"Goldern Arches" Coming To Fairhope's Downtown?

Posted by Publisher on


HISTORY DIRECTOR SAYS ITS POSSIBLE                                                                   

In the June Museum of History newsletter,  Director Donnie Barrett said the recent effort to preserve the character of Fairhope's downtown and older neighborhoods (Historical Ordinance) -- was thwarted by "strong opposition from developers and realtors."

Barrett said based on his experience greeting museum visitors, people are attracted here because of the sense of Fairhope being a "special place."

Barrett: "This special quality . . . makes Fairhope's charm . . . a continung source of pride for visitors and residents alike."

Barett pointed out that a recent survey showed 85% of residents favor preservation efforts; but opposition from a small, vocal group of developers/realtors blocked the effort.

click to enlarge
Barrett: ". . . these are people who make quick money using (abusing) our beautiful city."

DOWNTOWN McDONALDS and TACO BELL 

Barrett observed that without the ordinance, "there is nothing stopping any one of them . . . from tearing a hole in . . . downtown . . . and putting up Golden Arches."

Barrett: "A preservation ordinance would be for the betterment of our community and would not destroy our children's dreams -- unless that dream includes a downtown Taco Bell.



REALTOR/COUNCILMAN REFUSES COMMENT

When asked by the Times to respond to Barrett's criticism of realtors,  longtime Councilman Mike Ford (Mike Ford Realty Co.) did not comment.

Comments

Green Party said…
Not only is it possible, its probable! A lot of folks think its a good thing.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Anonymous said…
I am curious, is he doing this as the Director of the Museum, i.e. as a city employee? Is this why we hired him, to promote potential legislation?

Just asking...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Anonymous said…
Bring on the Tacos and outdoor music!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Anonymous said…
Well, at least there would be some affordable places to eat downtown. LOL
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Anonymous said…
downtown is certainly different. these new pedistration markers on crosswalks are going to cause accidents because some people don't know to stop, even if they have the green light, if someone is walking across the street. and if the Nix family don't tell Mike Ford what to say, then he won't
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Publisher said…
Dorector Barrett's comments appear in the June Friends of the Fairhope Museum of History newsletter. It is a private 501c(4) organization, that raises funds for the museum via charitable contributions. Susan Pearce is listed as President.

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=226488037364193
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Anonymous said…
The crosswalk markers were a stupid idea that will cause accidents. Who thought having a big "stop" sign in the middle of the road when you weren't supposed to always stop was a good idea? No one cares to see a Taco Bell downtown...preserve what makes Fairhope unique and scenic...but can someone PLEASE do something about the eyesore that is the vacant old Food World building? It looks terrible to have a huge, vacant building right at F'hope's busiest intersection.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Anonymous said…
Anyone that doesn't understand the meaning of those signs in the pedestrian crosswalk needs to turn in their license now because they have no business behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

As far as the old Food World building...I haven't heard any updates on the bowling alley that was to go there. The original plans were denied by the planning director (or board...can't remember) last year which meant new plans had to be drawn at great expense...the original architect went bankrupt I believe.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Anonymous said…
The local Girl Scout troop worked very hard studying the cross walks in this town. Yes, the signs are a hinderance, but alot of people in this town do not respect the pedestrian. Where they are REALLY needed are out at the Grocery stores and Walmart. NO ONE stops at the pedestrian yeild crosswalks.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Anonymous said…
I know no one wants to call the idea stupid because the Girl Scouts (or their troop leaders I should say) came up with it, but it was a stupid idea. I see the signs have been removed. Common sense tells you that you don't put a "STOP" symbol in the middle of the street unless people are supposed to stop when they see it. The signs also looked very tacky. I don't see pedestrians being run down as a major problem in Fairhope.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
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