Birmingham Council Nixes New Car Wash Proposal

Birmingham Council Nixes New Car Wash Proposal

In a recent turn of events, Birmingham’s City Council faced another challenge regarding the ongoing moratorium on car washes. It was a cloudy Tuesday, but the discussion around a proposed car wash brightened up the day with some intriguing bits of information. The plan was to build a new car wash at 2310 University Boulevard, right across from the upcoming Southtown Court and Edgehill redevelopment project. The spot where the car wash was proposed currently houses the abandoned McGriff, Seibels, and Williams insurance office.

New Day Car Wash in the Running

The applicant, New Day Car Wash, already operates a successful tunnel car wash on Cahaba River Road. Tom Spies, president of LIV Ventures, represented the company in front of the council. He argued passionately that their business wouldn’t disrupt traffic flow and would actually bring positive energy to the University Boulevard corridor. Spies stated, “We’re exactly the type of business that’s going to be there,” emphasizing that they would fit right into the area which includes a Shell station and an Express Oil location, with a Wendy’s just a stone’s throw away.

Interestingly, during the marketing phase of the lot, Spies mentioned that the only serious contenders for the space were two fast-food restaurants and two car washes. This paints a picture of the current market for that part of town, and clearly shows the interest in bringing more car wash options to Birmingham.

City Council’s Mixed Reactions

However, the proposal didn’t go as smoothly as Spies hoped. Once the council dug into the details, they found themselves divided. Despite a strong appeal, the vote landed at a standstill: three council members were in favor, three against, and one member abstained. Unfortunately for New Day Car Wash, that wasn’t enough to push it through.

City Council President Darrell O’Quinn, who voted against the proposal, shared his thoughts, saying, “My concern with all of this has always been focused on our residents.” His main worry is that there’s a trend of businesses seeking to operate in high-traffic areas, which the council is actively trying to make more pedestrian-friendly.

The Bigger Picture

James Fowler, director of transportation for Birmingham, reiterated that the council isn’t necessarily against car washes. “Our department in general is not anti-car wash,” he clarified, but they do want to ensure they’re placed appropriately to avoid adding to the existing traffic woes. Just weeks before, on August 27, they approved another car wash, White Cap Auto Spa, which was ready and waiting to open on Crestwood Boulevard. “We are pro-car wash, in the appropriate areas,” Fowler added, suggesting context matters.

This ongoing moratorium was put into place earlier in the year, a move made to halt new car washes from gaining business licenses as city officials work on a plan. The current sunset date of this moratorium is set for December 5. Here’s the deal: the council wants to make sure the location of any new car wash aligns with their vision for the city, balancing the need for such businesses with traffic management and noise pollution in residential areas.

Conclusion: A Work in Progress

This is certainly a work in progress for Birmingham. The City Council is keen on transforming the city in a way that makes it safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and public transport. As they work through the moratorium and the concerns it raises, it’s clear they are dedicated to making decisions that benefit the community.

As we watch this all unfold, one thing is certain: Birmingham is trying to find a balance between growth, business interests, and the quality of life for its residents.