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Police update on shooting, residents press action on short‑term rentals and surveillance
Summary
Police told the commission a multi‑party shooting near East Lincoln involved at least four shooters and 35 shell casings; residents used public comment to press for stricter short‑term rental rules and a public review of the city's Flock Safety surveillance contract.
Police Chief Scott Gruy reported to the Birmingham City Commission that officers responded to multiple 911 calls early Saturday at about 6:15 a.m. near 1480 East Lincoln and located numerous shell casings on and around the property. The department said it had arrested three people in connection with the incident, identified additional people of interest, and recovered roughly 35 shell casings; the investigation was ongoing and prosecutors were being consulted about charges.
Chief Gruy said multiple neighboring jurisdictions assisted in establishing a perimeter, officers searched yards and alleys for evidence and requested cameras from residents and businesses to aid the probe. He also said there were no reported injuries.
At the public‑comment period earlier in the meeting, several residents tied safety concerns to a lack of tighter short‑term rental (STR) oversight. Speakers urged the commission to consider a 30‑day minimum stay, tighter inspection and licensing requirements, and stronger enforcement including the potential for permit revocation when properties create repeated nuisances. The city attorney and building official told the commission they are researching what is legally permitted and how the current rental licensing program can be tightened; staff pledged a report at the next meeting with recommendations.
Other residents raised privacy and data‑sharing concerns about Flock Safety license‑plate readers and a growing county sensor network, asking for a public review of Birmingham’s contract terms, data retention and interagency access; the commission agreed to request a staff report on the city’s Flock engagement and data‑sharing arrangements.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 1689, topic finish SEG 2260.
