BROUGHT TO YOU BY
February 2025 | Volume 15 | Issue 9
Serving the Birmingham area since 1958. SERVING HOMEWOOD, HOOVER, MOUNTAIN BROOK, VESTAVIA HILLS, TRUSSVILLE AND THE U.S. 280 CORRIDOR
HOMEWOOD’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE THEHOMEWOODSTAR.COM | STARNESMEDIA.COM
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GUINSERVICE.COM
E T A L S
Vacant Brookwood Village redevelopment efforts spark hope for future of once-thriving retail space
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By SARAH OWENS
ith recent action on the Homewood side of Brookwood Village, it seems the vacant property is on the verge of revitalization. But what will it take for the once-thriving complex to bring back business? From a developer’s perspective, the property will most likely be brought back to life through a multi-use facility.
“If you look at what’s going on nationally with many malls facing similar challenges as Brookwood, they are focusing on true mixed-use projects,” said David Silverstein Sr. of the Five Stone Group. “I have not seen the plans specifically for Brookwood, but what I’ve heard is that they would like to have a mixed-use project that blends residential with office and some retail.
See BROOKWOOD | page 26
Silverstein
205-595-4846
Stock photo.
City works to improve finances after audit cites mismanagement By SARAH OWENS The city of Homewood received a report from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts in January, casting a shadow of doubt on the city’s handling of finances. The report analyzed the city’s financial system in relation to the use of city credit cards and the fraudulent misappropriation of funds by former Finance Director Robert Burgett. Key findings from the review included a lack of or ineffective management oversight, a lack of internal controls, poor record-keeping and inconsistent policy adherence. “Just after we initiated our deeper dive and discovered troubling shortcomings in the control of city finances, we started the process of strengthening our policies,” Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt said. “We have already met with the state examiners and appreciate their work because their recommendations will help us continue our efforts to make sure our Finance Department works more securely so that expenditures of public funds are properly tracked in strict adherence to sound business and audit standards.” Burgett retired in March 2024 and was arrested for misappropriation of funds 10 days later. Homewood officials said the city was the first to uncover evidence of Burgett’s embezzlement and immediately notified local and federal authorities, who began an investigation.
Photo illustration by Melanie Viering. Inset Colonial Brookwood Village 2011 floor plan courtesy of AL.com.
INSIDE
Sponsors...........................4 City..................................... 7
Schoolhouse.....................9 Business.......................... 10
AL#12175
Real Estate.......................11 Events...............................12
See FINANCE AUDIT | page 27 Sports.............................. 18 Community.................... 20 facebook.com/thehomewoodstar
Fond Farewell
Medical Guide
Librarian celebrates retirement after 25 years with Homewood Public Library.
Meet health and wellness professionals in the Homewood area.
See page 20
See page 23