March 2026 | Volume 16 | Issue 10
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Serving the Birmingham area since 1958.
SERVING HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE 280 CORRIDOR
HOMEWOOD’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE THEHOMEWOODSTAR.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
GUINSERVICE.COM
ROADMAP TO THE FUTURE
Joseph Braswell Owner of Guin
205-595-4846
SAMFORD PATRIOT PARK SHADES CREEK GREENWAY
Homewood begins plotting its next century their Ivey present findings from Jody Brant, left, and Tray sive plan on hen pre com s od’ ewo table discussion about Hom Crenshaw Jr. Jan. 29. Photos by Solomon
By SOLOMON CRENSHAW JR.
W
hat can Homewood be in its next 100 years, or at least its next two decades? A municipality with underground utilities? A city with quaint trolleys for leisurely commutes across its eight square miles? Perhaps a college town that identifies even more with Samford University on Lakeshore Drive? And what will become of the long-vacant, school board-owned property east of Homewood Middle School on Valley Avenue?
See ROADMAP | page 30
Residents engage in roundtab le discussions to give input for Homewood’s comprehensive plan.
David Ball holds a jar of Moonstruck Divine Honey, produced from the hives he has tended for about seven years. Photo by Kelli S. Hewett.
Lessons from the hive: How beekeeping reshaped a developer’s life By KELLI S. HEWETT David Ball never expected honey bees to change his life. A real estate developer and principal with The Dobbins Group in downtown Homewood, Ball picked up beekeeping about seven years ago after his wife, Libby Lassiter, took a course at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and realized the hives might be better suited to his temperament. She was right. “Working with bees, I’ve learned a lot about life,” said Ball, whose hives now produce about 1,000 pounds of honey a year. “I go out there, and I learn from them every day. They’re not a selfish creature. All they do is make our environment better. Then at the end of the day, they share their honey with us. How could it get much better than that?”
Illustration by Ted Perry.
INSIDE
Sponsors.................. 4 City............................ 6
Business..................10 Real Estate.............12
Schoolhouse...........14 Sports.....................20
See BEEKEEPING | page 31
Events.....................24 Life..........................28
Scan the QR code to follow us online!
Real Estate
Summer Fun
See the latest sales and trends in Homewood real estate.
Explore summer camp options in the 2026 Summer Camp Guide.
See page 12
See page 16
Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Office, Pantries, Laundries,
Imagine your home, totally organized! Wall Beds, Wall Units, Hobby Rooms, Garage Flooring and more...
2026 © All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc.
AL#12175
Plus
% Off 40 Free Installation PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA
15% Off
Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $980 or more, 30% off any order of $680 or more, on any Closets, Garages, Home offices, or other products with any complete unit purchase. Take an additional 15% off any order of $980 or more. Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more. Not valid with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to change without notice. With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer Expires on 3/15/26. Offer not valid in all regions.
SPECIAL FINANCING for 18 Months! With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details. Not available in all areas.
Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate
205-827-4911 SP www.closetsbydesign.com Locally Owned and Operated! Licensed and Insured.