Fairhope, Alabama
BAPTIST CHURCH PARKING CONTROVERSY RETURNS
Gaston St. resident William Hixson has filed a lawsuit against the Fairhope Board of Adjustments and Appeals for allowing several lots adjacent to the church to be used as parking lots. Hixson had filed a similar suit earlier in the year (click), but that one was dismissed for technical reasons.
The suit alleges the BOA "improperly allowed the church to use multiple residential R-2 lots as parking lots -- which is not a use under the zoning ordinance ... causing adverse effects on property owned by the plaintiff."
During its regular meeting last August, the BOA had decided that parking was a permitted use under the city's zoning ordinance.
"Using residential lots for non-residential purposes takes away from the flavor of the neighborhood,” Hixson said. "We enjoy our neighborhood, and we like the eclectic nature of downtown Fairhope. My concern is that the neighborhood is going to be taken over.”
A monetary award is being requested and the trial is scheduled for May of 2013
BAPTIST CHURCH PARKING CONTROVERSY RETURNSGaston St. resident William Hixson has filed a lawsuit against the Fairhope Board of Adjustments and Appeals for allowing several lots adjacent to the church to be used as parking lots. Hixson had filed a similar suit earlier in the year (click), but that one was dismissed for technical reasons.
The suit alleges the BOA "improperly allowed the church to use multiple residential R-2 lots as parking lots -- which is not a use under the zoning ordinance ... causing adverse effects on property owned by the plaintiff."
During its regular meeting last August, the BOA had decided that parking was a permitted use under the city's zoning ordinance.
"Using residential lots for non-residential purposes takes away from the flavor of the neighborhood,” Hixson said. "We enjoy our neighborhood, and we like the eclectic nature of downtown Fairhope. My concern is that the neighborhood is going to be taken over.”
A monetary award is being requested and the trial is scheduled for May of 2013
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