Project Safe Streets
Municipalities across the country are adopting innovative approaches to tackle issues such as illegal dumping, theft, and violent crimes in their neighborhoods. Mayor Woodfin is proposing a pilot program that incorporates successful strategies from other regions to address these major concerns in our own backyard: the Birmingham Safe Street Initiative. Safe Streets is a strategic safety plan that limits the number of entry and exit points, thereby enhancing security and reducing crime. This initiative aims to create a safer environment by controlling access points, which can deter criminal activities and foster a sense of security among residents. The Safe Streets project will not only help to reduce crime but also promote community cohesion and improve the overall quality of life.
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Project Safe Streets:
EAST LAKE
OBJECTIVE: A strategic safety initiative that limits the number of entryways and exit points to portions of the East Lake neighborhood.
When
- Begins July 8, 2024
Implementation
- We will place concrete barriers and implement various traffic calming measures at intersections and entry points to reduce local crime, including, speeding, shootings, theft, prostitution, and more.
Where?
- A perimeter that will include Division Ave., Oporto Madrid, Higdon Rd., and 68th Street South.
- UPDATE (7-10-24):
- 76th Street South is now open to thru traffic in either direction (the traffic light near Church’s Chicken and 45th Street Baptist Church)
- 75th Street South at Division Ave. is now closed to through traffic (the traffic light near Dollar General).
- The city block surrounding Barrett Elementary School is now open to allow traffic flow in either direction.
- Those wishing to access Division Ave. or 1st Ave., South should do so via 2nd Ave. South.
- UPDATE (7-10-24):
- Click here for a list of all the streets.
- Click here for a map of the perimeter.
Important Dates
- June 27 – July 5: Barriers are deployed to designated areas.
- July 8: Barriers are positioned in the streets and street closures commence (temporary safety barriers are placed in front of the jersey barriers for two weeks and then removed).
- July 22: Temporary Barriers are removed, and greenery is added to the barrier placements
- October: The pilot program will be evaluated to determine next steps.
Project Benefits
Traffic Calming:
- Efforts will help to reduce speeding, pedestrian injuries, noise violations and congestion.
Crime Reduction
- Street closures will aid in the prevention of drive-by shootings and perpetrators evading law enforcement due to the limited number of entry and exit points.
- Closures will limit perpetrators’ access to properties from alleyways.
Neighborhood Revitalization
- Identify and address abandoned properties through code enforcement efforts
- Closures will help to identify illegal dumping sites and perpetrators.