Dear Friends,
In January, I presented the city’s goals for 2022, including completion of some exciting projects that will improve our parks, roads, traffic flow and quality of life. We are adding new bathrooms and pavilions at Veterans Park, and construction will begin on pavilions, a basketball court and pickleball courts at the new Patriot’s Park this year. We will also make significant enhancements to Buck Creek Trail, including an asphalt trail surface, lighting and bridge work at Warrior Park and extending the trail to connect with Thompson High School. Construction continues on the new police station, with anticipated completion in four to six months. Construction is also under way on the 11th Avenue streetscape improvements and the two-phase Alabama 119 widening project, which will create four lanes and a middle turn lane. Multiple city roadways will be repaved, and there will be a new traffic signal and intersection improvements at Shelby County 17 and Kent Dairy Road.
Alabaster is also celebrating some exciting new business openings. In February, pOpshelf opened in the South Promenade shopping center. pOpshelf offers affordable finds in home goods, kitchenware, bath and beauty products and more. HomeGoods also opened in February bringing Alabaster its ever-changing selection of high-quality home décor at affordable prices. Azalea’s Alabaster is opening this spring in the former Habañeros location, and RaceTrac will open this spring at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Fulton Springs Road. The city is also anticipating the partnership with Birmingham United Soccer Association to manage the city’s recreational soccer program beginning in the spring.
We are excited for longtime Alabaster employee Nancy Burns, who is retiring on April 1. Nancy began working for the city in October 1987, and she has been with us for nearly 35 years. Nancy is a wonderful employee and friend to my family, and while we will all miss seeing her at City Hall every day, we’re excited for her to have a chance to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Finally, add these important dates to your calendar: Clean Sweep will be on Saturday, April 9, and all City offices will be closed on closed April 15 for Good Friday.
Happy Spring!
Mayor Scott Brakefield