crestwood signs (Birmingham: city hall, neighborhoods, purchasing)

[bhoadecatur]

recently noticed the crestwood avenue signs on utility poles, I would like information about how they got permission to post them, agreements, utility company or city? homeowners? I would like to put some in our neighborhood, but need more input.

[Tourian]

I think those are in East Lake too? Maybe Woodlawn as well? I think the city just wants to define its old historic neighborhoods.

[jakabedy]

Birmingham has a city-sanctioned neighborhood network. There are 99 neighborhoods (each has officers) that make up 23 communities. Each community has a member on the Citizens Advisory Board. It's sort of the farm team for those aspiring to city council, etc. All of this is run under the purview of the Mayor's Office of Citizens Assistance, so that would be a good place to ask about the details.

Anyway, the city provides funds to each neighborhood each year, I think $5K or $10K. And the neighborhoods can also raise their own money. There are limitations on how the $$ can be spent (not on food, parties, etc.) and these neighborhood flags are likely purchased out of those funds. Some neighborhoods do markers, or playground equipment, etc. Getting purchases approved in the first place takes time - voting at the neighborhood meeting on the plan, and the design and then it having to go to city hall to be vetted by legal, approved and submitted for purchasing. And then getting them put up or replaced has to be coordinated through the city, because city crews have to do the work (the signs are on streetlight poles, mainly, so the city's purview -- that keeps the power or phone company out of it). If you can find who in your city handles the putting up and taking down of Christmas decorations, you might be on the right trail.