City to apply for funding for Mountain Brook Village roundabouts

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Two roundabouts could be coming to Mountain Brook Village.

The council approved a request for federal funding for this project at its Feb. 23 meeting.

A study from April 2013 by Sain and Associates found that the adding a large roundabout at Cahaba Road, 280 and Lane Parke Road and a mini roundabout on Cahaba Road would create the highest traffic efficiency and pedestrian and bike safety at the intersections. An environmental phase that requires public involvement must be conducted before this option can be selected, and after that the city can decide whether or not to pursue the project.

The City of Birmingham was originally the lead for the project, but now Mountain Brook is considering sponsoring it and committing to provide 20 percent of the funding that will be matched with 80 percent from federal funds. Birmingham is already requesting federal funds for about 23 intersections, so Mountain Brook might have more success obtaining the funds, City Manager Sam Gaston said.

Mountain Brook’s project request through the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham states that there are no pedestrian accommodations at the intersection and bicyclists have a difficult time mixing with traffic in the large intersection conflict area. It also notes that the intersection connects the Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Botanical Gardens to Mountain Brook Village, and these attractions spike traffic seasonally in addition to morning and afternoon commuter traffic. Traffic volume is also expected to increase with the opening of new Lane Parke development beginning later this year.

The total project would cost about $3.5 million, but for now the city is just applying for federal funds. Notice on the funding will be delivered by September.

At the meeting the council also:

  • Approved funding for additional design work for crosswalks and other intersection improvements in front of Cahaba River Walk. Survey and design fees, which were scaled back from an initial estimate, would total $5,300.
  • Heard a presentation on a management and organization study of the Emmet O’Neal Library from Steve Egan of The Mercer Group.
  • Heard a presentation of APPLE grant recommendations from Richard Caudle of Skipper Consultants.
  • Heard an update on Parke Lane from John Evans of Evson Inc.
  • Discussed removing some or all of the modular newspaper/magazine racks in the villages. The Birmingham News distributor told the city that none of the city’s public newspaper racks are being used in Mountain Brook Village, Crestline Village or English Village, so the city staff recommended removing two racks in Crestline, three in Mountain Brook Village and one in English Village.
  • Approved a conditional use application for Family Share Massage in the Mountain Brook Mall in Mountain Brook Village. The business has been in operation for one year and was not previously aware of the need for a conditional use application.
  • Change the Board of Zoning and Adjustments meeting date to the third Monday of the month.
  • Set a public hearing for March 23 to amend the plan for the Park at Overton
  • Recognized city Employees of the Year. The Fire Department awardee was Richard Haywood who directed a team addressing the needs of someone who had suffered a heart attack. The Police Department awarded Dispatcher Phillip Cholsser for his service, and the Public Works Department award went to Cynthia Baldwin, who has worked for the city for 29 years. The Parks and Recreation employee is Allen Jones, who supervises turf grass at the city’s sports parks.
  • Proclaimed March 16-22 as Arbor Week.
  • Authorized an agreement for the Birmingham Historical Center to display historical artifacts to be displayed in the City Hall foyer. The city is paying $1,200 a year for the center’s services.
  • Held a public hearing regarding amending Chapter 129 of the City Code with respect to the Vine Street Transitional District. The amendment requires the front setback be measured from the property line instead of the back of the sidewalk.
  • Held a public hearing regarding rezoning the property located at 30 Dexter Avenue from Residence D to Vine Street Transitional District. The owners plan to use the property as a one to two-suite office.

The next regular meeting of the City Council is Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall at 56 Church Street.