Growing the Greenway
February 10, 2026

Council Meeting February 9, 2026


The meeting opened with an update from the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, highlighting the city’s long standing role in supporting a regional greenway system that connects communities across borders. The update also touched on future trail connections, including plans to link Shades Creek Greenway through West Oxmoor into Red Mountain Park.


Red Mountain Park sits right on Homewood’s edge and is one of the most used areas of the park outside Birmingham, a reminder that these green spaces belong to everyone. Homewood was one of the first cities to invest in the vision of a connected regional greenway network, helping protect and maintain public spaces that residents walk, run, bike, and enjoy every day.


Council approved amended development plans for Homewood Community Church and Brookdale University Park, including a new building and a pickleball court, advanced a Rebuild Alabama grant application, added streetlights near a school and along the Greenway Trail, authorized use of council chambers by the Miss Alabama organization, and moved forward with a fleet maintenance study. 


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4tJxJjx

  • Full Meeting Details

    Item 041225: This item approved an amended development plan for Homewood Community Church. The plan allows construction of a new two story building totaling about 30,800 square feet, along with parking, landscaping, and other site improvements. The property is zoned GURD and had already gone through a public hearing and first reading. After no further discussion, the council approved the ordinance.


    Item 051225: This item approved an amended development plan for Brookdale University Park. The plan allows construction of a new pickleball court behind the Brookdale Senior Living facility on an existing paved parking area. The council noted there were no additional concerns and approved the ordinance.


    Item 090126: This item approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Rebuild Alabama Act grant application. The discussion included excitement about the grant and a request to keep future design considerations in mind for traffic congestion near Broadway. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 110126: This item approved adding a streetlight on an existing pole near 823 Cobb Street. Council members noted the location is near a school access area and that the light is needed for safety. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 120126: This item approved adding a streetlight at the crosswalk at the Greenway Trail and Montgomery Highway. Council members highlighted early morning pedestrian and runner use at the crossing. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 070226: This item approved vouchers for the period from January 27 through February 9. Council members briefly discussed reviewing expenditures and expressed appreciation for staff. The council approved the resolution.


    Item 010226: This item approved a request for the Miss Alabama Organization to use the council chambers for its annual meeting in early March. The council had discussed this previously and approved the resolution.


    Item 030226: This item approved a request for a temporary tent in the city right of way in front of Track Shack from February 19 through February 23. With no further discussion, the council approved the resolution.


    Item 040226: This item declared a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe as surplus property and authorized its disposal by auction. The council approved unanimous consent for consideration and then approved the ordinance.


    Item 050226: This item approved a budget amendment for Mercury Associates to conduct a fleet maintenance study. Council members emphasized the value of reviewing current and future fleet needs and related policies. The council approved the resolution.


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New Traffic Calming Policy

August 8, 2026
Concerned about speeding or traffic on your street? Homewood has updated its 'Traffic Calming Policy' to make the process clearer and more consistent for residents. Requests will begin with City Engineering and traffic data will be collected and reviewed. From there, the request will go through the Complete Streets Advisory Committee and a technical review that includes Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire. The mayor and councilor representing the area will also review the request before residents move into the petition process. The policy also establishes a clearer path for improvements such as speed cushions when a location qualifies. The City plans to use removable rubber speed cushions that are bolted and secured to the roadway, and funding will be budgeted for approved locations. The goal is a process residents can better understand and one that moves traffic safety concerns from a request through review and, when warranted, to an actual improvement. The updated policy was approved unanimously by the City Council on July 27. If you want to request traffic calming measures, VISIT HERE

BZA Meeting August 6, 2026

August 8, 2026
The Board of Zoning Adjustments denied a variance request at 300 Edgewood Boulevard for a six foot privacy fence closer to the Roseland Drive property line. The request sought roughly an eight foot variance to create more usable backyard space on the corner lot, but the motion failed on a 0 to 4 vote. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4g3Tc1y

Planning Commission August 4, 2026

August 5, 2026
Planning Commission discussed a recommendation to approve Samford University's proposed student housing project on the south side of Lakeshore Drive by their track. The discussion focused on stormwater, Shades Creek, traffic, lighting, tree preservation and student safety, with Samford saying the project is not "Creekside 2.0" and has nothing to do with that. The commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval, with the final decision now moving to the City Council. The commission also voted 7-0 to recommend approval of The Woods Golf & Social, a proposed 18-hole outdoor putting course and entertainment venue planned for West Homewood. The developers said they intend to comply with the city's noise ordinance, include underground stormwater detention, add new landscaping, and offer affordable pricing and memberships. The proposal now advances to the City Council. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4blb0m8

