BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The city of Birmingham is intensifying its efforts to address nearly 15,000 overgrown properties after Mayor Randall Woodfin declared a local emergency last month due to “hazardous vegetative overgrowth.” The city council has approved five bids with local contractors to expedite the cutting of overgrowth on public rights of way and identified nuisance lots.
City leaders have expressed concerns that the overgrown properties pose health and safety risks to neighboring areas. The recent excessive rainfall has further prompted the city to hasten the abatement process. The city has allocated $3 million for these efforts in its 2025-26 fiscal year budget. However, Councilor Valerie Abbott raised concerns about whether this emergency order will deplete all funds allocated for the remainder of the year…