At-a-glance: Birmingham approves Cape Seal and Bird Avenue assessments, awards Bird Phase 1B contract, and OKs new downtown pizzeria

At its March 23 meeting the Birmingham City Commission completed a series of formal actions on infrastructure and planning items.

Special assessments and contract awards - Cape Seal (Special Assessment Role No. 917): Deputy Treasurer Ryan Katz presented corrections to the role for 450 Oak Avenue (reallocating cost equally among 10 units), proposed five annual payments at 7.75% interest, and the commission confirmed the assessment roll by resolution. A property owner asked about a possible later phase and curb/edge fixes; staff said a petition process exists if property owners request a more permanent improvement.

- Bird Avenue Phase 1B (Special Assessment Role No. 918): The commission held a public hearing with no comments and ratified the assessment roll for Bird Phase 1B for five-year payment deferral at 7.75% interest.

- Contract award, Bird Phase 1B reconstruction: The commission awarded the project to low bidder FDM Contracting for $1,298,186.82 with a 10% contingency for a total of $1,428,005.50. Funding was allocated across the local street fund ($668,474.95), sewer fund ($691,371.45), and water fund ($68,159.10) as listed in the agenda. The award passed on a roll-call vote.

Land-use action - Old World Pizzeria (600 N. Old Woodward, Suites 101 & 203): The commission held a public hearing and approved a special land use permit and final site plan permitting a takeout-focused pizza restaurant (limited indoor seating, no on-premises alcohol; outdoor common-area seating is managed by the building owner). The Planning Board had recommended approval. Commissioners emphasized the operator's responsibility to keep the shared outdoor area clean.

All of these items were adopted by commission vote during the March 23 meeting; details and the Sidwell/assessment lists are in agenda section 8 of the meeting packet.