Heads and tales: All wet

drip

Tap dance: Birmingham has a unique way of dealing with a drought: Use more water. Such has been the result this week of the water works’ call for conservation. More than 127 million gallons flowed on Wednesday, compared to 125 million gallons on Sunday; the restrictions were announced Monday. More than a fourth of that water (estimated) was used for lawns and shrubs. When we’re all showering once a month and dying of thirst, thank your neighbors with the lovely landscaping.
• Water use high despite warnings [Birmingham News]

Dauphin do-over: Should taxpayers keep coughing up increasing amounts to repair homes on Dauphin Island? Should the federal government insure homes along the coasts, even if it can’t afford it? We meant to mention this edition of one of our fave newsmagazines, “Now,” but you can watch or listen to or download the July 7 broadcast. Residents say that tax dollars bail out homeowners in other areas hit by floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Critics argue that areas such as Dauphin Island will be destroyed time and again, and that government assistance promotes development in unsafe areas. We say if homeowners chose to live on an active volcano, most people wouldn’t feel too sorry when their houses melted in the lava.
• Still in Harm’s Way [‘Now’ on PBS]

Your to-do list: 1. Before you head to Function in the Junction on Saturday, learn about the sad history of Tuxedo Junction’s decline. 2. See my story in the July 21 print edition of Birmingham Business Journal on a residential development in Crestwood. Here’s a sample: “Urban living has been all the rage lately, thanks to numerous condo developments in the works. But those looking for homes close to the city center have another option, one that stands out by not standing out. Crest Parc is one of the latest housing developments in one of Birmingham’s older neighborhoods. One selling point, developers say, is its combination of traditional exteriors with modern features inside.” At select newsstands and bookstores today.

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