Council approves Pratt–Ensley community-wide rezoning after staff presentation and public hearing

Planning staff presented the Pratt–Ensley community-wide rezoning (Case ZAC2025-00027) during a public hearing at the Sept. 22 Birmingham City Council meeting. Kim Spruill, zoning administrator for the Department of Planning, Engineering and Permits, summarized the objectives: align zoning with the city's 2013 comprehensive plan, consolidate multiple ordinance titles, downzone inactive or vacant heavy-industrial parcels, and introduce mixed-use (MXD) and urban neighborhood districts for more flexible housing options.

Staff said the Ensley Work Site is currently zoned MXD but the rezoning proposes changing that site to I1 (light manufacturing) to accommodate advanced manufacturing, logistics and green energy development and to reflect the site's brownfield status. Spruill said the plan was developed through community meetings beginning in September 2024, a community vote in February 2025, Planning Commission recommendation in November 2025 (with one condition), and subsequent Planning & Zoning Committee recommendations in 2026.

During the public hearing, David Rivers asked how the changes would affect surrounding residents and what safeguards would protect communities; staff and council members directed residents to PEP staff and public maps. Local business leader Harry Chambers said he welcomed the rezoning and thanked the council for recognizing existing businesses in Ensley. Mary Crenshaw raised broader concerns about dilapidated properties and public safety; council members described existing enforcement options, recent state-level tools (foreclosure on municipal liens) and city processes for condemnation and demolition.

After closing the public hearing the council took a voice vote and approved the rezoning. Councilors noted the years-long outreach effort and encouraged residents to contact PEP staff for maps and details about queue (sic) conditions that remain in place for some parcels.