Birmingham Residents Say Land Bank Information Sessions are Vital to Help with Vacant Properties
One Community Update
October 4, 2025
Source: wvtm13.com
The city of Birmingham is working to bring new life to properties abandoned by their previous owners.
Residents in the Fountain Heights neighborhood told WVTM 13 you can see the need for the Birmingham Land Bank all around. Neighbors said some lots have been vacant for as long as they can remember and hope someone will help clean up the place they call home.
Clarence Arnold said it’s frustrating to see abandoned properties like the one across the street from his house. Arnold said he moved in 30 years ago and the neighborhood used to be beautiful.
“If they would put homes in or on the property, maybe the person that buys the property will take more interest in it and keep it going,” Arnold said. “When I bought this property over here, it looked just like this property [across from me], but over time I got it all under control and it looked like somebody lived here.”
The Birmingham Land Bank has a plan to fix the issue. The organization will host virtual information sessions called Land Bank Live. The goal is to give people the information they need to buy the vacant properties and breathe life back into the community.
The land bank was started back in 2014 by the city. The goal was to keep properties that were abandoned from creating problems for neighbors. Since then, the organization has sold nearly 700 properties around the city, but there’s still some work to be done to help beautify some neighborhoods like Fountain Heights.
The land bank said interested buyers don’t just have to build houses or even renovate them. It wants to see empty lots used for parks, community gardens or even brick-and-mortar locations for small businesses. Staff said they just want people to have the tools they need to succeed.
“Make sure that your plan involves a licensed contractor,” Caroline Douglas, the executive director of the Birmingham Land Bank, said. “I can’t stress that enough. We want to protect you as well and make sure your investment doesn’t go to waste and also make sure that your funding is in place. Either you’ve got liquid funding or you have approved loans. We want to know what you have in place because everyone can start, but not everyone finishes.”
The land bank will host three sessions. There are 700 spots still open, and the land bank wants to see every spot filled.
You can find information on how to submit an application or to register for a seminar on the Land Bank website.
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