The final stretch: Homewood schools prepare for new year with some construction still underway
For teachers, students and parents in Homewood, the clock is ticking down to the first day of school on Aug. 12. Read more
Features
Sydney Cromwell
Council closes on Green Springs property for fire station
The council also set several public hearings for its next meeting. Read more
Council to vote on 9-year Samford agreement Aug. 26
The revised agreement reflects several changes requested by residents. Read more
Erin Nelson
Brookwood Village adds new tenants, eyes mixed-use future
The mall’s specialty leasing and marketing coordinator, Anne Stephens, said this variety is intentional as the mall looks to reinvent itself as a place for community gathering and entertainment, not just shopping. Read more
Photo by Layton Dudley.
Patriots banking on winning culture
Homewood High School has won a plethora of football games over the last several years. The Patriots have won at least nine games in six of the last seven seasons, including consecutive 10-win campaigns in 2017 and 2018. Read more
Photo by Jimmy Mitchell.
Cavs looking forward after rough 2018
Last year was just a blip on the radar, if you ask Logan Colafrancesco. The John Carroll Catholic High School football team struggled to a 1-9 season in 2018, attempting to compete in Class 5A with an already small roster plagued by injuries. Read more
Photo by Erin Nelson.
Homewood native and UFC fighter pursues a heavyweight title
Walt Harris wants to prove he’s ‘the best in the world." Read more
Photo courtesy of Birmingham Ed.
Walter Carr gives back one year after earning fame through 20-mile walk
One year ago, Walter Carr made national headlines for taking an unconventional route to work. Carr walked 20 miles in the middle of the night in July 2018 when his car broke down on the way to his first move with Bellhops. Read more
Meet the 2019-20 PTO presidents
Want to get more involved in your child’s school, or simply know more about what’s going on? Your school’s PTO is where to go. Get to know this year’s PTO presidents and their plans for events, fundraising and more. Read more
Crowds turn out for Sidewalk Sale under sunny skies
The eighth annual Sidewalk Sale took place downtown on Saturday, July 27. Read more
Ordinary Days: Cultivating a life
This summer, I’ve been reading a book I think will become my required summertime reading. “Liturgy of the Ordinary” (by Tish Harrison Warren) is about finding God’s presence “in the cracks of our days.” Read more
Photo by Lexi Coon.
Back 2 School Bash returns to Patriot Park Aug. 24
Celebrate the new school year with Homewood Parks & Recreation and the West Homewood Neighborhood Association as they host the 4th Annual Back 2 School Bash at Patriot Park on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Read more
Photo courtesy of Birmingham Boys Choir.
Boys Choir plans 2019 Taste of Birmingham
The Birmingham Boys Choir, which draws boys from all over the Birmingham-Hoover metro area, is holding its ninth annual Taste of Birmingham fundraiser on Aug. 20. Read more
Photo courtesy of The Bell Center.
Bell Center to host 11th annual Tailgate Challenge
Alabama knows how to tailgate. Although houses may be divided by rivalries with seven days until kickoff, it is time to unite for a good cause at the 11th Annual Tailgate Challenge. Read more
Staff photo.
Chamber golf tournament moves to August, downtown
The Homewood Chamber of Commerce has a new date and a new location for its annual Chamber Golf Classic. Read more
Photo courtesy of Homewood Public Library.
Library block party set for Aug. 17
The Homewood Library Foundation Block Party will return this year for its sixth run on Saturday, Aug.17, in the Homewood Public Library parking lot. Read more
Photo courtesy of Alabama Wildlife Center.
Fundraiser for the birds: the eighth annual Chips and Chirps fundraiser
The Alabama Wildlife Center will present the eighth annual Chips & Chirps fundraiser event on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens from 7 to 10 p.m. Read more
Photo courtesy of Rachel Barrett.
Clothing line ‘embraces the spirit of the South’
What do you get when you combine happy hues, sophisticated whimsy and a hint of nostalgia with children’s clothing? Praline — a city-Southern design that embraces the spirit of South while being versatile. Read more
Photo by Karim Shamsi-Basha.
