Homewood’s City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating encampments on public property, following weeks of committee discussion and public input. The ordinance prohibits camping or sleeping overnight in public areas, parks, or vehicles on city property without a permit, giving police authority to issue warnings and remove unauthorized camps after notice.  City leaders emphasized it as a public safety measure that can be amended as needed to ensure fair enforcement and community protection.

Council Meeting October 13, 2025 The council unanimously approved the new encampment ordinance, multiple bid dates, franchise agreements, and plans for a police substation at City Hall, then honored outgoing Councilors Barry Smith and Julie Nelms for their service. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4h4uzk8

The City of Homewood and its Finance Director, Lester Smith, as part of their annual review, have mutually agreed that the goals outlined for the Finance Department upon Mr. Smith's retention have now been completed, and therefore, have further agreed to both transition to new opportunities. During the past year, Mr. Smith, with the assistance of City Administration, made significant improvements to financial oversight, internal controls and strengthening accountability within the Finance Department. Homewood looks forward to building on these improvements and the next phase of strong, transparent financial leadership. Nick Hayes will serve as Acting Finance Director as the City begins a search for the next Director.

The City Council approved plans to add a small police substation inside City Hall to strengthen the department’s downtown presence. The new office will use an existing ground-floor space that’s currently unused, giving officers a permanent space and increases patrols near downtown businesses. This plan will use existing funds, with no new money required. A few nearby parking spaces will be also reserved for police vehicles, helping maintain a consistent presence around City Hall. Work to renovate the area is expected to begin in the next couple of months.

Planning Commission October 7, 2025 The Planning Commission approved several redevelopment and rezoning requests, including a new Valvoline oil change center at 198 Green Springs Highway, a rezoning and consolidation for Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and updates to Brookwood Village allowing Andrews Sports Medicine expansion with new parking arrangements. Commissioners also gave unanimous support to the redesigned Piggly Wiggly redevelopment at 3000 Independence Drive, praising its improved layout, added green space, and neighborhood coordination. Agenda: https://bit.ly/48lt4fd

Finance - October 6, 2025 The Finance Committee approved a $507,000 bid for the Shades Creek Greenway Trailhead Pavilion, reallocating unused tunnel project funds to cover the cost. They also set October 30 bid dates for the Library Phase 4 renovation and Central Avenue TAP project, renewed leases for Soho Social’s City Hall Plaza events and a law office, and approved a $5,000 election budget amendment. Members dropped an outdated fiscal policy update for the next council, authorized the city manager to sign approved contracts under $350,000 through October, and endorsed creating a downtown police substation at City Hall using existing furniture funds and up to three dedicated parking spaces for police cruisers. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3KY7Kmb

UPDATE: At the Sept. 29 City Council meeting, the proposed ordinance addressing encampments and related activities on public property received its first reading but did not move forward to a final vote. The council will take up the encampment ordinance again on Monday, October 13. The proposed ordinance is designed to regulate activities such as camping, sleeping in vehicles, and storing personal property on public property. It gives police a clear process to address encampments while requiring notice and warnings before removal. The proposal was drafted in consultation with the Police Department and modeled after similar ordinances in other cities. Mayor Elect Jennifer Andress added that this ordinance represents a first step, giving police new tools to address encampments, while the City continues exploring all options to support long-term solutions to keep citizens safe. Councilor comments emphasized the complexity of the issue, with public safety, mental health, and community impacts all being considered. After discussion, a unanimous consent was not reached to allow for a vote. This means the ordinance will automatically carry over to the next council meeting, October 13, and then council members will vote whether to enact this ordinance. Mayor Wyatt explained that this is a standard process, that ordinances must either be adopted by unanimous consent after the first reading or move to a second reading at the next scheduled meeting. SEE PROPOSED ORDINANCE HERE ____________________________ The Public Safety Committee addressed concerns about encampments, homelessness, and public safety in a packed meeting with residents and business owners. The committee unanimously approved drafting an ordinance to ban encampments and prohibit overnight sleeping in parks and vehicles on public property. Once approved by the council next Monday, the committee will continue reviewing additional measures to keep neighborhoods safe and explore what other ordinances can be enacted under federal and state law to combat these issues. Residents shared stories of unsafe encounters near schools, parks, and businesses, including harassment, drug use, and indecent exposure. Many parents said they no longer allow their children to walk or play outside. Police Chief Tim Ross acknowledged the increase in encounters but reassured citizens that Homewood remains safe. Robberies, for example, are down 82% over the last two years, with only five this year compared to more than 100 in past years. Chief Ross explained the challenge officers face under state law that most misdemeanor crimes must be witnessed in person to make an immediate arrest, requiring residents to report incidents and sometimes work with a magistrate to pursue charges. He also noted that a federal court has ruled panhandling is protected free speech, limiting enforcement options. However, disorderly conduct, trespassing, indecent exposure, and other crimes remain enforceable, and police continue to act within those boundaries. But they cannot pick someone up and move them out of Homewood without their consent. Council members stressed the importance of reporting every incident so police can act or direct victims to the magistrate for warrants. They emphasized that the city must work within constitutional limits but is committed to giving officers every tool possible, like stronger ordinances, increased patrols, and adding three new officers to the upcoming City budget.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will hold a public involvement meeting to discuss access management and signal modifications on US-31 from Old Montgomery Highway to Ventura Avenue. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 28 , at Homewood City Hall, 2850 19th Street South, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. This will be an open house meeting without a formal presentation. Residents will be able to review project information and maps, ask questions, and discuss the project with ALDOT staff and designers. Project details will be available online after the meeting HERE Comments can be submitted at the meeting, or by mail, email, or voicemail through Friday, November 14, 2025. Ward 4 residents are encouraged to attend and share feedback on this project that will impact traffic flow and safety in the area. PROJECT NUMBER: ATRP2-37-2024-278

Beginning the week of Oct. 6-10 , The Green Springs Highway Improvement Project will get underway. It includes adding a sidewalk on the east side of Green Springs between Broadway Street and Woodmont Drive. The project also includes resurfacing and restriping. Work is scheduled to begin between October 6 and October 13 and will take about five months to complete. Please use caution when traveling through the area, and plan ahead for possible traffic delays.