🌱 ALDOT Sparks Controversy + Historic A.G. Mason Motel Opens

Hello, neighbors! Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your fresh copy of the Birmingham Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 94 Low: 72.

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Here are the top three stories today in Birmingham:

1. The Alabama Department of Transportation's (ALDOT) Northern Beltline project is stirring up controversies among many environmentalist groups. The Southern Environmental Law Center took action on behalf of the Black Warrior Riverkeeper as they filed a complaint stating Birmingham's drinking water could be severely affected by this project and the money being allocated could be better used across the city. According to the Black Warrior Riverkeeper, ALDOT's latest project has been ranked as one of the seven worst projects that are wasting taxpayer money. (CBS42)
2. Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin declared Jul. 1 as UAB Day to celebrate the official entry of the Blazers into the American Athletic Conference. The proclamation was made during a city council meeting, where Mayor Woodfin presented an official Proclamation to the UAB Department of Athletics and spirit squad. As part of UAB Day, prominent buildings and landmarks in Birmingham will be illuminated in green and gold, including Protective Stadium, City Walk, and UAB's campus and athletics facilities. (ABC 33 40)
3. After years of planning and nearly $10 million in renovations, the A.G. Gaston Motel historic site in Birmingham officially opens to the public this week. On Thursday, Jun. 29, the National Historic Landmark will begin giving out free public tours of the new exhibit that's dedicated to the motel's founder, Birmingham businessman and trailblazing entrepreneur Arthur George A.G. Gaston. Many years ago, the 1954 wing of the motel included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s room where he developed plans for the Civil Rights Movement. (AL.com)

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Today in Birmingham:

Wednesday, June 28

• Tech Equals Pride Basement Pizza Party At Mom's Basement (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new business to check out in Birmingham? Recently, seven new restaurants, retail stores and more opened throughout the city, including a build-your-own taco shop. (Bham Now)
• A conflict resolution program known as Common Ground recently had 360 students graduate within the first semester. The purpose of this program is to teach young kids the importance of conflict resolution and create a final project that incorporates ways they can apply what they've learned. (WBRC)
• The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is currently collecting doghouses for local pets in need as temperatures continue to rise. If you're interested, visit here to check out their Amazon Wishlist or donate online at their website. (Greater Birmingham Humane Society via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.