In Brief: Commission Approves Sidewalk Construction in Rail District

The Birmingham City Commission voted Monday night to approve the installation of city sidewalks on the block bordered by Cole, Eton, Commerce and Lincoln streets. The project is expected to cost $5,900, with construction expected to begin after the first of the year.

The sidewalks will be in the city's Rail District, which, according to a letter from Paul O'Meara, "is undergoing many changes in the general land use from its historical commercial and industrial base to many retail and service-oriented businesses." Adding sidewalks will improve pedestrian access to the area, O'Meara said.

Current sidewalks were constructed during the 1950s. The project was brought before the commission in 2009, but Assistant City Engineer Brendan Cousino said the commission opted not to go forward because of the economic hardship to local businesses. Even now, Cousino said there hasn't been strong support for the project among local businesses, but there hasn't been any strong objections, either.

Commissioners were concerned with the removal of several trees along Cole Street, urging that the Architectural Review Commission should be involved with evaluating the streetscape design. O'Meara said commission approval was needed before work could proceed on design details. Commissioner Mark Nickita said, "I think it's our obligation to move ahead and help with the redevelopment of this area," Nickita said. "All our streets deserve sidewalks."