the city would not replace a stolen can. Councilors and a city official said the cans include RFID chips that link each cart to an address; staff said follow-up on reported thefts is handled on a case-by-case basis and that the city can attempt recovery rather than encouraging confrontations. Councilors advised residents to report theft or missing carts to the city so staff can investigate and attempt recovery.

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church parking dispute: Deacon W. A. Case of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church said a prior agreement between the church and city staff (he referred to conversations with a former staffer, Ben Green) allowed public parking on the church's lot but that the church now seeks to build on part of that lot and limit public parking. He said the change would reduce spaces available to churchgoers and neighborhood residents and asked the council to review the matter. Councilors acknowledged the concern and said they would look into the claim; one councilor noted the block adjacent to the church (Alabama Power block) is scheduled for eventual redevelopment in a master plan and that surface parking there has been an interim use.

Mental-health services and community programming: Janae Millhouse, who identified herself as Coach True and operator of House of True, described mental-health and wellness programming she offers (therapy-informed coaching, breath work, mindfulness, yoga) and asked the city for help connecting with funding or partners and for referrals to provide services in neighborhoods and institutions. Councilors pointed her to the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity and to community initiatives including Bold and the Majestic Peace Collective; several council members offered to share contact information and to explore placing her services in community events or youth detention programming.

Why it matters: the public-comment speakers asked the city to act on neighborhood livability concerns and to connect grassroots service providers with city resources and partner organizations. Council members pledged follow-up and recommended reporting channels and city staff contacts.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Birmingham - Regular City Council Meeting - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment at the March 18 meeting, residents raised a range of local concerns: theft and replacement of city trash carts, a disputed parking agreement tied to Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and a local clinician seeking city referrals and partnerships for mental-health and wellness programming.","taxTitle","Birmingham City, Jefferson County, Alabama","taxId",3652,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632696,"Council and mayor debate illegal dumping, street excavation and camera use; transportation committee to press utilities",425,1681000,2106000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b&start=1681&end=2106","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b/thumbnail_1681000.jpg","/articles/6632696/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-and-mayor-debate-illegal-dumping-street-excavation-and-camera-use-transportation-committee-to-press-utilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632696-8a7dcfae7f05df20b20b193feb8f9c56/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442852&Signature=HAO8so91LKCX9vgkv~pmkKwT04X6rrI0W-Jy0KUvSqX0cTzvh7g2P24udcYzUmUtMUzQvq1fZGEXcrYogSQtJRSPaBuFuh4pEYNmUGqVnZ6ubz3wjcAkIiVWxHu8WWdd3BsML5xWKZYPnU6wEjA0fimPYBvfVb2GV3kP7zRj6Tdh5tAXLJPUUH4TZ1jTagLv3A5Xd0u1D7otOF7I6iVPI06MNVuMEXqug9~i6BB~3rJuy~GllT0NmZ4Z2-n3y9DhIbcVxZ~f3jKCttO0AXmDaDTMXRhlKS9DLY-rGYGAlG6QCIS0WaMU21YjpLS0g54e7bL1fl18N0R-0ecVTSRegQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilors and the mayor spent time Tuesday discussing persistent illegal dumping, recent paving followed by utility excavations, and the city's use of cameras for enforcement.

Mayor Woodfin urged residents to document illegal dumping with video and 311 reports, saying a viral video the city posted had helped identify dumpers and that footage can lead to arrests. \"If you can help us catch these people in the act, that will be very helpful,\" he said, while also warning against vigilantism.

Council members described specific problem areas and proposed responses. Councilor Moore suggested blocking off some streets and restricting vehicular access in vacant areas to reduce opportunities for dumping and to increase natural surveillance by residents. Councilor Clark and others pointed to the MyBHEM 311 system and the city's process for issuing excavation permits; officials noted that when streets are recently paved, contractors must pay a fee to reopen them.

Councilors also discussed an uptick in utility and contractor excavations that follow city paving work. The mayor said the city has spent roughly $60 million on paving over the last six to seven years and complained that subsequent utility cuts have undermined that investment. Transportation Infrastructure Committee chair announced a meeting Monday, March 24, to which utility providers, overhead and underground utilities, and stormwater staff were invited to report on current and anticipated work.

Council members raised truck traffic through residential areas and suggested contacting the Alabama Department of Transportation about 18-wheelers using local streets as shortcuts.

Why it matters: repeated excavations and illegal dumping affect neighborhood quality of life and city maintenance costs; the council asked utilities and contractors to explain planned work and compliance with excavation rules.

What to watch next: the Transportation Infrastructure Committee meeting on March 24, when utilities are expected to present schedules and repair plans.","Council members and Mayor Woodfin discussed illegal dumping hot spots, use of cameras and frequent street excavations that tear up recent paving. Transportation committee asked utility providers to report on planned work at its March 24 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632700,"Council approves consent agenda and appoints members to Planning Commission and Zoning Board",598,2677000,3275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b&start=2677&end=3275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b/thumbnail_2677000.jpg","/articles/6632700/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-approves-consent-agenda-and-appoints-members-to-Planning-Commission-and-Zoning-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632700-48e0181ae4ec9b6f01a167cc5920420b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442852&Signature=Es7~j7yEKP12su2V53jo4eai3SLVNM6kISBI5Hhe9inGV-nWJqGjpjB3jA~F6kMhuFZd-LCr2I6AfH4nmVvDGokx9DnY29k91-QraRVctFIE-SIk0laC2vgBOLNljXPybZEXD6yXuqzFLILbrPplFHQROFBb2PwAiOcz78A0csXo8osDR-f24uPE8tMpZnVr1OZs8~soiCDi-hELsW9HAWliZo9qnOifdeYfoi5r-nkf6hSYvgMRacl1QzBaqjqLNn5C2R1LZ3l7mbsVTCEko1~oF6cZGBA6N6aeRbyW1OzLiLpZHbHjnla4dFw-oKU~J3k3xEDgseoJoz3JEyQdrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved the consent agenda and confirmed several appointments to two planning bodies.

