By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.
Give Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky credit for casting a positive light on what could have been viewed as a negative.
Delivering his annual State of the City address to the Homewood Chamber of Commerce at the Valley Hotel, McClusky reported that home sales in the city dropped 21% in 2023, from 390 the year before to 323.
“It just means people are happy,” the mayor said. “They’re not leaving. They wanna be here.”
Homewood’s popularity was evident when McClusky said that 108 of the homes sold in 2023 were under contract within 48 hours.
“The reasons people choose Homewood are location and proximity to downtown Birmingham, charm and character of home supply, our award-winning school system, the family-centric, tight-knit community atmosphere, well-kept parks and recreation areas and an above average walk score, as well as great public services from both our police and fire departments,” he said.
McClusky began his assessment of the city with the service that has brought the most angst to residents – garbage pickup. The city farmed out garbage pickup in 2023 after having had that service provided previously by city employees.
“While this was one of the most difficult decisions that we’ve had to make here and over the last decade, I still believe that it is the right decision,” the mayor said. “We expected hiccups in the beginning from both a logistical standpoint and from a historical perspective in regards to residents. It is never easy to have change in a city service. But with the difficulty and staffing and the changing of the workforce market, this was the best option for us moving forward.”
McClusky acknowledged that the city is still facing challenges on the garbage front. He said the entire Cahaba Solid Waste Authority, of which Homewood is a part, is on the same page.
“We have explained our position to our vendor (Amwaste) and will continue to press for that level of service that we expect,” he said. “I personally apologize for the issues we’ve had so far, but we are seeing progress and I expect our vendor to deliver moving forward.”
The mayor cited discussions of a possible change to a city manager-council form of government. He said a special election on the subject is expected in the coming months, adding that petition information and information on the city manager form of government and additional public meetings are forthcoming.
Brookwood, Other Developments Updated
Like last year, McClusky addressed the status of the former Brookwood Village shopping location and what might wind up there. He assured his audience that he’s just as anxious as they are to hear about any plans from the developers.
“This project is taking time, but it is very important for many reasons,” he said. “You can imagine how difficult it is when you’re talking about three different municipalities and two different property owners all trying to come together in one big project. All parties working together is essential. (Mountain Brook) Mayor (Stewart) Welch and myself will make sure that that’s what happens.
“Our hope is in the near future we will have an opportunity to see and hear the grand plan for this piece of property,” McClusky said. “Once we hear something, we will afford the property owners the ability to present their design to the general public.”
The mayor cited several developments that are on the horizon for Homewood. Those include the development where Econo Lodge formerly stood, The Edge on Green Springs Highway and the playground at Homewood Central Park, which is currently being renovated to make it safer.
“While we are all saddened by the news of the beloved caterpillar (structure at the park),” McClusky said, “I know it will be incorporated within the new design so that we can all still visit this landmark.”
Crime Is Down
The mayor praised the police department for its role in an 18% decrease in overall crime based on the department’s 10-year average and a 12% decrease in overall crime from the prior year.
“Burglaries were down 30% last year and then 41% based on the 10-year average,” he said. “Vehicle thefts are up 22% from last year. This is the second year in a row for that increase so Chief (Tim) Ross and myself would like to remind you to please lock your doors.”
McClusky cited additional statistics from the fire department, ribbon-cuttings for new businesses and participation in youth sports. But the mayor also talked about what he saw throughout the city as Homewood employees and residents dug out from the result of a December tornado.
“In spite of this terrible weather event that happened before Christmas, I was so inspired – but not at all surprised – by the immediate community response that we had here,” McClusky said. “Driving around early the next morning, myself and (Chief of Staff) J.J. Bischoff just to check on residents and businesses, there were already people outside with chainsaws, trucks, other tools. Neighbors helping neighbors who had experienced damage from the storms.
“That is what this community is,” the mayor said. “Homewood has always answered the call and rallies around each other in the time of need.”
