By Faith Callens, For The Tribune
CENTER POINT — Birmingham Broker Josh Jacob introduced himself to the council on Thursday, March 3, offering to become a “resource” to help the city.
Jacob said most of his work recently came from the Center Point area, and he wanted to reach out to the council to inform or educate them about what’s happening within the community concerning real estate.
“I’ve been in the multi-family apartment industry as a broker for nine years now,” Jacob said. “There is a lot of Investment groups, family offices, institutional buyers who are looking to place capital in and invest in Birmingham as a whole but specifically, it seems like the Center Point market has got a lot of activity.”
“Many of these groups would like to come in and improve these properties that are distressed in nature or have absentee owners or unoccupied at the moment in order to make them not only inhabitable but more quality workforce affordable housing,” Jacob said.
Jacob has been a part of approximately $125 million of commercial real estate transactions that have taken place within the Center Point community. Jacob also mentioned to the council that the city currently has approximately $85 million in real estate in the apartment industry on the market or in agreement.
“I would love to be a resource for you as a council and for you as the Mayor’s office with regards to connecting you with some of these investors who are placing millions of dollars worth of capital in the submarket so that we can create an environment that is conducive to them being able to execute their business plan in such a way that aligns as much with Center Point mission, vision, and values,” Jacob said.
The council plans to review Jacob’s request at a later date.
Center Point Fire Chief Gene Coleman mentioned to the council that the fire department had implemented a new “Neighbors program.”
“Ring By Neighbors, you may have seen it on our social media,” Coleman said. “If we have an incident in the neighborhood, we can go in and broadcast anybody who has a ring camera, Arlo camera, or nest camera, and we can request video back.”
Coleman said the program is used for fire investigation. Coleman also informed residents to be sure to have a working smoke detector in the home.
Other Business
The items approved on the consent agenda:
- Authorization Invitation to Bid for new Dugouts at 12 baseball fields
- The council approved the authorization Invitation to allow contractors to bid for the
repairs of 12 baseball field dugouts within the city.
- The council approved the authorization Invitation to allow contractors to bid for the
The council also discussed appointing voting delegates to represent the city at the Alabama Municipalities Convention. The two council members that were chosen were Mayor Scott and Councilman Glenn Williams.
The city has a new business called JW Package Store, and the ribbon cutting is Friday, March 4. The store is located at the end of the Food Giant Complex.
Dates to remember:
- Block Captain Meeting- Saturday, March 8
- City Council meeting- March 17