Fairhope, Alabama
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| August 2024 meeting. |
BIG BARNWELL HOUSING PROJECT OK'D
After hearing objections from some district residents worried about density, traffic, drainage, water/sewer availability, fire/police service, and quality of life issues -- the Baldwin County planning commission approved Saddlebrook, a 339 lot subdivision at the nothwest corner of the Hwy 98/CR 24 intersection in the west-Barnwell area (about four miles south of Fairhope).
In answer to the complaints, the project's engineer said infrastructure improvements planned should actually make drainage better in the area (up to a 100 year flood), and the developer would be upgrading existing city of Fairhope water/sewer main capacity to the project.
All state and county traffic requirements will have to be met as well, he added.
One change already made was the elimination of access from CR 24, responding to resident's complaints.
NO ZONING THE PROBLEM?
Chairman Steven Pumphrey told the crowd the commission's "hands were tied" without zoning: if all "boxes are checked" and subdivision regulations on the books are met, there is no legal way to deny such applications.
Residents of the planning district (17) voted against enacting zoning about two years ago, by just 23 votes; there could be a renewed effort coming, the Times has learned.
TWO EARLIER DENIALS
Earlier in the meeting the commission recommended denying two rezoning requests (higher density) in other districts already with zoning, on grounds of incompatibility with surrounding property. Final decisions on those rest with the county commission though.
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| Salldebrook approved. |
Comments
All of this is by design, in our constitution and you choose to live here.
You can never lock the doors and prevent others from moving here.
But you can choose to move out if you’re so miserable.
Farmers have the right to sell, but it should be for ag purposes only. If necessary, they should be helped out by the government.
We don’t want to be dependent on foreign countries for our produce.
We are a throw away society and have plenty of vacant retail. Why do we need new buildings?
I am hoping every citizen exercises their constitutional right and vote out any local official that had a hand in this mess being created.
Than take it to court and see how far your perceived rights gets you.
As far as moving that is your choice, isn't living in a free country wonderful!
As a previous post noted...
Some people do not want someone to dictate what is built or done in their area. Well this is the flip side of what will occur
That said the issue will be fire and police protection,the city of Fairhope provides NO EMERGENCY SERVICES AT ALL.Fire is volunteer and ambulance is contracted.SO as the city funds tunnels,parks and purchases out side the necessary it's everyone for them selves.