Mural for traffic barriers in East Lake. — One of the murals to be seen on traffic barriers in East Lake. (City of Birmingham)

Good news for Birmingham!

Last week, Mayor Randall Woodfin announced a new pilot safety initiative designed to create a safer community for residents of the East Lake neighborhoods.

Keep reading to learn more about the Safe Streets initiative and what it means for the East Lake neighborhood.

A much-needed change for East Lake

Barrier murals at East Lake. — Two artists have been hired to paint and decorate East Lake barriers. (Photo provided by The City of Birmingham)

Mayor Woodfin has had this issue of violence in the community on his mind for several years and is now taking action to foster a sense of security among East Lake residents. The new program will increase safety measures to lower violence and create a calmer environment.

Here are some of the new changes:

Traffic calming: speed bumps will help to reduce speeding, pedestrian injuries and congestion
Crime reduction: street closures will reduce the likelihood of drive-by shootings, create limited exit and entry points and access to alleyways
Neighborhood revitalization: identify and eliminate abandoned properties and help identify illegal dumping sites

Mayor Woodfin also emphasizes the community’s role in helping establish a friendly community.

“In addition to decreasing crime, in addition to reducing the day walkers and prostitution, in addition to cleaning up the alleys, drying out the trap houses and dope houses, we also want to seed in hope.

These residents deserve to live in peace, to freely walk their sidewalks, and allow their children to go outside to play.”
Mayor Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

Project Safe Streets: East Lake

Mayor Randall Woodfin — Mayor Woodfin visiting the East Lake community. (Photo provided by The City of Birmingham)

Beginning today, East Lake will begin to see several changes that will promote safety and cohesion among residents.

Here is a complete timeline of events, provided by Project Safe Streets:

June 27-July 5: Barriers will be deployed to designated areas for prepping and staging. Two artists have been commissioned to create artistic designs to cover the barriers.
July 8: Barriers will be positioned in the streets and closures will begin. Temporary safety barriers will be placed in front of the painted ones for two weeks.
Late July: Temporary safety barrier will be removed and greenery added for beautification.
October: Program evaluation will begin

We can’t wait to see the upcoming changes happening in East Lake!

What are some things you think would help make East Lake safer? Let us know @bhamnow.