Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Street Closure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves gate to close Twentieth Avenue South at new car wash after resident hearing
Summary
After a public hearing the council approved an ordinance to close Twentieth Avenue South to vehicular traffic at a point near a new car wash and to install a locked metal gate with pedestrian access and fire-department override. Residents who live on Twentieth Avenue spoke in favor of the closure.
The Birmingham City Council approved an ordinance to close Twentieth Avenue South to vehicular traffic at a point near a new car wash and authorized installation of a metal gate across the roadway. The item passed on first reading by unanimous vote, and the council later held a public hearing before confirming the action.
Why it matters: Residents said the closure is intended to prevent car-wash traffic from using a narrow residential street as a queue and to protect pedestrian safety and driveway access. The council and transportation staff described the installed barrier as a pragmatic, short-term solution that allows emergency access and pedestrian passage.
Action and implementation details: City transportation director James Fowler showed the council a neighborhood rendering of a “simple style” white metal gate with a lock accessible by the fire department; staff said there will be a side path for pedestrians and cyclists so the street will not be closed to foot traffic. Council members discussed aesthetics and the possibility of a more elaborate system later (a councilor mentioned a siren-activated gate model in another city). A vote to authorize the closure passed with recorded “aye” votes from Council members Abbott, Clark, Moore, Smitherman, Tate, Williams, Woods, President Pro Tem Alexander and Council President O'Queen.
Public comment: Three residents from Twentieth Avenue South spoke in favor of the closure at the public hearing: Susan Barnacastle (2044 Twentieth Avenue South), Trish Portwiese (1923 Twentieth Avenue South) and John Barney Castle (2044 Twentieth Avenue South). They cited long-term neighborhood concerns about traffic, driveway obstruction and safety.
Next steps: The Department of Transportation will move forward with the procurement and installation of the metal gate as described in staff materials; the fire department will retain access. Council members said they expect to revisit aesthetics and any future permanent improvements with neighborhood input.
Ending: The council approved the closure and public-hearing comments were limited to residents who supported the gate. Staff will provide specifics for installation and notify the neighborhood of timing.
