Birmingham vs The state of Alabama? (Alabaster, Memphis: construction, minimum wage, live)

[Justin Scott]

I often feel as if the two are at odds with each other. One tries to rebel and progress and the other uses its power to hold down 1 million+ people and the city. Is this an accurate observation? Why or why not?

[preguntas]

I suspect it is just the way you look at things; after all, where is the boundary between Metro Birmingham and the state? (or, who is 'them', and who is 'us'?)

[EscAlaMike]

Rebel against what? Define "progress". What does Bham want to do that the rest of the state holds it back from, or vice versa?

[Justin Scott]

"Us" is Birmingham proper and the metro. "Them" is the state government.

[Justin Scott]

For example, the city raised the minimum wage and the state is trying to make a law that makes it impossible.

[Tourian]

They would probably oppose any city that raises it so we can't be sure it is something unique for this city.

At least we are getting plenty of love from ALDOT right now.

We definitely won't be getting in special favors or handouts from this governor but that's too easily spun into natural market forces at work.

[bosshawk]

"Love" is definitely not the word I would use to describe the treatment from ALDOT. They want to use a once in a lifetime opportunity to make the highway running through the heart of Birmingham much worse than it is now.

The major project in the area actually under construction(I-22 Interchange) is 6 years behind schedule.

They are shoving the northern beltline down everyone's throats, and frankly no one wants it at this point. It was wanted 20 years ago, but when ALDOT says the costs have risen 5-fold(which in reality means the ultimate price will be 10-fold) and the time frame for completion is being measured on a geologic timescale, the northern beltline is poised to become the boondoggle to trump all boondoggles in the state of Alabama.

They widened I-65 to Blount county 15 years ago, while doing nothing about I-65 South of Bham. (I actually like this because I think anyone who lives in Alabaster should move closer to the city or suffer in traffic).

[Tourian]

Being behind schedule is better than not at all. And the end is definitely in sight for 22.

the 20/59 bridges will not be worse. There's no evidence out there to suggest otherwise that they will be better in every way.

the northern beltline is controversial but having a complete bypass is something that the city needed when 459 was built. It is a good thing Alabama gets to use federal dollars pooled by other states to help build it.

[Justin Scott]

They should just build a partial bypass.....from I-20 to I-65/22.

[Tourian]

And another thing about being slow with finishing 22...

Alabama is building a massive stack interchange, the largest peoject ever in the history of the state.

Tennessee just lets their end dump down onto a street...Lamar Ave. A street.

Mississippi just had to upgrade existing Hwy 78 to interstate levels with a few exceptions. Again no interchange. Oh they have one in mind. They want 22 to join with 269 an incomplete Memphis outer bypass.

Incomplete. As in...not there. So to recap, Alabama is almost done with a massive project...Tennessee never tried and Mississippi is still planning. Now who is slow again?