Birmingham Land Bank Authority Cuts Ribbon on a Home for the Holidays

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Christmas came a bit early this year for one Birmingham resident. Michael Reed and his family are “Home for the Holidays”. The Birmingham Land Bank Authority hosted a ribbon cutting for Birmingham’s newest housing development on Thursday in the historic Fountain Heights neighborhood for Reed and his family. His new home, which will be a 1,500 square-feet structure will be the family domicile for him, his 14-year-old daughter, and 67-year-old mother. But it’s bigger than his home, he said. “My hope is to be a part of the revitalization of the city. I love Birmingham.” The theme for the event, Home for the Holidays, emphasized the importance of family, community, and belonging, particularly during the holiday season. The Land Bank launched the Accelerated Home Ownership Program (AHOP) last year with a goal of building 25 new homes in the Fountain Heights neighborhood. The development contributes to the city’s ongoing efforts to expand housing options and opportunities and foster neighborhood renewal. Caroline Douglas, Executive Director of the Land Bank Authority, said the day marks a significant milestone in the Land Bank’s history, but it also marks as a special day for the Reed family....