Woodfin says he didn’t start this business to mow grass as Birmingham launches new home program

Caroline Douglas, the executive director of the Birmingham Land Bank Authority, led a groundbreaking ceremony on May 7, 2024, in Fountain Heights to celebrate the commencement of construction on the first of 25 planned homes. The Land Bank is launching the Accelerate Home Ownership Program, aiming to acquire vacant and abandoned properties and transfer them to responsible owners. The city administration routinely takes legal action to maintain overgrown, vacant, and abandoned lots by mowing the grass.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed the city’s commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods by building new homes rather than solely demolishing dilapidated properties or cutting grass. The first home under construction on the corner of 12th Street North and 12th Court North marks the beginning of a housing renaissance for Fountain Heights, where many lots are vacant or abandoned. Woodfin emphasized the importance of providing affordable and market-rate single-family homes to enhance the community for its residents.

During the groundbreaking ceremony in Fountain Heights on June 7, 2024, State Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, City Council member LaTonya Tate, and Mayor Randall Woodfin reaffirmed their dedication to improving housing options in the area. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority’s efforts to reclaim and develop vacant properties demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing blight and contributing to the local housing market.

Please note that clicking on links on our site may result in compensation, and by using this site, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that your interactions and information may be collected by us and our partners in compliance with our Privacy Policy.