In Brief: Holy Name Expansion Moves on to City Commission

The Birmingham Planning Board approved the final site plans for 's expansion project, sending the project to city commission for final approval.

The board approved the plans during its regular meeting Wednesday evening in a unanimous vote. Holy Name will now go before the city commission June 27 to receive final permission to go ahead with plans that include acquiring a new parcel of land, demolishing two existing buildings and constructing two new ones in their place, as well as renovating and configuring the church parking lot.

. At that time, church architects received the SLUP to tear down the home at 645 Woodland Street. Last night, church representatives were looking for permission to include the home at 656 Greenwood Street in that SLUP as well. Both properties are adjacent to the church's parking lot.

The church already owns the property at 645 Woodland and have been using it as a rectory. They will be purchasing the property at 656 Greenwood. The two new buildings will be used as an apartment for a retired priest and storage. Original plans included constructing a small chapel behind the priest's apartment but those plans have since been scrapped.

Despite the approval, concerns were raised by residents who lived near the church. Most of the complaints revolved around the potential noise given that children from the have recess in the church parking lot. One resident voiced concerns about potential gridlock on residential streets. However, several other neighbors spoke highly of the plans, noting many residents have been working with the planners to get the best results.