Baldwin County's purchase (Summer of 2008) of part of a small piece of property (SE side of courthouse, corner Bishop Rd./Fairhope Ave.) owned by Fairhope City Councilman/ Realtor Mike Ford -- for almost twice its appraised value -- is again being questioned by some citizens (in light of Ford's recent surprise proposal to buy 40 acres of new recreation land on HWY 13).
In media reports at the time county officials said paying the excessive price was necessary-- because no other land was available (for more parking spaces) fronting Fairhope Ave. in the area; but shortly thereafter considerably more adjacent property was indeed purchased for that purpose (A. Corte's land on the west side).
Both new parking areas are currently under construction, with an expansion of the courthouse itself to follow.
The frequent apparent conflicts of interests caused by Ford's personal business interests (Mike Ford Realty) has long been a concern for many citizens. (The Ford-arranged lease of land (4 years ago) for the city-maintained Barnwell Recreation Center--8 miles south of town-- has also been frequently criticized)
[The city's proposed purchase of the HWY 13 land (for $900,000) is scheduled to be taken up at the next Council meeting]
Baldwin County's purchase (Summer of 2008) of part of a small piece of property (SE side of courthouse, corner Bishop Rd./Fairhope Ave.) owned by Fairhope City Councilman/ Realtor Mike Ford -- for almost twice its appraised value -- is again being questioned by some citizens (in light of Ford's recent surprise proposal to buy 40 acres of new recreation land on HWY 13).
In media reports at the time county officials said paying the excessive price was necessary-- because no other land was available (for more parking spaces) fronting Fairhope Ave. in the area; but shortly thereafter considerably more adjacent property was indeed purchased for that purpose (A. Corte's land on the west side).
Both new parking areas are currently under construction, with an expansion of the courthouse itself to follow.
The frequent apparent conflicts of interests caused by Ford's personal business interests (Mike Ford Realty) has long been a concern for many citizens. (The Ford-arranged lease of land (4 years ago) for the city-maintained Barnwell Recreation Center--8 miles south of town-- has also been frequently criticized)
[The city's proposed purchase of the HWY 13 land (for $900,000) is scheduled to be taken up at the next Council meeting]
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