Kathy at Birmingham Blues points out an interesting story in today’s Birmingham News. Her post from earlier today discusses the recent decision by the Ensley Highlands neighborhood association to not support a proposal by Reconciler Development, Inc., an affiliate of the Church of the Reconciler, to renovate several abandoned homes in the neighborhood. This article previously posted on the News’ site but available on Knowledgeplex.org provides a little more background on the issue.

The non-profit development corporation would have had potential occupants assist in renovating the properties as permanent residences for mentally and physically healthy people that are trying to get their lives back on track to secure a permanent residence. Neighborhood residents appear to fear that allowing the project to move forward would cause a decrease in property value and a potential increase in drug activity, both denied by representatives of the non-profit.

The earlier article points out that city officials have made all aware that Reconciler Development does not need neighborhood approval for the project to move forward; however it appears that Rev. Higgs has decided to look elsewhere to implement his plan.