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Commission sets special assessment districts for Wimbleton (Wimbledon) Drive phase 2 water/sewer laterals and paving
Summary
After public hearings, the commission declared necessity and set a special assessment for Wimbledon Drive Phase 2 water and sewer laterals (property owners pay lateral costs) and voted to assess paving at a 50/50 split for front-foot costs with residential side‑costs at 25%. Confirmation hearings were set for May 18, 2026.
The Birmingham City Commission held public hearings May 4 and approved steps to proceed with the Wimbledon (Wimbleton) Drive Phase 2 improvements from Oxford to Adams Road.
City engineers explained older infrastructure in the corridor — water mains installed in the 1920s and combined sewers over 100 years old — and recommended replacing aging water services (policy: replace services older than 60 years) and sewer laterals (replace services older than 50 years or constructed with unsuitable material). For lateral replacements, the city’s policy is to assess 100% of lateral cost to the property owner; owners may pay in a lump sum or through an assessment period with interest. Engineering reported bid unit prices for lateral work and provided a proposed assessment roll; the commission declared necessity and set a confirmation hearing for May 18, 2026.
On paving, the commission reviewed bids for cape‑seal treatment and found project unit costs higher in part because of grading and aggregate base requirements. Commissioners referenced the Phase 1 precedent, where the commission approved a 50/50 cost split on a major road, and determined Phase 2 should be treated the same because the street functions as a major route that benefits non‑resident traffic. The commission adopted a modified assessment formula for paving: 50% front‑foot cost assessed to properties fronting the improvement, 25% of side‑foot costs assessed to residential properties, and driveway approaches paid 100% by the property owner. A public hearing on confirmation of the special assessment roll was scheduled for May 18, 2026.
Residents attending the hearings raised questions about tree preservation, driveway impacts (including exposed aggregate driveways and condominium parcel assignments), and staging/parking during construction. Engineering and staff committed to follow‑up with affected property owners on tree assessments, whether laterals can be rerouted to avoid healthy trees, and logistics for staging and school access during construction.
The commission’s votes authorized staff to prepare the assessment rolls and hold confirmation hearings; the motions passed by roll call.