The council approved the consent agenda by voice vote; no member registered opposition during the roll call.

On item 31 the council appointed members to the Birmingham Planning Commission. The council announced Daniel Christiansen to fill the remainder of Mashonda Taylor's term (Taylor resigned in December 2024); Jason B. Avery to replace Christopher Tyler Burks, who moved out of state; and reappointments of Hailey Colson Lewis, Dr. Naisha Black and Ronald Crenshaw. Committee chair Councilor Abbott said the planning commission seats are six-year terms.

On item 32 the council confirmed three appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment: the reappointment of Philip Foster and the appointments of Janice Smith (replacing Madeline Bowie) and Ladaira Lee (replacing Torin Bridal). The council announced term expirations during the meeting; the clerk recorded the appointment dates and expiration years on the record.

Why it matters: the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment advise the city on land-use and development matters and their membership affects decisions on zoning variances and plan reviews.

Votes at a glance: the consent agenda and both appointment items passed by voice vote during the March 18 meeting; the record shows affirmative voice votes and no recorded nay votes.","The Birmingham City Council approved a multi-item consent agenda and confirmed appointments and reappointments to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Adjustment during its March 18 meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632707,"Mayor Woodfin details public-safety push: focused deterrence, hospital intervention training and SET team results",911,280000,1191000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b&start=280&end=1191","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671089-36ad13cd73cb92d7074bb08b7cd7786b/thumbnail_280000.jpg","/articles/6632707/Birmingham-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mayor-Woodfin-details-public-safety-push-focused-deterrence-hospital-intervention-training-and-SET-team-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632707-2f33c19f2db7c5f3e3df5174eca59c04/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442852&Signature=QDetqWe8xKgVm8DRazE1dsHLLzAlVa9cDUA3n-~gEY8OurMge4HuFoo6DZ7vbTw6V2Hyld45gnVOjJmB5Ahtj2g59zuZtsEGbG7xSxf~u~6wbTRM0BWEfI-aKs-pygkvka~C~Qt6sbHXw1hi17A-qVvtT7J5Wk2CbCd7RwJf~y0iHo9sFoLgRLzq6NTLFzy2dJVCA2ENKhC5X22ePuyuTsdkxKLumuoAYR9jvMEet--VjLF1J4yJvoY32DaQBLscjmZw2Y~w~Y368ZkBvfieHZ8pnVVBrZvhQU9urryapPZYDk5AAoysITlc81ZzzjFg1BtHPA1Wtb1FUp8hAux9wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Woodfin on Tuesday updated the Birmingham City Council on the city's public-safety response, saying the administration is combining enforcement, intervention and community-based programs to reduce violence.

The mayor said the city is implementing a focused-deterrent strategy with the Birmingham Police Department and local partners; Chief Pickett and BPD leadership have been involved since January. \"There's an actual carrot side to that as well as far as the resource piece of giving people an opportunity to get out of that street life,\" Woodfin said, describing job and reentry supports that would accompany targeted policing.

The mayor also discussed a hospital-based violence-intervention program. He said a memorandum of understanding for placing violence interrupters in emergency departments is under legal review and training for hospital interrupters was scheduled to begin the week of March 17. City staff said the training timetable is in progress while the MOU is reviewed.

Woodfin highlighted the city's Special Enforcement Team (SET), created under the Police Department's special operations bureau and led by Deputy Chief Michael Pickett. He provided the team's activity totals since Jan. 1: 521 overall arrests, including 330 felonies and 91 misdemeanors; 14 guns seized (of which the mayor said 17 were reported stolen and 10 were found altered); and 16 stolen vehicles recovered. \"When you wanna track the trend of crimes ... stolen vehicles, either retrieving them or preventing them from happening, definitely reduces gun violence in the short and long term,\" Woodfin said.

On gun policy, Woodfin noted a state bill banning conversion devices known as \"Glock switches\" has passed both chambers and will require reconciliation before reaching the governor. He said the measure, once signed, would take effect immediately and give local prosecutors and judges additional enforcement tools. \"Even if you don't have the gun ... simple possession of it, you're in violation of the state law,\" the mayor said.

Woodfin said city officials also are expanding street outreach, launching a community-violence-prevention engagement form and meeting with grassroots groups including the Magic City Peace Collective. He announced community feedback sessions on a violence reduction strategic plan; the mayor said one session was scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Birmingham CrossPlex with a virtual option available at birminghamal.gov/csi.

Why it matters: the mayor framed the work as combining enforcement results with community and social-service investments, and he presented recent enforcement numbers to demonstrate near-term progress while the city expands prevention and hospital-based efforts.

What to watch next: city staff said the hospital MOU must clear legal review and that training is already underway; the council and public were directed to upcoming community feedback sessions and future program updates.

","At the March 18 Birmingham City Council meeting, Mayor Woodfin outlined a multi-pronged public-safety strategy including a focused deterrent approach, hospital-based violence intervention training, expanded street outreach and the city's special enforcement team (SET) arrest figures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters press council on trash-can thefts, Sixteenth Street Baptist parking and mental-health services

Council and mayor debate illegal dumping, street excavation and camera use; transportation committee to press utilities

Council approves consent agenda and appoints members to Planning Commission and Zoning Board

Mayor Woodfin details public-safety push: focused deterrence, hospital intervention training and SET team results