ComebackTown is published by David Sher & Phyllis Neill to begin a discussion on a better Birmingham.

Today’s guest blogger is Jack Schaeffer who has some great ideas for Birmingham.  If you’d like to be a guest blogger, please  click here. 

I would like to discuss some of the great things that are happening in Birmingham right now, and also propose a few of my own ideas that I feel will help Birmingham progress as an amazing and special place to live.

First and foremost, the current governing administration, under the leadership of Mayor William Bell, has made amazing strides over the last few years. We have a new, successful ballpark downtown with the probability of development all around the railroad park and Regions Park area. We are building walkways and greeneries around our downtown community. We have seen a new entertainment district centered around a brand new hotel to allow the Birmingham visitors a place to stay and truly enjoy. We witnessed the 50 Years Forward campaign that brought positive national attention to Birmingham and the role it played in the Civil Rights Movement.

I really could go on, but I want to discuss some goals that can and should be accomplished in the immediate future.

Number one: Recreational Trails

There is a bike trail that extends from Atlanta, GA to Anniston, AL called The Chief Ladiga Trail. This is a biking/running/walking trail that should be connected to our inner city. It is very important that a city caters to its youth and to the health and recreation of its citizens, and this endeavor would go a long way to accomplish those goals.

Number two: Red Mountain Park (Railroad Park/Oak Mountain Park)

We need to do all we can to develop and market the amazing park systems in and around Greater Birmingham. The new Red Mountain Park should be a major attraction for locals and visitors.

Number three: the 50 Years Forward campaign

Birmingham has a unique opportunity to showcase its important place in history and the struggle for civil rights and the equality of all people. We should continue and develop the opportunity to enhance our tourism through a comprehensive Civil Rights Experience.

Birmingham has to make its priority to attract and retain our young citizens and help them to enjoy and be involved in our city. I feel that these three suggestions would help fulfill that goal, and most important, these can be accomplished with the cooperation of all our governmental bodies.

Dr. Jack Schaeffer is President & CEO of Schaeffer Eye Center. 

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David Sher is the publisher of ComebackTown, a co-founder of Buzz12 Advertising and co-CEO of AmSher Collection Agency.  He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham RegionalChamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham)), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).