Birmingham, AL, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The Birmingham City Council has approved a gate installation to block off a public street near Vulcan Park to manage traffic from the construction of a new car wash. Concerns from local residents about increased traffic led to this decision. The car wash’s developer plans to challenge the decision in court, citing potential disruptions to business operations. This situation highlights the tensions between community needs and commercial interests in the area.
Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to install a gate blocking off a public street near Vulcan Park in a move aimed at managing traffic resulting from the construction of a new car wash in the area. The decision follows an initial vote on June 9, which faced contention after the car wash’s attorney claimed they had not been properly notified of the public hearing.
The entrance to the residential section of 20th Avenue South will be restricted by the gate, which will be locked and only accessible to emergency vehicles. This decision comes as a result of ongoing concerns from local residents about the potential traffic increase due to the new establishment of a Tidal Wave Auto Spa at the northeast corner of the intersection of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and Valley Avenue.
Mike Douglas, an attorney representing SHJ Development, the owners of the car wash, indicated that the planned gate may significantly disrupt their business operations, leading to a potential court challenge against the decision. Douglas articulated that the gate could create unsustainable traffic constraints for the car wash, which was projected to accommodate approximately 300 customers daily.
This development follows a lengthy legal battle wherein the developers previously sued the city over a moratorium on new car washes and won a court ruling that permitted their construction. The city’s approval of a traffic study submitted by the developers indicated the expected impact on local traffic due to the car wash.
Council member Hunter Williams remarked that the ordinance for the gate installation was the only option for the city after the court ruling, emphasizing the tension between community needs and business interests. Residents expressed their concerns about the car wash turning their neighborhood into a busy thoroughfare, indicating that they only became aware of the plans in September 2023, during a neighborhood association meeting. Many expressed opposition to the developments at that time.
The local sentiment against the car wash reflects a broader community apprehension about how the new establishment may alter the character and traffic dynamics of their residential area. Issues related to the car wash construction continue to fuel tensions as residents feel increasingly affected by the impending changes.
Tidal Wave Auto Spa, founded in 1999, is one of the leading conveyor car wash companies in the U.S., boasting around 275 locations across 30 states. The company has consistently been acknowledged on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies since 2020 and is expanding its footprint despite local controversies.
Conclusion
The decision to install a gate by the Birmingham City Council highlights the ongoing conflict between residential needs and commercial developments. With legal challenges expected from the car wash’s developers, the situation remains fluid as community voices demand consideration in shaping the future of their neighborhood.
FAQ Section
What decision did the Birmingham City Council make on Tuesday?
The Birmingham City Council voted to install a gate blocking off a public street near Vulcan Park to manage car wash traffic.
Why was the initial vote contested?
The initial vote occurred on June 9, but was contested due to the car wash’s attorney claiming they were not notified of the public hearing.
What are the anticipated traffic impacts of the new car wash?
The car wash is projected to accommodate approximately 300 cars daily.
Who represents the owners of the car wash, and what is their stance on the gate installation?
Mike Douglas, an attorney for SHJ Development, stated that the gate will severely hinder the car wash’s operations, and they plan to challenge the decision in court.
What has been the community’s response to the car wash construction?
Local residents have voiced concerns about the car wash turning their residential area into a thoroughfare.
What is Tidal Wave Auto Spa?
Tidal Wave Auto Spa, founded in 1999, is a leading conveyor car wash company with approximately 275 locations across 30 states and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies multiple times since 2020.
Key Features of the Birmingham City Council Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision | Installation of a gate to block street traffic |
| Date of Vote | Tuesday, after a contested initial vote on June 9 |
| Impacted Area | 20th Avenue South near Vulcan Park |
| Projected Traffic | Approximately 300 cars daily |
| Developer Response | Plans to challenge the decision in court |
| Company Background | Tidal Wave Auto Spa, with 275 locations nationwide |
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Additional Resources
- CBS 42 News
- WVTM 13 News
- ABC 33/40 News
- AL.com News
- ABC 33/40 News on Moratorium
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google Search: Birmingham City Council
- Google Scholar: Birmingham City Council car wash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
- Google News: Birmingham car wash
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
