Reviewed by: Patience Itson
Now the News: Birmingham rideshare program expanding, new e-scooter + bike company coming soon
Happy Halloween, Birmingham! Let’s get your week off to a spooktacular start with the buzziest happenings around the city, including the Birmingham On Demand rideshare program expansion, a new electric scooter and bike company coming to town, new openings and more.
Hoover Heights Climbing Center reopens + 4 new openings
Trick or treat yourself to the latest openings and businesses coming soon around town.
Now Open:
- Enjoy luxury lash extensions, shaping and style treatments at Electric Lash Lounge off Highway 280.
- Fan-fave chain Buffalo Wild Wings has opened a new location in Albertville, perfect for your next game-day celebration.
Coming Soon:
- Local food truck A-Train Station is opening its long-awaited brick-and-mortar location soon in West End with delicious eats like mango habanero wings and loaded fries. Stay tuned for an opening date.
- Hoover Heights Climbing Center is gearing up for its grand re-opening on Saturday, November 12 from 11AM-8PM, with free one-hour climbing sessions and giveaways for those who make a reservation.
- RideBHM offers a range of innovative uphill and downhill mountain biking trails and features at Red Mountain Park. It’s currently only open to RideBHM annual members, but the grand opening is on Saturday, November 19.
Homewood passes financial agreement supporting Piggly Wiggly redevelopment
What’s happening: Homewood is about to get a much larger Piggly Wiggly grocery store with surrounding businesses and additional parking. On October 24, Homewood City Council passed a financial tax agreement between the city and a local developer to support the construction of the development.
Why it matters: If you’ve visited “The Pig” in Homewood, you may have noticed traffic problems and a lack of parking availability. This new development will move Piggly Wiggly to a bigger space on the property, providing more parking and alleviating traffic issues.
“The Pig is such an important business in our community, always giving back to our schools and other charitable causes. In addition, as the Ward 5 Councilor, I’m eager to see the traffic flow and safety improve at that vitally important intersection. It is more important than ever to shop our locally owned businesses!”
Councilor Jennifer Andress, Ward 5, City of Homewood
Chief meteorologist Jerry Tracey to retire from WVTM 13
What’s happening: After 35 years, WVTM 13 chief meteorologist Jerry Tracey is retiring. The community has continuously looked to him for help during severe weather, including the blizzard of 1993 and the 2011 tornado outbreak.
“When severe weather threatens, I want to make sure my community family, along with my immediate family, stay safe. That’s how I approach my weather forecasts, and I thank you for watching and trusting me all these years.”
Jerry Tracey, Chief Meterologist, WVTM 13
Why it matters: Tracey has delivered forecasts for WVTM 13 since 1987, making him the longest-tenured chief meteorologist in the station’s history. Plus, he is the longest-tenured chief meteorologist at a single station in Birmingham’s local television history. We’ll miss seeing him on our TV screens.
New e-scooter company recommended by the Birmingham transportation committee
What’s happening: Birmingham’s City Council Transportation Committee approved an application by Lime, an electric scooter and bike company based out of San Fransisco, to be the newest shared rental transportation business in town. The committee voted to recommend Lime’s application to operate in Birmingham and now awaits a vote by the full council.
Why it matters: Rental e-scooters and bikes have been a controversial addition to The Magic City, with concerns about e-scooters being littered along sidewalks and streets, charging issues and pricing problems. Darrell O’Quinn, the chairman of transportation, noted these concerns at the meeting and the council plans to work with Lime and Veo, another e-scooter company in Birmingham, to address the issues.
Birmingham On Demand rideshare program is expanding
What’s happening: Birmingham On Demand, a popular rideshare program for the city, is preparing to expand into 19 neighborhoods near and east of the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. The city expects to officially add the newly expanded program to its service area in December.
Why it matters: Established in 2019, Birmingham works much like Uber or Lyft, but at a much lower cost. The innovative rideshare program provided over 25,000 rides during its first 11 months. Riders can book and pay for a ride within certain areas around town by using the Via app (iOS and Android) or by calling 205.236.0768.
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