Politics & Government

Troy City Council Pushes Against Adding 'Birmingham' to Transit Center Name

Some council members believe "Birmingham" should be removed from the transit center's new title.

members debated the name of the Troy Birmingham Transit Center Monday evening after an update on operations funding from Troy Chamber of Commerce President Michele Hodges.

The name change—from the Troy Transit Center to the Troy Birmingham Transit Center—was made for a number of reasons, Hodges said.

"It sets the stage for the future," Hodges said, adding that the transit center's proximity to Birmingham makes the transit center a destination for people visiting both cities.

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"We want to be as informative as we can to that customer," she said. “We think Birmingham is an outstanding brand. ... We just think it’s good business."

Council members, who appeared to be surprised by the name change Monday, had a different point of view.

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“I don’t agree with the sharing of the names," Councilman Dave Henderson said, adding that the project is being carried out by the city of Troy and not Birmingham.

“My recollection is we made an offer to Birmingham to share with the costs, to see if they would pay for the naming, and they declined that also," Councilman Dane Slater said, adding, “I think we’re all proud of the name Troy."

“I don’t remember seeing Troy Birmingham on any of the artist’s renderings," Councilman Wade Fleming added.

Councilman Doug Tietz, who first brought up the renaming during council comments, was most adamant about keeping the old name and excluding Birmingham.

"For crying out loud. Since we have to pay for it, I don’t understand why we would call it anything else," Tietz said.

City of Troy Attorney Lori Grigg Bluhm said she will look into the official name of the transit center and possibly have more information on the topic at the next regular Troy City Council meeting on Aug. 13.


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