Adding the personal to personal shopping
Shea Davis Boutique, named after Stephanie Love's sons Bennett Davis, 12, and Robert Shea, 9, will aim to bring a personal, intimate shopping experience to Homewood. Read more
Photo by Bobby Mathews.
Savage’s Bakery celebrates 80 years in business
Ben Cook, 57, has worked at Savage’s for nearly 40 years. He came on board as a teenager and now makes the drive to 18th Street South in Homewood every day from Center Point. Read more
Photo courtesy of Kyle Bass, Homewood Theatre.
Homewood Theatre sets up new home for 2019-20 season
In just three seasons, Homewood Theatre has gone from an initial idea to selling out shows. With its move to a new spot at Brookwood Village, co-founder Kyle Bass said the theater can put on more shows and host them for more weekends. Read more
Photo courtesy of Pablo Quiles.
Downhill battle: HHS graduate represents US at World Roller Games
Mark Westfall very clearly remembers his son, Adam, looking up at him when he was 6 years old and saying, “You know, dad, one day I’m going to be a professional skateboarder.” Little did he know, his son was telling the truth. Read more
Photo by Erin Nelson.
The final stretch: Homewood schools prepare for new year with some construction still underway
For teachers, students and parents in Homewood, the clock is ticking down to the first day of school on Aug. 12. Read more
Photos by Alyx Chandler.
Kids unplug with outdoor programs
Treeline Expeditions, created seven years ago by Bill and Suzanne Andrews, is an eco-tour guide service that encourages locals to get outside and explore through after-school activities and other outdoor and backpacking trips. Read more
Corley to lead Homewood Rotary
Lawrence Corley has been elected president of Homewood Rotary Club for the 2019-20 club year. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Council approves plans for Green Springs property purchase, tree planting bid
The city of Homewood is making plans for a property purchase on Green Springs Highway for the future construction of a new fire station. Read more
Library recognizes outgoing board member
Dr. Paul Doran was recognized for nine years of distinguished service on the Homewood Public Library Board of Trustees at the July board meeting. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Council, residents want tougher restrictions on Samford property purchases
Revisions to the agreement will be discussed again in August. Read more
Photo courtesy of the Dance Foundation.
Hall-Kent students dance with words
Over the summer, the Dance Foundation brought its Dancing with Words program to Hall-Kent Elementary’s RISE summer learning program for its second year. Read more
Photo by Jon Anderson
Homewood Planning Commission sends changes for West Homewood District to City Council for approval
The proposed changes would prohibit more townhouses, light industrial businesses and funeral homes in the West Homewood District. Read more
Library to host public meeting on proposed Samford, city agreement
The agreement would limit Samford's purchase and rezoning of neighboring homes. Read more
Council approves historic commission grant, Rumson sidewalk funding
The Historic Preservation Commission will use the grant for work on Union Missionary Baptist Church. Read more
Photo courtesy of Henry Hughes.
Environmental Commission conducts tree survey
Local volunteers representing the city of Homewood started an urban tree inventory on July 1 that will continue through the summer. The study is being conducted by the Homewood Environmental Commission. Read more
Photo courtesy of Amy Milam.
