Clairmont Avenue, 41st Street awarded streetscape grants

The Forest Park and South Avondale neighborhoods have been awarded a streetscape grant that will pay for much-needed improvements on Clairmont Avenue in Forest Park Village and the 41st Street South commercial corridor in Avondale.

The project — largely funded by the city of Birmingham — will also link the two bustling areas with new signage and street markings, improved lighting and intersection signals, and enhanced sidewalks and street paving, according to a news release from the Forest Park and South Avondale Merchant Association.

The total amount of money to be spent has not been determined exactly but should be about $1.2 million, according to merchant association president Marco Morosini. The merchant association and area landlords have contributed about $10,000, he said.

The improvements are much needed, according to Morosini. The area “needs to be cleaned and polished up,” he said. “We need to be able to make both areas more walkable and bike-friendly, as well as connect the two neighborhoods.”

After the city finalizes some of the project details, all of the parties involved will meet to determine the specific improvements to be made in each area, and they will also have a better idea as to when work will begin, according to Morosini.