Federal Grant of $50 Million to Catalyze Smithfield Community’s Revitalization in Birmingham
In an exciting announcement on Wednesday, Marcia Fudge, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, unveiled a groundbreaking $50 million grant designated to revitalize Birmingham’s Smithfield community. The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) is the proud recipient of this prestigious Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, a highly competitive award presented annually to a select few communities across the country.
Dontrelle Young-Foster, the CEO of HABD, expressed her overwhelming emotions about the grant, stating, “The first email I opened this morning was a congratulations letter from HUD, and now, we’re here today to hear that we are awarded for this great event. It is official. It is real, Birmingham. It is real, Smithfield.”
The primary objective of the grant is to address the lack of affordable housing and rejuvenate distressed public housing in the Smithfield community. Secretary Fudge acknowledged the community’s exceptional efforts in crafting an outstanding grant proposal, and she firmly believes that this initiative will be instrumental in tackling the affordable housing crisis in the country.
As part of the transformative plan, the city will replace the Smithfield Court public housing development with modern mixed-income housing. Additionally, they will introduce multifamily and single-family housing, as well as mixed-use developments, in various areas across the Smithfield community. This ambitious project encompasses the Smithfield neighborhood, College Hills, East Thomas, Enon Ridge, and Graymont.
The envisioned outcome of this initiative is the construction of nearly 1,000 new housing units throughout the community. A portion of these units, amounting to 350, will be situated on 11 acres of surplus property from the A.H. Parker High School.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his enthusiasm for being selected as a recipient of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant, emphasizing the city’s commitment to neighborhood revitalization and its dedication to working with HUD, HABD, and other partners in transforming the community.
City Council President Wardine Alexander highlighted the comprehensive nature of the plan, emphasizing that it goes beyond housing improvements. She emphasized the importance of fostering holistic development, providing access to essential community resources, and laying a strong foundation for economic growth and prosperity. Alexander sees this grant as a testament to the collective determination to create a better future for all residents.
Councilor Darrell O’Quinn, representing the district, credited the residents for their invaluable contributions in securing the grant. He praised their determination and unwavering belief in the potential for positive change within their community.
Residents of Smithfield Court have eagerly awaited this moment for decades, and Young Foster acknowledged their unique sense of pride in their neighborhood. She envisions the grant as a significant step towards driving community and economic development, with the HABD playing a crucial role in redeveloping public housing, providing affordable housing options, and expanding essential wraparound services for residents, such as education, healthcare, workforce development, and commerce.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell shared her optimism, referring to the grant as a “catalyst for change, change for the better.” She expressed the importance of preserving the community’s history while envisioning a brighter future, and emphasized that this revitalization project would not only impact Smithfield but also set a precedent for revitalizing other neighborhoods in need of transformation.
