Alabama Power Co. has asked Birmingham officials to demolish its long‑vacant Powell Avenue substation and replace the structure with a new brick‑walled enclosure. The utility also wants to combine the lot with an adjacent parcel to accommodate a future substation that would better serve customers across the Birmingham metropolitan area and Jefferson County.
Utility cites safety concerns
James Douglas, an environmental specialist with Alabama Power, testified before the city’s Design Review Committee that the empty building has become a magnet for trespassing and vagrancy. \”This building has been vacant for a number of years,\” Douglas said. \”We have been having ongoing public safety concerns. We’ve received complaints just last week from UAB’s Administration Building about ongoing trespassing.\” He added that police have been called multiple times to remove individuals and that the utility has bolted doors in an effort to secure the property.
Committee questions wall design
The committee postponed a vote on the demolition request until its November 18 meeting, citing concerns about the proposed wall’s visual impact. Committee member Cheryl Morgan emphasized that any new wall should enhance the pedestrian experience. \”That wall needs to be something that contributes to the pedestrian experience, and there are a number of ways to do it,\” she said.
Committee members noted that earlier work sessions had explored four or five design options, but the current proposal did not satisfy their expectations for aesthetics and community integration.
Alabama Power’s response
In a statement, Alabama Power reiterated its commitment to safety and reliable service. \”The property owned by Alabama Power on Powell Avenue is close to the local operations it will support,\” the company said. \”Once complete, the site will help our teams respond to customer needs across the Birmingham metropolitan area and Jefferson County. We appreciate the community’s support as we complete this work safely and responsibly.\”
What’s next?
The Design Review Committee will reconvene on November 18 to consider revised wall designs and the demolition request. Stakeholders, including local residents, business owners, and city planners, are encouraged to submit feedback before that date. The outcome will determine whether the utility can move forward with demolition, wall construction, and the eventual development of a new substation that aligns with Birmingham’s infrastructure goals.
Community members who wish to voice concerns or suggestions can attend the upcoming committee meeting or submit written comments to the Birmingham Design Review Committee office. The utility has pledged to keep the process transparent and to work closely with the city to ensure the project meets both safety standards and neighborhood expectations.
Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.
