Fairhope, Alabama
Update: The ordinance approving this project was introduced, but allowed to lay over for another two weeks after a neighborhood resident raised concerns about the possibility of additional rezoning on the west side of the road.
CITY'S ENTRANCE A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR?
After being pulled at the last minute from the April 11th meeting's agenda, a proposal by Fred and Kris Hayek for a commercial Planned Unit Development on residentially-zoned property at 848 N. Greeno Road will be considered by the city council again at Monday's 6PM meeting.
The property is on the east side of the highway, just north of Volanta Park.
27,120 square feet of commercial space in four, thirty-five foot tall "residential looking" buildings are being proposed along with 111 parking spaces.
The majority of the space will be reserved for professional offices -- but some will be retail (19%).
The applicants requested their proposal be pulled from last month's agenda when it became apparent some council members had concerns about the type of retail activity to be allowed there; more restrictions were added (no drive-thru windows, gas stations) and the proposal resubmitted.
Permitted retail uses include: sandwich shop/deli, coffee shop, juice/smoothie shop, office supplies, barber shop, ice cream shop, gift shop, pharmacy, et al.)
According to its designer, the project may serve as a template for future, similar developments all along that stretch of highway.
Critics of the project worry though that the road may eventually turn into another congested "Airport Boulevard in Mobile" but proponents argue the property there is not suitable for residences anymore.
The Planning Commission approved the project by a 8-1 vote several months ago (click): Mayor Kant and councilman Ford in their capacity as ex officio members both voted for it.
Councilman Burrell has also publicly expressed support.
According to the city clerk, the council may choose to just introduce the ordinance Monday and let it lay over again for two weeks, or may vote for immediate consideration -- and give its final approval.
NOT COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH PLAN COMPLIANT
The project does not comply with the city's just-updated comprehensive plan map which calls for village commercial nodes at major intersections with residential in between -- as an alternative to the usual strip mall type development usually found along main roads in other towns.
Comprehensive plans in Alabama are considered only "guides" though -- not legally binding themselves.
Update: The ordinance approving this project was introduced, but allowed to lay over for another two weeks after a neighborhood resident raised concerns about the possibility of additional rezoning on the west side of the road.
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| North Greeno Road site |
CITY'S ENTRANCE A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR?
 |
| Hayek PUD |
The property is on the east side of the highway, just north of Volanta Park.
27,120 square feet of commercial space in four, thirty-five foot tall "residential looking" buildings are being proposed along with 111 parking spaces.
The majority of the space will be reserved for professional offices -- but some will be retail (19%).
The applicants requested their proposal be pulled from last month's agenda when it became apparent some council members had concerns about the type of retail activity to be allowed there; more restrictions were added (no drive-thru windows, gas stations) and the proposal resubmitted.
Permitted retail uses include: sandwich shop/deli, coffee shop, juice/smoothie shop, office supplies, barber shop, ice cream shop, gift shop, pharmacy, et al.)
 |
| "residential-looking" buildings |
Critics of the project worry though that the road may eventually turn into another congested "Airport Boulevard in Mobile" but proponents argue the property there is not suitable for residences anymore.
The Planning Commission approved the project by a 8-1 vote several months ago (click): Mayor Kant and councilman Ford in their capacity as ex officio members both voted for it.
Councilman Burrell has also publicly expressed support.
According to the city clerk, the council may choose to just introduce the ordinance Monday and let it lay over again for two weeks, or may vote for immediate consideration -- and give its final approval.
NOT COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH PLAN COMPLIANT
The project does not comply with the city's just-updated comprehensive plan map which calls for village commercial nodes at major intersections with residential in between -- as an alternative to the usual strip mall type development usually found along main roads in other towns.
Comprehensive plans in Alabama are considered only "guides" though -- not legally binding themselves.
 |
| updated comprehensive plan map |
Comments
Does anyone else not see the humor in this?
We have a chance to vote them out of office soon.