City Manager Answers Readers' Questions About Mountain Brook

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — With so much uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and how it affects local residents, Patch readers understandable had questions for Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston in this month's Q & A session.

Gaston put together several talking points that can answer most concerns readers have regarding how the city is handling the coronavirus situation.

Gaston also answered other quations from readers submitted through Patch and social media:

What steps is the city taking to combat the spread of COVID-19:

The city is urging people to “shelter in place” as much as possible. We are following the guidelines put out by the Jefferson County Health Dept. We have shut down all parks and public buildings to outside visitors although our Fire Station # 1 and police lobbies are open. We have posted as much information as we can on our website and our text alert systems. There is a list of contacts for our staff and we continue to process business licenses and permits. Many employees, except first responders, are working remotely, but we continue to do business and respond to requests by phone, email, fax and snail mail.

(Note: Mayor Stewart Welch's statement on sheltering in place can be seen here)

How do I go about requesting a street light on the entrance to my street on Halbrook Lane and Overton Road? It is a very dangerous turn at night when you cannot see the road.

Put in a request with me. I will get with Alabama Power Company to see if a light can be added there. If so, I can take it to the city council and if they agree, then notices will be sent out to the nearby residents informing them of the request and when the city council will consider it. Neighbors will have the opportunity to comment on the request. The council then will decide whether or not to approve the request.

Does the city have any plans to annex any surrounding areas in the near future? Some people have said areas of Crestline Park, Mountaindale and other unincorporated areas bordering the city may be annexed.

The city does not have any plans to annex additional property. I believe Crestline Park and Mountaindale are both within the city of Birmingham.

When is the the new post office in the Lane Park area opening?

The developer of Lane Parke said it will be 3-4 weeks before the post office opens up.

Have more questions for Sam Gaston? Watch for Patch's call out for questions, and they will be presented to him and his answers posted to Patch every month.