Selection Made For Comprehensive Plan Update

Fairhope, Alabama


 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETS



At a specially-called meeting last week, Planning Director Johnathan Smith presented the three best proposals (out of six submissions) for the update of the city's Comprehensive Growth Plan.

Smith declined to rate the final three -- saying instead that in his opinion the finalists were a cut above the rest and "all are very capable of doing what we need them to do."

* Kendrig Keast Inc: based in Sugarland, Texas. with Mobile's Neel Schafer Engineering.

* Goodwyn, Mills and Cagwood: based in Montgomery with an office in Fairhope; and five others.

* Thompson Engineering: based in Mobile with Watkins Arcy Strunk Design (of Foley) and consultant/urban planner Glen Leroy.

Smith said he was restricted by state law from discussing possible costs at this stage (according to the city's Purchasing Director); but noted that GMC estimated the fewest man-hours would be needed, followed by Kendrig Keast and then Thompson.

He said it is virtually impossible to determine the scope of the project at this point (total man-hours needed):  the input from the public at town hall meetings will determine that.

The plan could be just updated -- or significantly changed, according to the input received during the process.

Smith said the GMC team was the largest one -- with some participants from "outside of the area":  Ga.,  N.C., etc.

He called the Thompson team's  "a very local group." According to publicly-available records, several individuals live in Fairhope or nearby. (John Baker, Chris Baker (no relation), Troy Strunk.)

Smith said those things are considerations, but "the final decision by the city council will be based upon professional qualifications and the experience the firms have to offer."


DISCUSSION



Several Commissioners were impressed with the Kendrig Keast team's presentation -- especially for its emphasis on implementation methods; but  some thought it would be best for an entirely new plan ("starting from scratch") -- not an update or just "tweaking" the original -- as is the intention here.

GMC was praised for its professionalism -- and including a retail development strategist in their group; but some worried the team was too big and may be hard to access since several members are based out of state.

The Thompson team was praised for its "enthusiasm" and familiarity with the city's current 'village' comprehensive plan: especially Christopher Baker, who was the city's Planning Director when the original plan was formulated in 2001; and Glen Leroy who consulted on the project at that time. He also participated in the last update in 2006 - 07. Others thought their presentation lacked specifics.


SELECTION MADE



After members expressed their individual preferences, the Commission voted 8 - 1 to recommend the Thompson Engineering team be hired for the Comprehensive Plan update (click).

Mayor Kant voted for the Thompson team..

Commissioner Jack Burrell rated GMC on top, Thompson second.

Most-cited reasons were the easy access to the staff of a local, well-known firm;  and the knowledge and experience ("long history") Christopher Baker and Glen LeRoy have with the city's current plan that they helped formulate it in 2001 -- and update in 2006.

(Baker served as the city's Planning Director from 1999 - 2005; Leroy worked for planning consulting firm Gould, Evans and Goodman -- who were assisting the city with the plan at that time.)

The city council is set to vote on final approval at Monday's meeting.

It could accept the Planning Commission's recommendation, choose another team -- or delay the decision altogether.


CITIZENS' CONCERNS
Karin Wilson


At a strategic planning town hall meeting concerning Fairhope's future held last month at the library, some citizens questioned the need for any changes at all: the current plan is fine as is -- but just had not been adequately implemented or enforced by the city over the years.

Karin Wilson: "... we've been there ... done that ... didn't follow that vision ... takes city government to abide by it ... so it sticks ... ."

GaryTurner (pictured below) and others worried about new "uncontrolled growth" and big box stores ruining the town.






Gary Turner














Comments

Anonymous said…
Any body hear anything abut a Lowes hardware store to be built across from Walmart next summer? Supposed to be a done deal.
Anonymous said…
no, Home Depot.
Anonymous said…
We just moved here. I am confused. If the plan is not working well I am not so sure it is a good idea to keep hiring the same folks over and over again to fix it.
Anonymous said…
Thompson Eng. is in the Mayor's back pocket. Shock shock
Anonymous said…
You clarified & answered your own question, you are "New" to this corrupt eutopian community & the same cronies are always rehired. Plan doesn't apply to crony "members" of good old boy system, only implemented if someone doesn't support those in power. Suggest you exchange confusion for submission & do some who's who research including (past & present) mayor, council, commission/committee members, municipal judges, attorneys, law firms, consultants, check out your city utility bill, find out why Montrose & Point Clear receive police & fire but neither in city limits, research police dept., research who high paid employees are related to, then dig deeper into how this money town is deeply entwined politically from here to DC. Huge amounts of money in pockets of politicians & king makers, runs generational & almost incestuoul. Welcome to the most corrupt city in USA. All towns corrupt, yes, but not even Chicago to this extent.
Anonymous said…
That is so silly, some mean old guy with a personal grudge no doubt. Of course it is always better to hire those we know and trust instead of outsiders from the big city.
Anonymous said…
So What? That does not mean they can not do the job.
Anonymous said…
If it is so bad here, why not move? I'll buy you a plane ticket out ...
Anonymous said…
The Comp. plan is working, except for south Greeno Road and highway 181.
Anonymous said…
Ignorance is bliss, guy offering plane ticket obvious crony. Thompson will share tax dollar compensation with politicians and do what they are told which is why they were awarded contract last night. Comp plan will continue to be implemented in vacuum & at random depending on name and political contribution of applicant. First comp plan had citizen board, this time P&Z has appointed themselves. Public hearings required but will mean nothing. This update us primarily to punish & "sacrifice" select few, wait & see.
Anonymous said…
The guy who sold his property to Walmart was on the first comp. plans "steering" committeee, you know. ;)
Anonymous said…
Going to be another Airport boulevard or worse still Highway 59 if they do not watch out for it better.