Construction Begins for 280 Bridge Project

August 2, 2026
Construction on Hollywood Boulevard begins Monday, August 3. If you travel through this area, expect periodic lane closures during construction. A lot of work will take place at night to help reduce impacts on daytime traffic. This is part of Phase 1, which focuses on new sidewalks in Mountain Brook and along Hollywood Boulevard from Malaga Avenue up to the bridge. Phase two will widen the bridge, add a third vehicle lane, install a new traffic light at the exit ramp off Highway 280, add a new turn lane onto the existing on ramp to Highway 280 East, and create a protected pedestrian facility behind a concrete barrier wall. That portion is expected to go out for bid in 2027, with roughly 12 months of construction once underway. This effort has been discussed for more than fourteen years, bringing together Homewood, Mountain Brook, Birmingham, and Jefferson County. It is a great example of regional cooperation, recognizing that road users do not see city limits when they drive or walk. An avid runner, Mayor Jennifer Andress facilitated those early conversations, asking how they could correct a serious pedestrian safety issue and strengthen regional connectivity. Funding for the sidewalk phase includes federal and state support, county participation, municipal cooperation, and private contributions from community groups and local organizations. The bridge widening phase will combine federal transportation dollars with a county match. Homewood has no financial obligation for this project.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings July 27, 2026

July 28, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - July 27, 2026

Comprehensive Plan

July 24, 2026
Previous Public Meeting Information July 23, 2026 WATCH VIDEO VIEW PRESENTATION May 19, 2026 WATCH VIDEO VIEW PRESENTATION January 28, 2026 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO The early results from citizen engagement shows overwhelming satisfaction with quality of life in Homewood, especially when it comes to schools, parks, public safety, and neighborhood character. At the same time, residents made it clear they want to protect what makes Homewood special while continuing to address important challenges like traffic, drainage, sidewalks, infrastructure, and connectivity across the city. Feedback from workshops and surveys will help guide long term planning discussions as Homewood works on a roadmap for the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together.

Improving Parking

July 20, 2026
As we work to make the most of public parking, the Homewood Police Department has hired a Parking Enforcement Officer. The goal is to help keep parking spaces available for everyone throughout the day. As a reminder, street parking in Homewood is limited to three hours. Specifically, please be mindful of the two designated ‘Law Enforcement’ parking spaces in front of SoHo Square, which must remain available for police use. There will be a short period where warnings will be issued to help everyone become familiar with the parking requirements before citations begin.

Active Shooter Training

July 15, 2026
You may see a large and very visible police presence around the campus and inside OLS over the next week or so. This is training.  The Homewood Police Department will be conducting active shooter response training on the campus of Our Lady of Sorrows School July 16 and 17 and July 20 through 24, from 9am to 3pm each day. This is part of HPD's annual training and will also include medical trauma treatment and first aid. We wanted to make sure you knew what was happening if you see the activity in the area.

Planning Commission July 14, 2026

July 15, 2026
The Planning Commission reviewed a proposed zoning definition for minor vehicle repair after concerns about vehicle-focused businesses along the Green Springs corridor. Discussion focused on whether the proposed definition was too broad and could affect specialized businesses or existing businesses that may become nonconforming. The commission recommended using a shorter definition focused on routine, low-impact vehicle services and removing the long list of examples. The amended recommendation passed 5 to 1 and now moves to the City Council. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4vQEikP

Scam Alert! Cyber-Criminals Impersonating City Officials

July 15, 2026
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated and may use the names of real City officials, employees or information from public meetings to make an email, text message or phone call appear legitimate. A familiar name or email does not mean the message is real. The City of Homewood will NEVER ask you to purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency or make a personal payment to a City official or employee through an unsolicited email or text message. Cash and check are the only forms of payment currently accepted for Variance, Rezoning, Resurvey, and Development Plan applications. If you receive ANY request involving money, STOP and VERIFY it before responding. Call the City using THIS CONTACT INFO . DO NOT call a phone number included in the suspicious message. You could be calling the scammer back instead of a City official. And if you are still unsure, come see us! Visit City Hall, 4th Floor, and talk directly with our staff. We can help verify any request involving money. You can also verify using these emails: fred.goodwin@homewoodal.org emily.harrismiller@homewoodal.org If you are directed by City staff to send in your payemnt, use this information:  Attn: Department of Engineering and Zoning City of Homewood 2850 19th Street South, Fourth Floor Homewood, AL 35209
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