MBHS students work on city improvement projects
Mountain Book could soon have new recycling cans and information boards in its villages, a new Chamber mobile website, and a new warning traffic signal on Cherokee Road — all thanks to efforts by high school junior and seniors.
On Tuesday, March 12, this year’s Leadership Mountain Brook class from Mountain Brook High School presented a practice round of projects to improve the city that are the culmination of the year-long program.
The Project Recycle team proposed converting trash cans in the villages into recycling receptacles for pedestrian use. They would place three in Crestline Village, three in Mountain Brook Village and one in English Village. Public Works has agreed to pick up the recycling but would require purchase of a new recycling dumpster. This project was prepared by Katherine Francis, Mary Shelton Hornsby, Maggie Mandt, Catherine Masingill and Sarah Sims Parker.
Another group proposed placing information boards for posting maps, public notices, information on businesses and event information around villages. One board each would be placed in Mountain Brook, Crestline, English and Cahaba villages in an easily accessible grassy area. The group is currently researching whether to buy metal or wood structures. This project was prepared by Alana Bartoletti, Drew Dickson, Brooks Glover, Anna Smith and Reid Parrott.
A third group has worked with Zeekee Interactive to create a plan for a mobile website for the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. The site would pull information from the Chamber’s website for easy access to a membership directory, shop and restaurant information, an attraction list and local events. There would also be a tab with an interactive GPS element and a temporary tabs for events like the Chamber’s golf tournament. This project was prepared by Mitchell Bain, Catherine Luke, Anne Holman Smith, Reynolds Thompson and Charlotte Weaver.
Having noticed fellow students’ hesitation with driving at the intersection of Old Leeds Road and Cherokee Road, the final group researched installing an advanced warning signal for cars entering Old Leeds from Cherokee. The light would allow drivers to more confidently turn at the intersection, improving safety and preventing potential wrecks, and increase the flow of traffic. This project was prepared by Reilly Blair, Stewart Harrington, Tyler Jaffe, Mary Nix Roberson and Mary Grace Tracy.
In the coming weeks, the groups will make final preparations to their proposals before presenting them to Mountain Brook City Council and proceeding with and implementation.
Leadership Mountain Brook, led by Amber Benson of MBHS and Hannon Davidson of the Mountain Brook Chamber, is the result of a partnership between the Mayor’s office, MBHS and the Chamber of Commerce. The program gives students the chance to develop leadership skills, gain knowledge of business management, city government and community service, and to apply these skills within the Mountain Brook area.
For more, visit welcometomountainbrook.com.