I hope this finds you running happy and strong! I am excited to pass on updates in regards to a few of the issues we have discussed over the summer.
I have been in contact with a couple of over-the-mountain city officials about safety and community improvements in each of their areas.
I emailed Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston about flashing lights at the Starbucks crosswalk in Mountain Brook Village, as well as the dangerous passageway from Brookwood Mall/Shades Creek Greenway to the Jemison Trail. Regarding the crosswalk, he responded that flashing pedestrian crossing signals so near traffic signals are not recommended.
He had excellent news on the other issue: “we are very hopeful that ALDOT will approve our plans to construct a sidewalk along the north side of Lakeshore from Cahaba Road to the red light in front of Macy's, where pedestrians can cross to the sidewalk in front of the mall. We anticipate this project will be completed in 2016.”
I will check back in with Mr. Gaston in January to see how the project is progressing.
I also emailed Homewood City Ward 5 Councilman Peter Wright about the pedestrian bridge at Hollywood Boulevard over Highway 280 and the Lakeshore Trail.
Regarding the pedestrian bridge Councilman Wright said: “I won't let it die. There are some favorable staff changes at ALDOT that may help bring this to back to life. There are still government programs available to fund this. We need a grassroots movement grounded in safety to put pressure on the two jurisdictions [Homewood and Mountain Brook] and Birmingham to push this through. This should happen!”
Councilman Wright and I plan to meet with former State Representative Paul DeMarco and State Representative David Faulkner during the next two weeks to work on this, and I will be excited to report back to BTC!
As for the proposed improvements to the Lakeshore Trail (trash cans, porta-potties, safety phones), Councilman Wright believes those are very reasonable requests. I have emailed Berkley Squires at Homewood Parks and Recreation and JJ Bischoff in the Mayor’s office, and I am awaiting responses. Councilman Wright asked that I stay in touch with him if I do not receive timely responses, so he can add these topics to the City Council’s agenda. I will keep you posted on any developments with these requests.
If you or any member of your running group has suggestions for improving our running area and routes, please send them my way, and we will begin contacting the appropriate city or elected official. My email address is pastpresident@birminghamtrackclub.com.