Updated: Gas Station Coming To New Fairhope Roundabout?

Fairhope, Alabama

Update #2 : The elements of this story were confirmed at a subsequent city council work session; a worker moving dirt on the site informed a city employee of the plan for a gas station.

Update from Commissioner  Elliot:   "I can find no indication that there are any plans for a gas station at this location at this time.  The property is in the county but is in the planning jurisdiction of the City of Fairhope.  Subdivision requirements of the city of Fairhope govern any permits would have to be obtained through the city.   Aprons were installed per right-of-way acquisition agreement and in accordance with project plans and specifications.  No work was done on private property by the county."  



CR 13 at Fairhope Ave. new construction underway


CONTRARY TO CITY'S  GROWTH PLAN

No sooner had the new roudabout at the corner of CR13 and Fairhope Avenue  opened when work began on a "gas station" on the northwest corner, according to a senior city official.

Driveway access through CR13 right of way was installed by the county as part of the roundabout construction.

Although within the city's planning jurisdiction, besides issuing building permits the city has limited control of projects in the county outside of its physical city limits (unless it is subdivided): the official said no city building permits have been issued for this project.

Wetland disturbance permits may be needed as well, according to the official.

County Commissioner Elliot told the Times he had no knowledge of the gas station.

Access from CR 13 paved by county
The city's village comprehensive growth plan map keeps all of Fairhope Ave. from Greeno to Hwy 181 as residential; the city's Planning Commission  recently approved a commercial PUD on residential property just to the west within the city: the Liberty Square PUD (click).

That one is still awaiting final approval by the city council.

Growth and what to do about "sprawl" on the east side have become major issues in the city's ongoing municipal election campaign.

Residents in the area worry about Fairhope Ave. becoming a commercial strip corridor.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I've been debating whether to support Kant, and this issue settles it; I'm voting for Karin. The current leadership in this town's government offices is horrible.
Anonymous said…
A good place for one.
Anonymous said…
Why? There are two a quarter of a mile away?
Anonymous said…
I would like to keep the small town feel that we have! We have gotten big enough!
Anonymous said…
Seems sneaky and weird. Should we expect something different?
Anonymous said…
The comprehensive plan is more that just a "guide" for city officials to manipulate. It's a formal understanding and legal reference document. When someone approaches the planning commission and request to do this or that, the planning commission (and mayor, and council) should refer to the document and say, "I'm sorry, but we can't do that based on the plan endorsed by our constituents."
I understand there may be occasions to debate an issue that is not completely addressed in the plan, but blatant disregard of the plan is appalling.
Anonymous said…
A gas station going up at a major intersection, whats not to understand? Oh sorry this is Fairhope, flowers rule!
Anonymous said…
Another reason to vote for Karin.
Anonymous said…
Yes protecting Grove and demanding quality over quantity will keep Fairhope from growing into Theodore Tillmans Corner or God forbid mobile. Now if you like gas stations all you have to do is drive up and down Highway 98 all day and you'll be very happy.
Anonymous said…
It seems that gas stations in particular are meant more for the business/property owners to make $$$ and less about the need for them. Perhaps the city could let necessity and common sense govern the usefulness of any business in this location? Also, the 'flowers rule" approach is what attracted many residents to our area and those people have helped the city and surrounding areas thrive. Lose the flowers and the bees will follow. J.P.
Anonymous said…
Amen!!
Anonymous said…
The people who love Fairhope are so narrow minded and blind. Don't tell me what to do but I will tell you what to do, how to think , what to like, what to not like, all the while claiming to be the real and only common sense!
Anonymous said…
clean sweep baby 2016! R.I.P.
Anonymous said…
The people that love Fairhope have the most at stake. If someone "hates" FH and doesn't appreciate living here, what's keeping them around?
Anonymous said…
Can we even believe anything anymore. Be it Kant, Trump or Clinton.
Anonymous said…
People hate what Fairhope has become, love what it once was! And yes many have left, let the arrogant snobs who worship money have it.
Anonymous said…
Don't forget lyin' Jack ... .
Anonymous said…
Yeah, left and moved where? Tell me more about this town people are leaving for that resembles the Fairhope of a bygone era. I'd like to visit that place sometime.
Anonymous said…
how bout a liqour store there to?
Anonymous said…
Take away the pier and Fairhope is just anytown USA.
Anonymous said…
Wilson's one and only concern has always been her store's profits ... not qualified.
Anonymous said…
If people want something to stay the same then they should buy all the property and sit on it. But, if you buy property with the intention to USE it, then do so. So, all of you idiots crying, come together, buy the land from the owner, and plant daisies. Quit bitching!
Anonymous said…
So were idiots and your intelligent, yeh right.
Anonymous said…
Yes. We're not were. If the shoe fits Cinderella, put it on
Anonymous said…
Yes. We're not were.And you're not your. If the shoe fits Cinderella, put it on
Anonymous said…
God knows your heart!
Anonymous said…
The comments on here are proof that the problem with Fairhope is the people. You can hide only so much ugly with flowers!
Publisher said…
Ok, enough of this.