Marina Kayak Rental Construction Underway

Fairhope, Alabama.

'17 TURTLES' ORGANIZATION
Marina 'Ice House'

The old "Ice/Fish House" at the city marina on Fly Creek (end of Sea Cliff Dr.) is being converted into a canoe and kayak rental facility for the nonprofit 17 Turtles Gulf Coast Outfitters organization. The renovations will cost about $8,600.

(video below)

Elizabeth Tonsmeire is its Director and the Turtles' office is located at 265 Young Street; she also holds a monthly "gathering for environmentally thoughtful folks" -- called Green Drinks -- at Fairhope Brewery (2nd Tues. from 5-7).


Tonsmeire Construction company is doing the work; and must be completed within 60 days (terms of contract).

Last month, the city council approved the one year lease of the property for $250/month, beginning Feb 1st.  Initially a porta potty for customers was discussed, but it was decided they could use the restroom at nearby Eastern Shore Marine.
 

The city sought bids last year for a larger commercial tenant (ie. a fish market); but there were no serious offers.  It was hoped that may help in getting the Army Corp of Engineers to dredge the basin and channel.



225 Young St.

E. Tonsmeire


Comments

Anonymous said…
why did the turrtle cross the road .... ?
Anonymous said…
Know the people that tried to put in the seafood/fish market. City wanted too many stipulations put on the place and individual had to pay out big $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to get it up to par.
Anonymous said…
This is going to be a problem with boaters...
Anonymous said…
Sort of like the bicycles on the streets.
Anonymous said…
Ranting kayaks is a tough way to make money. I'm glad to hear they weren't scared of the City's reported demands to modernize the building. I wish 17 Turtles the best of luck.
Publisher said…
These more extensive improvements would require (by law) it be brought up to current building codes, made ADA accessible, raised to current flood plain maps, etc.

The more limited mods by the Turtles did not require code upgrades.
Anonymous said…
Ranting kayaks can be annoying ...
Anonymous said…
Well, why?
Anonymous said…
to get to the 'shell' station!