Well, where to begin. First, I own a business in DOWNTOWN Birminghan, not westend, not norwood, not ensley fairfield or woodlawn...DOWNTOWN, and have been there for years. And there ain't much crime there. Do your research, follow your maps, find out where the crime really happens in our city before throwing out old stereotypes that do nothing but perpetuate misconceived notions about safety and race. It is exactly your misinformed opinion that keeps our potentially great city down. Birmingham is a beautiful city with some of the best urban architecture you will find in the South. Raise us up with your actions, don't bring us down with your words. Translation: Bring your ass downtown sometime, spend some money, support your city and region, learn the facts or shut the heck up already.
I have been to DOWNTOWN. That is the reason I will not come back downtown. Going to St Francis Hospital with my brother for his surgery was bad enough. Some neighborhood. As for doing my research. Why the hell do I want to spend hours checking out the safe and non safe areas DOWNTOWN when I can easily drive over to Hoover and not worry about getting mugged.