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Council extends moratorium on automated car washes after neighborhood objections
Summary
The council voted to extend a moratorium on automated car washes citywide after residents from Southside and nearby blocks raised traffic, safety and siting concerns about a proposed wash on University Boulevard.
The Birmingham City Council voted to extend a moratorium on automated car washes after residents said a proposed facility on University Boulevard would worsen traffic and safety on nearby streets.
Paul Godby, president of the Southside Neighborhood Association, told the council he opposed a proposed automated car wash between 20 Third and 20 Fourth Street and submitted photos documenting wrecks and congestion at the nearby Red Mountain Expressway exit. "My concern on the deal was the increased traffic flow from the Red Mountain Expressway that comes off on University," Godby said during the public hearing.
Neighbor John Barnicassel said construction has already started near Twentieth Avenue South next to single-family homes and asked the council to extend the moratorium until regulations and site plans are clarified: "Please continue the moratorium till there are decent regs and whatever, concerning them." The council voted by voice to extend the moratorium.
The action applies to the ordinance on automated car washes that was before the council; staff indicated the moratorium will remain while the city reviews siting, traffic and zoning implications and updates applicable standards.
Ending: Council did not provide a specific sunset date during the meeting; staff and council members said the moratorium would allow planning and traffic review and community outreach before new automated car-wash permits are approved.
