Questions
Predevelopment Process & Timeline
What is Being Done?
The land and buildings that make up the Southtown Court community, located along the south side of University Boulevard between 23rd St South and US 31, have been designated for redevelopment. The redevelopment will uprgrade and modernize the site to better serve returning residents and the broader community. This will not happen quickly, allowing plenty of time for input from current residents and neighbors so that the final redevelopment plan will be beneficial for all.
When will it start?
Master planning started in April of 2018 and input will continue to be collected from the community through various meetings to occur in and around Southtown Court. Southtown residents will receive information and notices of resident meetings via US Mail sent to each household and through flyers door-to-door. Right now, the initial phase of construction is projected to begin in late 2019 at the earliest.
Who makes the decision to do this?
This initiative is being led by the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) and requires approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Who is doing this?
HABD and its development partner, Southside Development Company, will be the most active and visible partners in the master planning and construction phases. HABD will plan and coordinate all resident relocation, whether temporary or permanent. Every family will be assigned an HABD case worker to assist in the move and make sure that all needs are addressed. Participation of residents and resident-owned firms during the construction process will also be sought through the HABD Section 3 program.
Master Planning Process
What will go on the property?
The term “mixed-use development” is often used to describe what is expected to go back on to the site. Housing for a range of income levels will be a significant component, along with retail, restaurants, and other business locations. Any uses decided on in the master planning process will be complementary to each other so that a cohesive community feel is created to maximize service to the whole community.
Will the development include housing?
Yes. The new development is required to include housing.
What is a Master Plan and can I participate?
This master plan will serve as a framework that will guide the redevelopment at Southtown Court. This process will be open to the public. Its purpose is to create a strategy that introduces appropriate lands uses, balances residential, retail and commercial development. The master plan will be driven by a collaborative process that embraces the aspirations of the community, residents and the civic leaders of Birmingham.
Will there be affordable housing options?
A portion of the housing on the redeveloped site will be replacement housing for HABD residents.
Resident Relocation
What is the relocation timeline?
At this time, relocation is projected to start over the summer of 2019 at the earliest. Once started, relocation of all residents will take several months to complete.
What is going to happen to residents?
All Southtown residents will be relocated either temporarily or permanently following an assessment of family needs and preferences. Each family will be assigned an HABD caseworker who will conduct the assessment. Caseworker assignments will be made in early 2019.
Will there be an opportunity for residents to come back?
Southtown residents will have preference for returning to replacement housing on the redeveloped site.
What is required to move back?
In order to be eligible to return, Southtown residents must remain in good standing and adhere to the lease agreement.
Where can I ask other questions?
Please email your questions to: info@southsidebhm.flywheelsites.com
We will collect all questions, and publicly report out available answers.