HEC recognizes second year as Tree City
The Homewood Environmental Commission was recognized by the Alabama Forestry Commission on June 25 for beginning Homewood’s second year as a Tree City U.S.A. Read more
OLS student Rohr takes the stage at National Spelling Bee
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic (OLS) School fifth-grader Violetta Rohr was recently a national competitor in the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Read more
President’s Volunteer Service Award presented to Von Hagel
Seventh-grader Maggie Von Hagel, a student at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Read more
Neal Embry
Residents, business owners hear update on zoning, sign ordinances
The meeting allowed residents and business owners to meet with representatives from PlaceMakers and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham. Read more
Photo by Jon Anderson
Homewood council clarifies allowable length of hotel stays
At least one hotel owner has objected to the city's stance that hotel guests must stay less than 180 consecutive days. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Rosedale residents continue to see problems, encroachment in 18th Street development
The developers of two proposed mixed-use buildings at the corner of 18th Street South and 26th Avenue South say they’re going to take another look at their development’s height and other factors after a meeting with Rosedale residents Thursday. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
SoHo Standard coming to former Market Table location
The owners of SoHo Social plan to open a sister restaurant right next door, according to a press release today. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
New store to offer Homewood ‘swag’
T-shirts will be the shop’s biggest inventory, as well as hats and cups. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Allergy doctor shares new treatment options for food desensitization
Dr. Carolyn Comer was the speaker at the Homewood Chamber of Commerce's June 18 luncheon. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Council to consider removing multifamily use, other changes to West Homewood District zoning
This will come before the council on June 24. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Council issues 120-day moratorium on new development in West Homewood
The moratorium applies to any construction that meets the Building, Engineering and Zoning Department’s definition of new construction, though remodeling or renovation work will be allowed. Read more
Photo by Jon Anderson
Knights of Columbus, Scouts retire 76 worn U.S. flags in Homewood
The ceremony was held Saturday at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Read more
Raleigh Avenue townhomes approved despite resident objection
The plans for a new mixed-use development in Rosedale were carried over to the July meeting. Read more
Council discusses West Homewood zoning, hears mid-year review
The West Homewood District has a zoning code separate from the rest of the city. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Search pages are 'battlefield' for business owners, Adams tells chamber
Bell Media Vice President of Business Development Chuck Adams spoke to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at its May 21 luncheon. Read more
HEC chair asks council to tighten stormwater regulations
Flooding and erosion issues have been a persistent problem throughout Homewood during heavy storms due to a number of factors, including old and undersized drains, hard surfaces that prevent absorption into the ground and the loss of trees. Read more
Google Maps
Council approves study of bike, pedestrian access on Central Avenue, reappoints Ward 2 BOE member
At its May 20 meeting, the council approved Volkert Engineering’s proposal to study Central Avenue and the possibility of reconnecting a former street along Griffin Brook as a greenway for people on bikes or on foot. Read more
Photos by Sydney Cromwell.
SoHo Social to take over Market Table space
Market Table's last day in business will be May 24. Read more
Courtesy of ALDOT
ALDOT presents revised plans for Oxmoor “turkey foot” intersection
With a new, reduced scope, the plans to redesign the “turkey foot” intersection of Oxmoor Road and Oxmoor Boulevard are expected to move forward this year. Read more
Four to interview for Ward 2 BOE seat
The City Council will interview the candidates on Wednesday, May 15. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Jack’s to receive sign variance for renovation project
After some initial confusion and a narrow vote on May 13, the Homewood City Council will have to pass a resolution approving the sign variance request at its next meeting. Read more
The Reset: Cavs softball advances to state; Patriots soccer wins it all
The Homewood and John Carroll high school sports teams were in action last week. Read more
Kyle Parmley
Lady Patriots claim 1st state title
The Homewood girls soccer team knocked off Chelsea on Saturday morning to win the program's first Class 6A state championship. Read more
Two downtown businesses to close
Both Sweet Jon's Cafe and the Studio Store opened in 2018. Read more
New round of paving work to begin in June
The city worked with Volkert Engineering to determine its paving priorities. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Planning Commission delays vote on Rosedale, West Homewood developments
The next meeting will be June 4. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
Council to consider LED light contract with Alabama Power, drops Samford incentive request
The council will also vote on a contract for a citywide traffic study at its next meeting. Read more
Sarah Finnegan
The Reset: Patriots sweep outdoor titles again
The Homewood and John Carroll sports teams were in action last week. Read more
Photo by Sam Chandler
Patriots sweep state meet
The Homewood High School track and field teams competed Thursday to Saturday at the state meet in Gulf Shores. Read more
Courtesy of City of Homewood
18th Street redesign will add parking, limit some business access
Strickland said they are currently working on getting plans approved by the state and gaining construction easements to do the work. The project likely won’t be put out for bid until around the start of 2020. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
City cuts ribbon for new Patriot Park pool
The splash pad opens to the public on Monday, and the main pool opens later this month. Read more
Sydney Cromwell
BZA denies two homeowners’ cases
A variance request on Oak Grove Road was carried over to the June meeting. Read more
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