Residents invited for input on new master plan

Birmingham residents are invited to provide input to the charrette planning process as the Birmingham City Commission undertakes a new master plan, primarily focused on the city's neighborhoods and their integration within the city.

In December 2018, the city commission chose DPZ Partners, LLC, to provide professional services to prepare an update to the city's comprehensive master plan. The group led by DPZ was recommended to the commission by the ad hoc master plan selection committee after interviewing and hearing formal presentations from DPZ, of Miami, formerly known as Duany Plater-Zybeck, and MKSK of Columbus.

DPZ, known then as Duany Plater-Zybeck, helmed by master urban planner and designer Andres Duany, created the city's 2016 Plan in 1996, focused on the city's core downtown. This citywide master plan will focus on the neighborhoods, residents, and how they work with one another, parks, downtown, transportation and other issues. This is the first citywide master plan since 1980.

The charrette process will take place the week of May 13, with an opening presentation on Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at DPZ's studio at 255 S. Old Woodward.

On Wednesday, May 15, there three opportunities for residents to attend events: one, from 10-11 a.m., will focus on the region; from 12-1 p.m., there will be a discussion about transportation; and from 2-3 p.m., the conversation will be on commercial districts.

On Wednesday, May 15, from 10-11 a.m., the meeting will focus on public spaces; from 12-1 p.m., about civic institutions; and from 2-3 p.m. the talk will be on parking.

On Thursday, May 16, housing will be discussed from 10-11 a.m.; transition areas from noon-1 p.m.; and neighborhoods will be discussed from 2-3:30.

On Monday, May 20, politics will the topic from 12-1 p.m.

All charrettes are open to the public and at 255 S. Old Woodward.

An open house will be held on Saturday, May 18, at the studio from 2-5 p.m., and the team will be at Booth Park on Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 p.m.

On Thursday, May 16, there will be an open meeting with Emily Talen on neighborhoods at Seaholm High School's Little Theater from 5:30-7 p.m.

Closing presentation by DPZ will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, in the Seaholm cafeteria.