27 replies to this topic

[kayman]

BTW, here is the article in today's News about the Park:

Park called `a reality' although funds short

[kayman]

Here is a map of an updated map of the proposed park:

[Owsley9]

I got this letter in my inbox this morning.  Please do what they ask and WRITE your commissioners!

JeffCo Commission Threatens to Withdraw Funding Promise

Yesterday's Birmingham News reported that Jefferson County Commission President Bettye Fine Collins has called for a review of all previous commission commitments and is specifically threatening to revoke allocations to Red Mountain Park, Railroad Reservation Park and the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham. Collins, along with newly elected commissioners Jim Carns and Bobby Humphryes-not to be confused former Alabama footballer and Friend of RMP Bobby Humphrey-stated that "capital needs were neglected in favor of parks and non-profit organizations" by the Larry Langford-led commission which they have succeeded.

Regardless of the politics behind this message or the validity of RMP's signed contract with the commission, we should weigh this news very seriously and use it as a call to action. The commission's $7.5 million pledge to the park represents the bedrock of our financing and an official "thumbs-up" that has helped open the doors of corporate sponsors and position the project for federal grants. Current fund proposals suggest that the JeffCo money could be matched 3:1 by the end of this process-undercutting any notion that is a burden solely on the commissions' shoulders.

So, what can we do? The commission needs to hear from its constituents that RMP is vitally important to this county, not just as a public interest project but in real terms. Here are some financial projections from ConsultEcon's Tom Martin given at the last public forum:

    * RMP would bring approximately $29.4 million to the local economy annually
    * RMP would generate $1 million in tax revenue for state, county and local entities annually
    * RMP would create 452 jobs in the community, park itself and supporting industries

If you have the time, a personal letter or email to the commissioners would be a great way to let them know that RMP would not only provide a wonderful greenspace in the midst of our cities, but would also be a tangible asset and worthwhile investment for the county. You can find contact information here or below:

Jefferson County Commission
Jefferson County Courthouse
716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North
Birmingham, AL 35203

    * Bettye Fine Collins - President
      Commissioner of Finance and General Services
      collinsbfine@jccal.org
    * Jim Carns
      Commissioner of Environmental Services
      carnsj@jccal.org
    * Bobby Humphryes
      Commissioner of Roads and Transportation
      humphryesb@jccal.org
    * Larry Langford
      Commissioner of Health and Human Services
      langfordl@jccal.org
    * Shelia Smoot
      Commissioner of Information Technology
      smoots@jccal.org

Currently, we don't know how the commission will formalize this budget review process and if there will be any chance for public participation. That is one question we plan to ask. In the meantime, thanks in advance for any efforts you can muster in this campaign and let's hope the commission can be swayed to think more sensibly about RMP's genuine worth to all of us.

Thanks for your support,

John Cobbs
Friends of Red Mountain Park

[Owsley9]

Well here's some good news, I guess:

Jeffco may issue bonds to pay for new park

[kayman]

RED MOUNTIAN IS A GO

The Red Mountain Park is officially a go.  US Steel has officially sold the 1,108 acres to the Red Mountain Park and Greenway Commission last Wednesday.  The estimate cost for the park to be complete the entire park with trails, ballfields, and lake will be about $30-40M.  

It is good to see the land has finally been purchased now if we can get this park along with the Railroad Reserve Park up.

[kayman]

AN ADDITONAL $1.25M MAYBE ON THE WAY FOR THE RED MOUNTAIN PARK

The high-controversial federal transportation budget has $1.25 million earmarked towards the Red Mountain Park.  It would either go toward helping purchase the land or create the trail loop inside the park.  The bill also include earmarking for other local projects:

Quote

$550,000 for the injury control research center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; $500,000 for trauma care research at UAB; $250,000 for the Jimmie Hale Mission; and $4.2 million for the revitalization of downtown Tuscaloosa.

[kayman]

An update on the park, the City Council last Tuesday last week aninomously voted to donate land to connect the two ends of the park that were separated by a slouth of land owned by the City.  The progress of the planning of the Park according to the Red Mountain Park Comission is on schedule.

[bhamsly]

Leonard23, on Aug 4 2008, 12:07 PM, said:

An update on the park, the City Council last Tuesday last week aninomously voted to donate land to connect the two ends of the park that were separated by a slouth of land owned by the City. The progress of the planning of the Park according to the Red Mountain Park Comission is on schedule.

That's great, now lets just hope that the city will be aggressive enough to push for revitalizing the area to the west of the park...Gate City, Woodlawn, etc. This could be a very attractive area with a little help.