Fairhope, Alabama
Update #2 : The elements of this story were confirmed at a subsequent city council work session; a worker moving dirt on the site informed a city employee of the plan for a gas station.
Update from Commissioner Elliot: "I can find no indication that there are any plans for a gas station at this location at this time. The property is in the county but is in the planning jurisdiction of the City of Fairhope. Subdivision requirements of the city of Fairhope govern any permits would have to be obtained through the city. Aprons were installed per right-of-way acquisition agreement and in accordance with project plans and specifications. No work was done on private property by the county."
CONTRARY TO CITY'S GROWTH PLAN
No sooner had the new roudabout at the corner of CR13 and Fairhope Avenue opened when work began on a "gas station" on the northwest corner, according to a senior city official.
Driveway access through CR13 right of way was installed by the county as part of the roundabout construction.
Although within the city's planning jurisdiction, besides issuing building permits the city has limited control of projects in the county outside of its physical city limits (unless it is subdivided): the official said no city building permits have been issued for this project.
Wetland disturbance permits may be needed as well, according to the official.
County Commissioner Elliot told the Times he had no knowledge of the gas station.
The city's village comprehensive growth plan map keeps all of Fairhope Ave. from Greeno to Hwy 181 as residential; the city's Planning Commission recently approved a commercial PUD on residential property just to the west within the city: the Liberty Square PUD (click).
That one is still awaiting final approval by the city council.
Growth and what to do about "sprawl" on the east side have become major issues in the city's ongoing municipal election campaign.
Residents in the area worry about Fairhope Ave. becoming a commercial strip corridor.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
Update #2 : The elements of this story were confirmed at a subsequent city council work session; a worker moving dirt on the site informed a city employee of the plan for a gas station.
Update from Commissioner Elliot: "I can find no indication that there are any plans for a gas station at this location at this time. The property is in the county but is in the planning jurisdiction of the City of Fairhope. Subdivision requirements of the city of Fairhope govern any permits would have to be obtained through the city. Aprons were installed per right-of-way acquisition agreement and in accordance with project plans and specifications. No work was done on private property by the county."
CR 13 at Fairhope Ave. new construction underway |
CONTRARY TO CITY'S GROWTH PLAN
No sooner had the new roudabout at the corner of CR13 and Fairhope Avenue opened when work began on a "gas station" on the northwest corner, according to a senior city official.
Driveway access through CR13 right of way was installed by the county as part of the roundabout construction.
Although within the city's planning jurisdiction, besides issuing building permits the city has limited control of projects in the county outside of its physical city limits (unless it is subdivided): the official said no city building permits have been issued for this project.
Wetland disturbance permits may be needed as well, according to the official.
County Commissioner Elliot told the Times he had no knowledge of the gas station.
Access from CR 13 paved by county |
That one is still awaiting final approval by the city council.
Growth and what to do about "sprawl" on the east side have become major issues in the city's ongoing municipal election campaign.
Residents in the area worry about Fairhope Ave. becoming a commercial strip corridor.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
Comments
I understand there may be occasions to debate an issue that is not completely addressed in the plan, but blatant disregard of the plan is appalling.