Fairhope, Alabama
(Check back for updates)
FLY CREEK AND OLD BATTLES APARTMENTS
After lengthy discussions, by a 4-3 vote the city's planning and zoning commission decided to table final Multiple Occupancy Project approval of 240 apartment units on US 98 behind Publix grocery (aka the Retreat at Fairhope Village) until its next meeting; and the applicant for another apartment development south of town (Old Battles Place) voluntarily delayed his application to allow time to work out concerns raised by city staff.
The commission still has the option of conditionally approving or just flat-out denying the Fly Creek project plan at its next meeting -- but taking no action at all will allow for automatic approval after 30 days but without the conditions imposed on it by city staff.
There must be a legitimate reason for denying though: delaying until a lawsuit is over or "just not liking it" do not qualify according to the city's planning attorney.
[Place two councilman-elect and current planning commission member Jay Robinson mentioned a delay until after the current lawsuit (alleging creek damage) is over, but was told that would not satisfy the legally-prescribed timeline.]
Preble Risch/Dewberry Engineering is the applicant in this case.
The planning commission meets again in 27 days (Oct 3rd)
NEW PROJECT REJECTED TOO FOR NOW
A new 110-unit Multiple Occupancy Project south of town called Old Battles Place, located at the northeast corner of Section Street and Old Battles Road, was also tabled by request of the applicant (HMR Engineering) to allow time to address some objections raised during the discussion: primarily the city horticulturist's that the landscape plan submitted does not fully meet the city's tree ordinance.
The lack of a traffic study due to road construction in the area and possible sewage lift station improvements are also reasons for delay.
This project will consist of 2 and 3 bedroom duplexes and triplexes with rent ranging from about $1400 to $1600/month; the entrance to phase one will be from Section Street only (CR3) but phase two will add another access from Old Battles Road. (see the drawing below)
MAYOR-ELECT OPPOSES BOTH
Karin Wilson, who heavily criticized the Fly Creek project during her campaign, spoke against final approval but was told by planning attorney Chris Gill that if all conditions set out in the city's subdivision regulations and other applicable laws are met, the commission must approve it -- or risk becoming the target of lawsuits by the applicants.
Likewise, she was told the same concerning the Old Battles project: because the property is already zoned R-5 for apartments denying it without just cause could result in claims against the city from the developers/owners.
Since so many citizens object to the projects, Wilson suggested current public opinion should be factored in to the decision as well -- and suggested the city's attorneys make maximum efforts to do so.
Wilson and Robinson will be sworn in on November 7th: she will automatically become a planning commission member at that time and will have to appoint someone to replace Robinson on the commission.
Most planning commissioners are appointed by the mayor and serve six year terms: The Times is attempting to find out when other current members' terms expire.
Commission chairman Turner and mayor Kant did not attend this meeting. George Roberbs conducted the meeting in Turner's absence.
(Check back for updates)
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| Mayor-elect Wilson addresses Planning Commission |
FLY CREEK AND OLD BATTLES APARTMENTS
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| standing room only |
The commission still has the option of conditionally approving or just flat-out denying the Fly Creek project plan at its next meeting -- but taking no action at all will allow for automatic approval after 30 days but without the conditions imposed on it by city staff.
There must be a legitimate reason for denying though: delaying until a lawsuit is over or "just not liking it" do not qualify according to the city's planning attorney.
[Place two councilman-elect and current planning commission member Jay Robinson mentioned a delay until after the current lawsuit (alleging creek damage) is over, but was told that would not satisfy the legally-prescribed timeline.]Preble Risch/Dewberry Engineering is the applicant in this case.
The planning commission meets again in 27 days (Oct 3rd)
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| Retreat at Fairhope Village |
NEW PROJECT REJECTED TOO FOR NOW
 |
| Old Battles Place duplex |
The lack of a traffic study due to road construction in the area and possible sewage lift station improvements are also reasons for delay.
This project will consist of 2 and 3 bedroom duplexes and triplexes with rent ranging from about $1400 to $1600/month; the entrance to phase one will be from Section Street only (CR3) but phase two will add another access from Old Battles Road. (see the drawing below)
MAYOR-ELECT OPPOSES BOTH
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| planning commission |
Likewise, she was told the same concerning the Old Battles project: because the property is already zoned R-5 for apartments denying it without just cause could result in claims against the city from the developers/owners.
Since so many citizens object to the projects, Wilson suggested current public opinion should be factored in to the decision as well -- and suggested the city's attorneys make maximum efforts to do so.
Wilson and Robinson will be sworn in on November 7th: she will automatically become a planning commission member at that time and will have to appoint someone to replace Robinson on the commission.
Most planning commissioners are appointed by the mayor and serve six year terms: The Times is attempting to find out when other current members' terms expire.
Commission chairman Turner and mayor Kant did not attend this meeting. George Roberbs conducted the meeting in Turner's absence.
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| Old Battles Place |
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| Old Battles location |
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| Old Battles site |
Comments
The old guard must really hate that these meetings are being held broadcast live. Wake up from the pollen coma Fairhope.
People should be able to do what they want with there own property.
Build apartments or whatever!!
The government should not be telling us what we can or cannot do with our property.
It is a taking .... by big government just like in Russia.
Careful what you wish for, ......you might get it....
My home's value keeps rising every year.
Kant's been doing something right.
Hope the new mayor can keep it up...
she may not be qualified... .
And apartments being disguised as trailer parks?! Someone needs to knock you off your high horse buddy. You obviously got a big nose you're looking down with your bigoted views. People are going to live where they can afford, I promise you there is plenty of trashy attitudes living in your precious Rock Creek and Woodlands.
Corte could build something g to enhance the community and would be a win for all.