City Marina Fish Market Plan Revived

Fairhope, Alabama

HARBOR BOARD MEETING
"Ice House"

At its last meeting, the city's Harbor Board heard a preliminary written proposal from Tommy and Chip Henry to lease the old "Ice House" building located at the municipal marina as a "retail and wholesale fish market." The city may help to install restrooms there, a new roof, paint and make other cosmetic improvements according to Mayor Kant; a screened-in porch may also be added. (Possibly, something similar to Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour.)

The vacant lease was advertised for bids but the Henrys were the only one to respond.

New federal flood zone restrictions should not be an issue because of the structure's "functional dependence",  according to Building Inspector Eric Cortinas.

A sub committee was formed to work out terms of a contract that will eventually have to be approved by the city council.

Also, the Board discussed changes to the terms for leasing slips (rent, increased duration of lease).
Municipal Marina

Proceeds are to be used to make improvements to the municipal marina; and the mayor said recently the city council may be asked to include money in next year's budget for supplemental funding as well.

Committee Chairman Yeager said they have "big plans" for the area, including repairs to finger piers, bulkheads and a general cleaning up.

The need for a sidewalk along Sea Cliff Dr. was also mentioned.


CHANNEL STILL NEEDS DREDGING 

Fairhope Yacht Club Commodore Dan Herzog said that channel depth measurements conducted by the Army Corp. of Engineers  earlier this year show a "huge difference" since 2012 -- going from mostly over 6' to mostly under now.  Sand shifts as currents change according to seasons.

He said he has been told the Corps. cannot dredge it this year due to lack of funding ("sequestration" cutbacks) and there is only a "small chance" it can be done next.

Mayor Kant was more hopeful for next year (2015) possibly with help from Senator Jeff Sessions.

(The recent heavy rains may have affected the depth, possibly improving it.)


FLY CREEK MARINA CONSTRUCTION ONGOING

Fly Creek Marina
A bulkhead is being repaired on the south side of the harbor at the privately-owned Fly Creek Marina, according to councilman Boone; the city is not involved.

Local chef 'Panini Pete' Blohme announced recently that he plans to open a seafood restaurant nearby.





meeting

Comments

Anonymous said…
Please make all of this happen. Thank you.
Anonymous said…
Another great and beneficial project for the City of Fairhope and its citizens. It would so nice to have a place where you could purchase fresh seafood and it be almost in your back door. Falls right into place with our wonderful Farmer's Market. Fresh produce and fresh seafood! Great job Mayor.
Anonymous said…
Hey, don't thank the mayor, Chip has been trying to do this for years. Getting the go ahead and co-operation from the city has been the challenge. Please don't give kant credit where credit isn't due.
Anonymous said…
Heard he changed his mind. Too much money and loop holes.
Anonymous said…
We need another "Fly Creek" eatery at the marina. My wife and I miss the old venue; I'm quite certain that a lot of other folks and their kids miss it too. Some of the local "big bellies" living nearby couldn't quite accept the music that they claim was "blasting" them out of their (small --my words) minds.