Mayor Randall Woodfin and the City of Birmingham have announced the next phase of the Safe Streets: Eastlake initiative, a neighborhood safety program that uses roadway barriers to reduce crime.
Positive Results from Pilot Program
City officials say the pilot program has already produced measurable results, including a 25% reduction in gunshots detected by ShotSpotter and a 22% decrease in emergency service calls during the first year. Despite some residents noting longer travel routes, the city considers the program a success.
Permanent Infrastructure Upgrades
Through a $372,000 contract with Gillespie Construction, LLC, temporary concrete barriers will be replaced with permanent curbs featuring trees and five-foot bike paths. These enhancements aim to discourage cut-through traffic while improving accessibility and curb appeal for neighborhood residents. Speed bumps and stop signs installed during the pilot will also remain.
Broader Crime-Reduction Measures
The city has secured alleyways that provide easy access to the backs of homes and is actively addressing abandoned properties in Eastlake. Officials say this data-driven approach aligns with strategies used by other U.S. cities that have successfully reduced crime. The mayor’s office is evaluating expansion of the Safe Streets initiative to additional neighborhoods across Birmingham.
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