Fairhope, Alabama.
HOME DEPOT COMING?
[Update: Someone identifying himself as Jerome O'brien contacted the Times today to dispute the "accuracy" of aspects of this article. He said he had talked with Mayor Kant and that he (O'brien) did not own the property himself: he is just the principal registered agent, the Klump family are still owners. He also said there were no current plans to construct a Home Depot (site not suitable?) or anything else there -- and Home Depot had suspended new store construction during the recession. When asked what was planned for the site he said he "would not tell us if he knew." The Times pointed out this article does not say a Home Depot is going to be built there, only that O'brien's company has represented them (and other big box stores) in the past for new construction. County property records posted below clearly indicate ownership, FAV 181 Llc, C/0 Jerome L. O'brien; Gilbert F. Dismukes is the organizer, per incorporation records. He did not say why only $9.52 were paid for property taxes the past several years. (fairhopetimes@att.net)]
The Times' business reporter has learned that a company formed by the Mobile-area agent for new construction of several "big box" retailers now owns the 7 acre corner lot directly across Fairhope Ave. from the Walmart supercenter.
(The property is not currently owned by Home Depot itself.)
According to county land records, Mobile realtor Jerome L. O'brien is the registered principal agent for Fav 181, Llc. ; and the Klump Family Limited Partnership the only member of the corporation.
The property is within the city's planning jurisdiction but outside of city limits so the city currently has no control over what may be built there, unless a request is made to sub-divide the property.
When asked about it by the Times (via e mail), a representative for Home Depot replied: "I am really sorry but due to proprietary and confidentiality reasons, we cannot comment on any future store openings. Please continue checking the location for grand opening signs."
County residents have repeatedly rejected attempts to enact county-administered zoning east and south of the city (Planning District 14).
In 2007, O'brien also was instrumental in bringing the Walmart across the street to town -- and recently their new store in Roberstdale as well.
SMALL BUSINESSES WORRIED
At town hall meetings last Fall concerning the city's Comprehensive Growth Plan update now underway, some prominent small business owners worried about the effect more national chain retailers would have on their stores. (Other citizens spoke in favor of the new stores.)
Some of them joined together in an unsuccessful effort to derail Walmart's construction in 2009 -- click.
(Interestingly, county tax records show the total assessed parcel value as $537,700; but only $9.52 was the required property tax last year.)
HOME DEPOT COMING?
[Update: Someone identifying himself as Jerome O'brien contacted the Times today to dispute the "accuracy" of aspects of this article. He said he had talked with Mayor Kant and that he (O'brien) did not own the property himself: he is just the principal registered agent, the Klump family are still owners. He also said there were no current plans to construct a Home Depot (site not suitable?) or anything else there -- and Home Depot had suspended new store construction during the recession. When asked what was planned for the site he said he "would not tell us if he knew." The Times pointed out this article does not say a Home Depot is going to be built there, only that O'brien's company has represented them (and other big box stores) in the past for new construction. County property records posted below clearly indicate ownership, FAV 181 Llc, C/0 Jerome L. O'brien; Gilbert F. Dismukes is the organizer, per incorporation records. He did not say why only $9.52 were paid for property taxes the past several years. (fairhopetimes@att.net)]
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| Fairhope Ave. at Hwy 181 |
(The property is not currently owned by Home Depot itself.)
According to county land records, Mobile realtor Jerome L. O'brien is the registered principal agent for Fav 181, Llc. ; and the Klump Family Limited Partnership the only member of the corporation.
The property is within the city's planning jurisdiction but outside of city limits so the city currently has no control over what may be built there, unless a request is made to sub-divide the property.
When asked about it by the Times (via e mail), a representative for Home Depot replied: "I am really sorry but due to proprietary and confidentiality reasons, we cannot comment on any future store openings. Please continue checking the location for grand opening signs."
County residents have repeatedly rejected attempts to enact county-administered zoning east and south of the city (Planning District 14).
In 2007, O'brien also was instrumental in bringing the Walmart across the street to town -- and recently their new store in Roberstdale as well.
SMALL BUSINESSES WORRIED
At town hall meetings last Fall concerning the city's Comprehensive Growth Plan update now underway, some prominent small business owners worried about the effect more national chain retailers would have on their stores. (Other citizens spoke in favor of the new stores.)
Some of them joined together in an unsuccessful effort to derail Walmart's construction in 2009 -- click.
(Interestingly, county tax records show the total assessed parcel value as $537,700; but only $9.52 was the required property tax last year.)
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| Property taxes Fav 181 incorporation data: |
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