[BJCC Expansion plans]

This is embarrassing! Even Orlando's Mayor is getting in on the fun...

FROM THE ORLANDO SENTINEL:

Three cheers for Crotty showing tough leadership

Can you believe it? We did something right. Finally, after all the posturing and politicking and haggling and hassling, we're more than just an endless string of theme parks and T-shirt shops.

A new arena. A refurbished football stadium. A new performing arts center.

"Mission accomplished, vision fulfilled!" Crotty said after county commissioners voted 5-2 to approve the momentous plan.

And exclaimed [Mayor] Dyer after hugging and high-fiving Crotty: "We're not Birmingham, baby!"

Vince Lombardi couldn't have come up with a better game plan than Team Venue.

Bill Walsh couldn't have gone on the offensive with as much wizardry and ingenuity.

Bobby Bowden couldn't have wooed the crowd with as much charm and chutzpah.

The greatest coaches are the ones who are the most prepared, who preach unity and persuade their teams to play as one. And never in this area's history have we ever seen such teamwork.

The rest can be read here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-...0,1626877.story

A vote for the venues today is a vote to avoid Birmingham's fate

A decade ago, Birmingham officials tried to get a new domed football stadium built to replace decrepit Legion Field. Except Birmingham didn't have a tourist tax to pay for it. The only way the city could fund the project was tax the citizens. As you might expect, a referendum to add a penny to the county sales tax was decisively voted down.

Birmingham used to host the Southeastern Conference Championship football game, the annual Auburn-Alabama football game and a decent bowl game that has since moved to Tampa and become the Outback Bowl. Legion Field, which was built in 1927 (only nine years before the Citrus Bowl), now is relegated to hosting high school football games and something called the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Birmingham -- once called the "Football Capital of the South" -- is now the "Football Cemetery of the South."

The rest can be read here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-...,1037051.column

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Normally, I'm as optimistic as they come but damn! This s--t is embarrassing. Don't get me wrong... this city has a lot going for it -- but when other cities start using you as a blueprint for what NOT to do... what more can you say but DAMN?!?

[Metro Birmingham Projects List]

I agree also. I believe that Greensprings does have a very bright future as a booming cooridor once again. It could be a more ethinicity diverse/exotic extension of the Southside with the right mix and additional infastructure.

That's interesting. I thought I was the only who had grand visions for Greensprings. In my opinion, that highway is sorely underused. To be a major thoroughfare that connects with Lakeshore, passes Homewood and opens up with an amazing skyling shot leading into UAB, I feel Birmingham is not capitalizing on that area's true potential (but then again what's new). Spruce up Greensprings (and possibly add some linear trails), encourage new mid to high-rise mixed use development, etc... It could truly be a great street if done properly.

[BJCC Expansion plans]

I hope so because I am so sick and tire of the footdragging. Birmingham NEEDS at least 1 sports/exhibition facility that up to modern sports events and convention standards. It's so bad nowadays that we are down to the level of cities like Little Rock and Augusta who we are competing with on convention size, and we all know most of those cities at that tier are at the most half the size of our region. It's like the government officials around here intentionally retards this region's progress.

I couldn't agree more... especially with your last comment. I have a belief that there are two types of leaders. You have those who simply lead; and then you have those who inspire. Birmingham has been cursed with the former. No impassioned visions, no encouraing speeches, no galvanizing forces, no clarion calls to motivation -- just the same old tired leadership characterized by promises of repairing pot holes and exploited PR opportunities of shaking hands and kissing babies. However, I find comfort when I think about how this city survives and yes, actually grows, in spite of itself. It provides me with a glimmer of hope and a positive expectation of the future.

[Birmingham International Airport]

Quick question: How feasible would it be for Birmingham to pursue the construction of a new, state-of-the-art (isn't everything these days?) airport with post 9-11 security measures (and all that jazz) in hopes of attracting international flights and "spillover" traffic from Hartsfield in order to become a major airport destination? Points in favor of such a project: The city is relatively close to Hartsfield, has a major Southwest Airline presence, and would have great accessiblity (assuming it's built near I-22, I-65, and the northern beltline. Counterpoints are the obvious: Costs, location... the usual.

[BJCC Expansion plans]

Agreed, Lakeview & 5 Points are the same "district" in my opinion. Unless the city wants to go all out with Greenwich Village vs. West Village vs. Washington Square style neighborhood naming squabbles.

