Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) Highlights June 5, 2025 SV 25.06.01: This was for three variance requests from Samford University for three new residence halls. These projects aim to help meet the university’s 75% on-campus residency goal, which has grown harder as enrollment increases. Samford requested height variances up to 52.5 feet, explaining that building up rather than out helps preserve green space. City staff explained how Samford’s development plan, which is separate from this request, had been reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission, with a final public hearing scheduled for Monday, June 23, before the full city council. Ultimately, the board approved one of the three height variances (for Stadium Village) and denied the other two (West Village East and West). SV 25-06-02: This item was for a privacy fence built atop a retaining wall that slightly exceeded height limits. Despite neighbor support, that variance was denied. SV 25-06-03: This item was for a new three-foot picket fence for safety on a corner lot; this request was approved. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3HHlAru Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Finance Highlights June 2, 2025 Members approved contracts for engineering work at Fire Station One and the former Waffle House site, supported hiring a new plans examiner, and backed a $4.4 million Safe Streets grant for future sidewalk projects on Oxmoor, Valley, and Salter. A right-turn lane survey for Cobb Street was also approved. Several items were carried over for more information. Agenda: https://bit.ly/450JlEJ Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

This is NOT a change to Amwaste's garbage and recycle schedule! This is only for debris and trash you normally place at your curb once a week. Our Public Works department has moved to a 4-day, 10-hour workweek. This change lets crews get more done by reducing time lost to setup and breakdown. It’s also helping with employee satisfaction and recruitment. Starting Monday, June 2 , pickup routes will follow a new schedule based on our updated four-ward map . Every resident is still covered, just be sure to check to see which day is yours. Check the updated map and find your pickup day with the button above or view below:

Every year, thousands of crashes happen between civilian vehicles and first responders. These collisions can be devastating, not just to the public, but to the emergency personnel risking their lives to help others. Up to 25% of firefighter deaths in the line of duty are caused by vehicle accidents. Many of these are preventable tragedies. That’s why Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead is committed to doing everything possible to keep that number at zero in Homewood.

Council Meeting Highlights, May 19, 2025 Nothing major, mainly just procedural items. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4j9Fcl2 Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Finance Highlights May 19, 2025 44.04.25: Samford's development team provided an explanation of the proposed Community Investment Program (CIP) tied to the Creekside "West" project. Unlike traditional tax incentives that support single projects, this CIP is meant to fund major infrastructure needed for a large mixed-use development. They stressed that the private sector—not the city—would take on the financial risk, including $140 million in upfront infrastructure costs. In return, they’re seeking a capped rebate over 20 years totaling up to $26 million from lodging, sales, and property taxes (excluding school taxes). They emphasized community benefits like boosting school funding, walkability, environmental stewardship, and long-term quality of life. The agreement must still be finalized, and the item was carried over for further review in committee. 07.05.25: The committee heard requests from three businesses seeking forgiveness for late penalties on their business license renewals. The first business owner explained she missed several years of payments due to serious post-COVID health issues and staff issues. They agreed to pay all fees and interest, and the committee voted to waive penalties and interest if all payments are made within 30 days. The second business asked for forgiveness on a one-time penalty due to a change in ownership and a software transition. Since they had already paid the license fee, the committee voted to waive their penalty and interest. The third company had a large penalty and was noted to be a repeat offender. They did not waive this penalty. Agenda: https://bit.ly/43hNLo5 Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA Watch the full video above to learn more about all the items presented.

The City of Homewood has purchased the property at 185 Oxmoor Road—the site where the old Waffle House sat empty for years in West Homewood. The building has been an eyesore for a long time. City leaders say the deal came together quickly, prompted by the city pressing with legal action against the previous owners. The sale now allows Homewood to take immediate control of the site. The plan? Parking! With new restaurants and businesses opening nearby, parking is in high demand. The city expects to level and pave the back area of the existing lot to expand capacity and better serve the growing activity in that part of town. Demolition is expected to start almost immediately.

Council Meeting Highlights, May 12, 2025 The meeting opened with a proclamation honoring May as Mental Health Awareness Month and recognizing Allie Grace Broadhead for her outstanding local advocacy in suicide prevention and mental health support. 30.04.25: Council approved all Ordinances and Resolutions associated with the 2025 General Election and potential runoff. 23.04.25: Council approved authorizing a contract with Whitehead Solutions for $24,000 to overhaul the city’s core network infrastructure. I.T. Director Brandon Sims explained the project will strengthen cybersecurity, add redundancy, and create better network segmentation, especially for protecting police department systems. Work is expected to start immediately and may finish by August, depending on complexity. Key staff will be fully involved with implementation and will be familiar with the new system. This item will now go before the full council for a vote at the next council meeting May 12, 2025 at 6:00pm. 43.04.25: Council approved a request to create a new Deputy Finance Director/Chief Accountant position. Current contractor’s workflow analysis confirmed there’s enough workload to justify the role, and the Jefferson County Personnel Board has preliminarily validated the position. Council approved crosswalks for the intersections at Carr/Broadway and Mayfair/Ridge. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4mluLOr Upcoming meeting schedules: https://bit.ly/3bvufcT Archived meetings: http://bit.ly/2UiSIaA For all the details about this meeting watch the video above.

Heads up, Homewood! Starting Monday, April 21 , parts of surface parking above the city hall parking deck will close for about three months due to scheduled maintenance. The northern section highlighted will be closed for the first six weeks, followed by the southern section for the next six. However, be prepared for possible closures throughout the entire area at any time during the project. The city is working on the weather seal membrane beneath the lot behind SoHo and City Hall—a necessary part of routine upkeep. Unfortunately, this means much of the parking near Ashley Mac’s and City Hall will be unavailable during the project. The pedestrian walkway from the deck to the plaza will stay accessible. Be sure to plan ahead and allow extra time when visiting the area!