Carmichael Road Cleanup Begins: A New Chapter for a Long-Blighted Property

Montgomery, AL - December 18, 2025

After years of waiting, the next chapter has officially begun for 5155 Carmichael Road. Once home to the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, the long-vacant property is now being cleared of demolition debris-bringing the City of Montgomery one step closer to transforming a troubled site into a space full of potential.

From Eyesore to Action

The building was demolished in 2024 after standing empty and deteriorating for years. Its condition had become a growing concern for residents and city leaders alike, contributing to neighborhood decline and posing safety risks.

But as many know, removing blight isn't as simple as knocking down a structure. Legal hurdles, environmental assessments, and unpredictable weather can slow the process. That's exactly what happened here. Despite the delays, city officials never lost sight of the importance of this site.

"Blight removal is a process that requires time, patience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination," said Marcus Dean, Director of Inspection. "From legal reviews and environmental assessments to contractor scheduling and weather delays, every step matters. We've worked diligently to get to this point, and we're proud to begin the final phase of this project."

Cleanup in Motion

Today, crews from Jettison Environmental, LLC rolled in with excavators, skid steers, and dump trucks to begin clearing the remaining debris. The materials-typical of a commercial building-will be hauled to a landfill equipped to handle them safely and responsibly.

"We're proud to be part of this effort," said John Joseph Bonicelli, Operations Manager at Jettison Environmental, LLC. "Our team is committed to doing this job right. We know how important it is to clear this site, and we're using every tool at our disposal to make sure the cleanup is efficient, safe, and thorough."

The cleanup is expected to take up to 30 days, depending on weather conditions. Once complete, the site will be ready for new possibilities.

Investing in a Better Montgomery

Funding for the blight cleanup projects comes from a mix of City of Montgomery General Funds and federal grants, including support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These resources are vital to the City's broader strategy to eliminate blight and invest in long-term community improvement.

"Removing blight is about more than clearing debris-it's about creating opportunity," said Mayor Steven L. Reed. "When we clean up large, neglected sites like this one, we're not only improving safety and quality of life for nearby residents-we're also opening the door for future growth. These spaces can become hubs for economic development, housing, or community services. That's why this work is so important."

Community Voices

The Carmichael Road site sits in District 5, represented by President CC Calhoun, who has long advocated for its removal.

"This cleanup is a win for our community," said President CC Calhoun. "Residents have waited a long time to see this property addressed, and I commend the City for staying the course. This is about more than removing debris-it's about restoring hope and laying the foundation for what's next."

Future of the Site

With the cleanup underway, attention now turns to what's next. The property is privately owned, but city officials are hopeful that its transformation will spark new interest and investment.

"This is about more than removing debris-it's about unlocking potential," added Mayor Reed. "We're excited to see how this site might contribute to Montgomery's future once it's ready for new investment."

Whether it becomes a new business, housing development, or community space, the City stands ready to support efforts that align with its mission to build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Montgomery.

Media Gallery

• Photos from the Cleanup Kickoff
  12.18.2025 5155 Carmichael Road Debris Removal

• Video Coverage of the Site and Remarks from City Officials
  5155 Carmichael Debri Removal.mp4