New CAP patrols coming to Five Points South, The Switch

Earlier this week, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to expand the boundaries of the City Center Business Improvement District to Five Points South and The Switch. This move will allow the City Action Partnership (CAP) to bring their services to two new areas of the city.

How CAP works

Easily recognized by their bright blue polos and/or neon yellow jackets—and a smile!—the City Action Partnership (CAP) is a team of safety ambassadors dedicated to keeping downtown Birmingham safe and inviting. CAP ambassadors can often be spotted patrolling downtown on foot or via Segways, bikes and trucks and offer serveral services, including:

• Safety patrols
• Security escorts
• Directions & helpful information
• Street outreach
• Litter patrols
• Pressure washing in public spaces
• Graffiti removal 
• Beautification

Since its founding in 1995, CAP has expanded its area of patrolled service to include a large swathe of downtown and Midtown (see the blue area in the map above). In addition, citizens can call to request CAP services in the yellow areas (Railroad Park and Children’s of Alabama).

CAP ambassadors can be contacted by calling 205.251.0111.

• CAP — City Action Partnership: Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Location: 1704 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203

Expanding services to Five Points South and The Switch

During their Tuesday meeting, the Birmingham City Council approved an ordinance that would expand the boundaries of the business improvement district to Five Points South and The Switch, an innovation district anchored by Innovation Depot. This move will bring CAP services to two very popular and highly-visited areas of the city.

Although many occupants in Five Points South and The Switch supported the ordinance, several businessowners were opposed—citing the additional assessment used to cover the expenses of CAP’s services. Business and property owners that are opposed will have a 60-days window to petition against the plan.

Do you support expanding CAP services to Five Points South and The Switch? Why or why not? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!