And as you mention this is a very one-dimensional discussion of Birmingham nightlife and how it might develop, considering none of these areas (in my opinion) are particularly strong African-American nightlife zones. If the city does want to go all out to subsidize some dubious "entertainment district," might as well do it in a neighborhood that could really use it, like Ensley (Tuxedo Junction) or Five Points West.

Lakeview and Five Points are very distinct and different districts in my opinion. I believe they're close enough to be loosely considered "downtown" but that's where it stops. Perhaps, it's all relative. Times Square in NYC is large enough to cover an area that would stretch from 20th and Highland to 29th and University. But, in Birmingham, there isn't a shared physicial or visual connection between Lakeview and Five Points.

Personally, I would like to see Morris Avenue develop into Birmingham's premier entertainment destination that draws from all crowds with venues that cater to everyone from Blacks (sans thugs) to whites (sans rednecks) as well as everyone in between. Given our growing Hispanic population, a few Latin themed establishments might be a welcomed addition as well.

[BJCC Expansion plans]

Concentrating night life in one area isn't really likely or advisable in my opinion.

Besides, how often do people go between nightlife neighborhoods in one night anyway?

I disagree. If Birmingham had a unique nightlife experience concentrated in one area, it would be a significant boost to the city's nightlife scene and could serve as a huge draw for locals, young professionals, and tourists. Morris Avenue would be an ideal area for such an entertainment district. The charm and excitement of walking down crowded cobblestone streets flanked by century old buildings adjacent to a large urban park is something that cannot be easily duplicated. One has to look no further than New Orleans and Memphis -- both about the size of Birmingham -- to see the benefits of such a district.

Such a project doesn't have to come at the expense of other, more established areas such as Lakeview and Five Points South. Rather, they can exist as complimentary districts that enhance the overall experience in Birmingham by providing their own unique slice of nightlife and entertainment options. And as for going between different nightlife neighborhoods in one night, I do it frequently. My nights have started downtown and ended in Five Points South on many occasions.

[BJCC Expansion plans]

I'm glad to see this conversation continuing... And with that said, I'll add this:

- Build the dome, excuse me, multipurpose facility or just build something. I don't care if they mislead the County Commission into thinking they've abandoned the idea. Start with the hotel and entertainment district and then build the facility.

- Start kickin arse and taking names, Birmingham. If a local leader doesn't want to get on board, call them out... do something, galvanize the people. Get the media and every blogger on the Net behind this project.

- And my final wish is for naysayers to get their facts straight before they blindly denounce something. If I hear the argument about Birmingham not having a football team used one more time, I'm pissing on Bobby Humphrey's new office furniture.

- And hopefully, BJCC and the city will do something daring like, I don't know, sprucing up the surrounding neighborhood by encouraging loft developments and condo highrises... Just a thought.

[BJCC Expansion plans]

I should be applying some time toward studying but I'm compelled to leave my two cents first:

(1) A dome at Legion Field is asinine. I appluad Smitherman for her efforts and I think her comments will help spark discussions that could possibly lead to a wonderful revitalization campaign for the stadium (and the surrounding neighborhood)... but if there is even a remote iota of a chance of her plan will be implemented I will be the first to lead the drive against it.

(2) Retrofitting Legion Field does nothing to address the lack of convention space which is one of the primary reasons the BJCC is attempting to build the dome in the first place.

(3) Legion Field, honestly, deserves better... There is such a rich history in that facility it is pratically begging for a museum. Reduce the seating capacity, restore the decorative features that have been obscured by aesthetically poor expansions, use the surrounding lawn for well maicured park space (which can be tied into the nearby BSC campus), revitalize the adjacent neighboorhood, turn 8th and Graymont into gorgeous, landscaped boulevards that serve as grand entrances to the stadium... I could go on for days.

(4) Bottom line: we can think of better. Legion Field should mean much more to this city - and this state - than a dome retrofit and new parking deck (which should be underground anyway).

[Railroad Park]

Does anyone know if the boundaries of the park will contain the former location of the old Terminal building?

I've heard many in Birmingham say it was a terrible mistake to demolish that building. I've only seen a few pictures - it was gone years before I was born - but it did seem to be Birmingham's Grand Central Terminal. I'm unclear on exactly where it was located, but it might bear consideration one day of rebuilding it, either as a transit center, shopping facility, or sports arena.

The park's boundaries will come close to the former location of the Terminal Station, but as of now the Red Mountain Expressway runs directly on top of the site.

[Birmingham Picture of the Day]

That has got to be one of the best shots ever taken of the City Federal building. Kudos! Oh, and unfortunately I don't have any info on the sculpture... Sorry.