​Dear Zoning Board of Adjustments, 

As residents of the Woodlawn Neighborhood, we are deeply concerned about the proposed rezoning for workforce development housing in our community. At a previous neighborhood meeting, the developer stated that he intends to convert the housing into an extended-stay motel, which is not in line with our neighborhood's character and will negatively impact our community.

Providing affordable housing options for local workers is an important goal, but this development will not serve that purpose. The extended-stay motel will bring increased traffic, noise, and other disruptions to the area and will not provide plausible long-term housing solutions that our community desperately needs.

Additionally, extended-stay motels are typically designed for travelers who need a place to stay for longer periods, usually a week or more. These types of motels are not suitable for permanent housing solutions and can have negative impacts on the surrounding community.

In addition, extended-stay motels are typically not as well-maintained as permanent housing and may need to meet the same safety and health standards. They are also designed for temporary living rather than for long-term occupancy.

Next, extended-stay motels are often located in resource-deprived areas and may be close to crime and other negative influences. This can create an unsafe environment for children and harm their overall well-being. Furthermore, children living in extended-stay motels may not have access to the same educational, recreational, and social opportunities available to children living in permanent housing.

Furthermore, living in an extended-stay motel can have a detrimental effect on a child's overall development and well-being, as it can be difficult for them to form healthy relationships and can disrupt their education, leading to poor academic performance.

Regarding workforce development housing, extended-stay motels do not provide the long-term housing solutions workers need to establish stable lives and careers in the community. They need to be equipped with the necessary amenities like kitchens, laundry rooms, private bathrooms, etc., for daily living.

Lastly, extended-stay motels can negatively affect property values and the aesthetic of the surrounding area. They can also generate negative perceptions of the area and discourage other types of development.
Overall, extended-stay motels are not suitable solutions for permanent housing and can negatively impact the community. Therefore, seeking alternative options that align with the community's values and priorities is crucial.

We ask that the Zoning Board of Adjustments deny the rezoning request and seek alternative options that align with the community's values and priorities. Please sign our petition to support responsible and sustainable development in Birmingham.

Together, we can work to ensure that our community remains a safe, healthy, and vibrant place for all residents.

Sincerely,

Woodlawn Residents