Optimism reigns as residents share their fears and aspirations for Bessemer's future.
One's relationship with place — what’s been termed “place attachment” — is not particularly different from the relationships we have with the people who round out our lives. Motivated by love, we commit ourselves to the needs of others but, despite that affection, we’re still not blind to their inevitable weaknesses and fallibilities.
How that applies to Bessemer could not be more apparent than it was on Monday, April 22, as Bessemer residents and other stakeholders gathered at the Recreation Center to discuss the city they know — warts and all — and its potential for the future.
None of the day’s conversations would’ve happened if not for the deep sense of “place attachment" that brought residents and other stakeholders to the table in the first place. But now the thoughts and feelings they've shared have become fuel for the project team grappling with creation of the Bessemer Gameplan, the city’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan.
So what’s on everyone’s mind?
First the Love
Clearly at the core of Bessemer’s strengths are the largely intact historic buildings and streetscapes in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Within them lie the civic institutions and community amenities that fuel the city’s pride — the Recreation Center, library, and city hall. And while the reasons might not be ideal, the city’s housing remains relatively affordable, its vacancy rates are low, and commuting times are generally light.
On a deeper and more hopeful level, Bessemer is a community of doers. Of entrepreneurs. People driven to open small businesses, establish pop-ups, even organize flea markets, the most grassroots form of commerce.
“Bessemer used to be a building, busy, booming city, right?” asked attendee Alisha Ruffin Brown. “It was a Marvel City. It had a booming entertainment district and it still has a lot to offer.”
And Then the Reality Check
The challenges faced by the Bessemer community are no secret but, in order to take them on, they need to be acknowledged. Otherwise they’ll lack the momentum to serve as catalysts for the changes that need to come.
Poverty, low educational attainment, and higher levels of crime. A lack of housing types to serve those working in Bessemer but choosing to live elsewhere. Neighborhoods served by poor schools, some with flooding issues and limited access to parks.
A downtown swamped with vacancies, lacking the robust street life that once put the city among the jewels of the Birmingham region. And finally, the inevitable result of these challenges: a poor reputation and a public perception often lacking in the nuances of the deeper story.
Brighter Days Ahead?
As the project’s launch meeting progressed, long lists of ideas poured out as people clustered and shared thoughts on what it will take for Bessemer to flourish. This shared acknowledgement motivated them to brainstorm innovative solutions and strategies.
From revitalizing downtown to cultivating better ways to share community news, the discussions were rich with diverse perspectives and forward-thinking concepts.
Participants envisioned more places for eating and entertainment to bring life back to the city’s downtown, and rallied around increased sidewalks and assistance for the entrepreneurs who’ll make a revitalized downtown possible. They spoke of enhanced code enforcement to foster beautification and limit unsightly businesses.
Next Steps
The meeting concluded with a noticeable buzz in the air. The result, perhaps, of a newfound feeling of empowerment, inspiring participants to actively engage in shaping Bessemer’s destiny.
It was a spirit that lingered, as participants leaving the building found themselves wrapped up in continuing neighborly conversations on the sidewalk out front.
Join Us
It’s not too late to get involved. You can still play a supporting role in taking the raw material of all these ideas to create a tangible gameplan for the city's future. Make plans now to join us:
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 6-7pm | Bessemer Recreation Center
Here’s your chance to come, review, and help fine-tune the future growth proposals emerging from your public input. Open house format, drop by any time between 6 and 7pm.