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Residents press Columbiana for sidewalk repairs, park maintenance and transport options; council cites grants and planned work
Summary
Public commenters raised accessibility and cleanliness concerns about downtown sidewalks and the city park complex; council said sidewalk repairs are budgeted and that the city is pursuing grants, and staff outlined volunteer efforts and scheduled work days for park maintenance.
Residents urged the Columbiana City Council on March 3 to improve sidewalks and accessibility downtown, address restroom cleanliness and maintenance at the city park complex, and explore regional transportation options to Birmingham.
Joel Haskins said sidewalks on West College left some pedestrians— including people using wheelchairs—forced into traffic and described dirty, poorly maintained restrooms at the city complex that reflect poorly on the city’s image. “It’s embarrassing for me when I go to the restroom there because it’s like I walked into a port‑a‑let for about a month that hadn’t been cleaned,” Haskins said.
Mayor Lisa S. Davis told the council that sidewalk repairs are included in this year’s budget and that the city is applying for grants to supplement local funding. ‘‘If you see places that really need attention, please call city hall,’’ she said, adding that priority work will focus on the downtown corridor and school routes and that staff has a multi‑year sidewalk plan.
On park maintenance, council members said the city contracts services and relies on volunteers for ongoing upkeep and that a volunteer work day is scheduled. Staff asked community groups and middle‑school coaches to coordinate schedules so crews can prioritize restroom cleaning before heavy use.
Separately, a commenter suggested the city consider contacting the Federal Transit Administration about grants for regional transit to Birmingham; a resident with grant experience recommended the city pursue those federal opportunities if feasible. Mayor Davis said she spends time applying for grants and that the city would explore options for transit funding and consider a liaison or ombudsman role to help residents navigate complaints and grant programs.
The council also used the meeting to highlight upcoming community events—Cowboy Day and the Great Green Get Down on March 13—and reminded residents about the ongoing Columbiana Cleanup campaign through the end of April.
